If you have a sweet tooth and love a cozy, comforting dessert, this Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe is going to sweep you off your feet. Imagine soft, custardy bread infused with vanilla and cinnamon, studded generously with semi-sweet chocolate chips that melt just enough to create little pockets of pure joy in every bite. It’s the perfect blend of simple ingredients that come together to form a rich, decadent treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to dessert for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or any time you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dessert lies in its humble yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a role in balancing the flavors, textures, and colors of the final dish to create that perfect bread pudding experience.
- 6 cups stale bread, cubed (French or brioche works well): Using stale bread helps the bread soak up the custard beautifully without becoming mushy.
- 2 cups whole milk: Adds creaminess and moisture to the pudding’s base.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Enriches the custard for a silky, luscious texture.
- 4 large eggs: They bind everything together and give the custard its structure.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the pudding just enough without overpowering the chocolate.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a subtle hint of spice that complements the chocolate perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star of the show—melty, gooey pockets of chocolate throughout.
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting: A pretty finishing touch that adds a touch of sweetness and elegance.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first, get your oven warmed up to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the bread pudding will bake evenly and develop that gorgeous golden top that everyone loves.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with butter or cooking spray. This little step makes sure your pudding won’t stick and will come out cleanly after baking.
Step 3: Cube the Bread
Cube your stale bread into bite-sized pieces and spread them evenly in the prepared dish. The cubes should be just right to soak up all the custard without falling apart—this creates the ideal texture.
Step 4: Mix the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. This smooth custard will soak deep into the bread cubes, flavoring every morsel perfectly.
Step 5: Combine and Soak
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Press down gently with a spatula to ensure every piece gets a bath in the custard—this is key to that custardy, melt-in-your-mouth bite.
Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips
Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips over the top and gently fold them in with a spatula. Those melt-in-your-mouth chocolate pockets are what make this Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’re looking for a pudding that is set but still soft in the center with a golden brown and slightly crisp top.
Step 8: Cool and Finish
Take the pudding out of the oven and let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. If you like, dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful and tasty finish that instantly elevates the presentation.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle powdered sugar on top just before serving or add a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce pairs beautifully, too. Fresh berries can also add a refreshing contrast to the rich pudding.
Side Dishes
Serve this dessert alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a small bowl of fresh fruit salad. The creamy coldness of ice cream complements the warm pudding perfectly, while fruit provides a bright, fresh balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in small ramekins or clear glass jars for a charming presentation. For a crowd-pleasing twist, layer the pudding with whipped cream and extra chocolate chips in parfait glasses for a visually stunning dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover bread pudding should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, and the flavors often deepen with time, making it just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze bread pudding for up to a month. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the microwave for about a minute, or warm in a 325°F oven until heated through. If it seems a bit dry, a quick brush of cream or milk before warming can restore the luscious texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread?
While you can use fresh bread, you might want to dry it out in the oven first so it soaks up the custard properly without turning too soggy. Stale bread naturally absorbs the flavors better for that ideal pudding texture.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with whole milk, but do note that the pudding will be less rich and creamy. For the best indulgent results, heavy cream is recommended.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried fruit like raisins or cranberries can add interesting textures and flavors. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips for extra deliciousness.
How do I know when the bread pudding is done baking?
It’s done when the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the middle, and the top is golden brown. You can insert a knife or toothpick in the center; it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
To make a vegan or dairy-free version, try replacing milk and cream with coconut milk or almond milk, and use a flaxseed or chia egg substitute. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will vary but can still be delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe is truly a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing loved ones, it’s a dessert that feels like a warm, comforting hug every time. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—you might just discover a new favorite that everyone will be asking you to make again and again.
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 60-65 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding is a decadent and comforting dessert made with stale bread soaked in a rich custard, studded with semi-sweet chocolate chips, and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for using up leftover bread and impressing guests with a warm, gooey treat.
Ingredients
Primary Ingredients
- 6 cups stale bread, cubed (French or brioche works well)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Optional
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking your bread pudding.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cube Bread: Cut the stale bread into bite-sized cubes and evenly spread them into the prepared baking dish, creating the base of your pudding.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press down to ensure the bread absorbs the flavors and custard thoroughly.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips over the top and gently fold them into the mixture, distributing the chocolate throughout the bread pudding.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the pudding is set and the top is a lovely golden brown.
- Cool: Remove the bread pudding from the oven and allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes. This helps it set further and makes serving easier.
- Optional Dusting: For an elegant finishing touch, dust the top with powdered sugar before serving. This adds a bit of sweetness and visual appeal to your dessert.
Notes
- Use stale bread for best texture; fresh bread can result in a soggy pudding.
- French or brioche bread works particularly well due to their rich texture.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips based on preference.
- Ensure the bread is fully soaked with the custard mixture for a creamy interior texture.
- For a nutty twist, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans along with the chocolate chips.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
