Chocolate Bread Pudding

I first encountered bread pudding at a cozy little cafe in New Orleans years ago, but it wasn't until I tried a chocolate version at a friend's dinner party that I became completely obsessed. The idea of turning stale bread into something so decadent and luxurious fascinated me. This recipe is my take on that unforgettable dessert. I've made it countless times, tweaking and perfecting the ratios until I got that ideal balance of custardy interior and slightly crispy top. The key is using day-old bread that can really soak up the chocolate custard without falling apart. I love how forgiving this recipe is – you can use any type of bread you have on hand, from French bread to brioche to even croissants. The chocolate sauce that gets drizzled on top is what really makes this special. It's glossy, rich, and adds another layer of chocolate intensity. Every time I make this, I'm reminded why bread pudding is such a beloved comfort dessert. It's warm, indulgent, and somehow manages to taste both homey and sophisticated at the same time.

Why I love this recipe

What I love most about this chocolate bread pudding is how it transforms something so simple into pure decadence. There's something magical about taking bread that might otherwise go to waste and turning it into a showstopping dessert. The preparation is incredibly straightforward – no fancy techniques or complicated steps – yet the results look and taste like something from a high-end restaurant. I also appreciate how versatile this recipe is. You can make it ahead for entertaining, serve it warm or at room temperature, and even customize it with different mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit. The texture is what really gets me – that perfect contrast between the custardy center and the crispy edges, with pockets of melted chocolate throughout. And let's talk about that chocolate sauce. It takes this dessert from great to absolutely irresistible. Every single person who tries this asks for the recipe, which always makes me smile. It's become my signature dessert, and I love how it brings people together around the table for seconds and thirds.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

• Day-old bread: Cut into 1-inch cubes, lightly toast if fresh
• Whole milk and heavy cream: Whisk together with eggs for the custard base
• Large eggs: Beat well and combine with milk mixture
• Cocoa powder: Sift to remove lumps before adding to custard
• Chocolate chips: Fold most into the mixture, reserve some for topping
• Melted butter: Mix into the custard for richness and moisture

Let's Make These Together

Prepare your bread base

Start by cutting your day-old bread into uniform cubes and placing them in a large bowl. The slightly stale texture is perfect for soaking up all that delicious chocolate custard without falling apart. If you're using fresh bread, don't worry – just toast the cubes lightly in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes to dry them out a bit. This step ensures your bread pudding has the perfect texture.

Create the chocolate custard

Whisk together your eggs until they're light and frothy, then add the milk, cream, and melted butter. Sift in the cocoa powder to avoid any lumps, and add your sugar and vanilla extract. Mix everything until it's completely smooth and chocolatey. The custard should be silky and pourable, with a rich chocolate color that promises incredible flavor.

Let the bread soak

Pour your chocolate custard over the bread cubes and gently fold everything together. This is where the magic happens – let the mixture sit for 15-20 minutes, pressing down occasionally to help the bread absorb all that custard goodness. Fold in most of your chocolate chips, saving some for the top. The bread should be completely saturated but still hold its shape.

Bake to perfection

Transfer your mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it evenly. Cover with foil and bake covered first to set the custard, then uncover to create those beautiful golden, slightly crispy edges on top. The contrast between the soft, custardy center and the crispy top is what makes this dessert absolutely irresistible.

Finish with chocolate sauce

Once your pudding comes out of the oven, let it rest for just a few minutes – if you can wait that long! Warm up your chocolate sauce and drizzle it generously over the top, letting it cascade down the sides. Serve it warm for the ultimate comfort dessert experience. The combination of warm pudding, melted chocolate chips, and that glossy sauce is pure heaven.

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Switch Things Up

I first made this chocolate bread pudding on a rainy Sunday afternoon when I had a loaf of bread that was about to go stale. I didn't want to waste it, and I was craving something chocolatey and comforting. As I mixed together the custard base and watched the bread soak up all that chocolate goodness, I knew I was onto something special. When it came out of the oven, the kitchen smelled absolutely incredible. I couldn't wait for it to cool down – I dove right in with a spoon and that first bite was pure heaven. The texture was perfect, the chocolate flavor was intense but not overwhelming, and that glossy sauce on top took it completely over the edge. Now it's become my go-to dessert whenever I need something that feels like a warm hug. I've made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and lazy weekend brunches, and it disappears every single time.

Perfect Pairings

This chocolate bread pudding pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream to balance the rich chocolate. A cup of strong coffee or espresso cuts through the sweetness perfectly and enhances the chocolate notes. For an extra indulgent pairing, serve it alongside salted caramel sauce or a dollop of peanut butter. Fresh raspberries or strawberries add a bright, fruity contrast that complements the deep chocolate flavors. If you're feeling adventurous, a small glass of dessert wine or Irish cream liqueur makes this an elegant after-dinner treat.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?

Yes, but you'll want to toast the bread cubes first. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F for 10 minutes to dry them out slightly. Fresh bread can become too mushy when soaked in custard, so this step helps maintain better texture.

→ Can I make this bread pudding ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, add about 10 extra minutes to the covered baking time since you're starting with a cold dish. This makes it perfect for entertaining.

→ What type of bread works best for this recipe?

French bread, brioche, challah, or even croissants work wonderfully. Each brings its own texture and flavor – brioche adds richness, French bread gives you more structure, and croissants create an extra buttery, flaky result. Avoid very soft sandwich bread as it can become too mushy.

→ How do I store leftover bread pudding?

Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or reheat the entire dish covered with foil in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes.

→ Can I freeze chocolate bread pudding?

Yes! Once completely cooled, wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

→ How can I make this less sweet?

Reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup and use dark or bittersweet chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. You can also skip the chocolate sauce topping or serve with unsweetened whipped cream to balance the sweetness.

→ What can I add for extra flavor?

Try adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor, or fold in some chopped nuts, dried cherries, or a swirl of peanut butter. A splash of rum or bourbon in the custard adds sophisticated depth for adult gatherings.

Conclusion

This Ultimate Chocolate Bread Pudding is pure comfort in dessert form. It transforms simple bread into something extraordinary with rich chocolate flavors throughout. The combination of soft custard-soaked bread and crispy edges creates the perfect texture contrast. Whether you're serving it for a special occasion or just treating yourself on a weeknight, this dessert delivers every single time. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.