
If you’re in the mood for comfort food in a bowl, warm chocolate-dipped bread pudding is the ultimate dessert treat. This chocolate bread pudding is decadent, moist, and packed full of gooey, melty chocolatey goodness. Whether you make it for a night in, a family function, or a holiday feast, this bread and chocolate pudding will be your favorite dessert recipe.
What is Chocolate Bread Pudding?
Chocolate bread pudding is a decadent twist on the classic dessert. It’s made by soaking pieces of bread in a creamy chocolate custard and baking until golden and slightly crisp on top but soft and moist inside. The result is an irresistible bread pudding with chocolate that’s both rustic and luxurious.
Why You’ll Love This Warm Chocolate-Soaked Bread PuddingPerfectly moist bread pudding texture
- Rich dark chocolate flavor
- Simple to prepare with pantry ingredients
- Perfect solution to using up stale rolls or day-old bread
- Terrific served hot with chocolate sauce or ice cream
- You can call it choc bread pudding, cocoa bread pudding, or even chocolate brownie bread pudding, but whatever you call it, this recipe is a chocolate lover’s fantasy.
Ingredients
To create the ultimate chocolate bread pudding recipe, you’ll need:
- 6 cups of day-old bread (challah, brioche, white bread, or even croissants are all perfect)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 6 oz chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips
- Optional: chocolate chunks, nuts, or banana slices
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Bread
Cut your bread into 1-inch cubes. You can use challah bread, white bread, or even leftover dinner rolls. Place the cubes in a greased baking dish (9×13 inch).
2. Prepare the Chocolate Custard
Warm the milk and cream in a saucepan over low heat. Whisk in salt, sugar, and cocoa powder. Stir until it is smooth. Remove the heat and allow to cool.
In a big bowl, whisk the vanilla and eggs. Pour the warm chocolate mixture slowly into the eggs while whisking. This is your custard base.
3. Soak the Bread
Pour chocolate custard over bread cubes. Press bread down to ensure it’s saturated. Allow it to sit for 20–30 minutes so that the bread can soak up all the chocolatey goodness.
4. Add Chocolate Chunks
Top with chopped dark chocolate, chocolate chips, or chunks.
5. Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–50 minutes, or until the center is firm and top is lightly browned. Alternatively, prepare individual servings in mini bread pudding cups with a muffin tray.
6. Serve Warm
Serve the warm hot chocolate bread pudding with a chocolate sauce drizzle, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Bread Options for Chocolate Bread Pudding
The bread you use does make a big difference. Here are some of the best options:
Challah bread pudding – soft and rich, ideal for soaking
Brioche or babka bread pudding – buttery and decadent
White bread pudding – classic and neutral
Sliced bread pudding – easy and speedy
Stale baguette or rye bread – provides texture and body
Variations to Try
Here are some bread pudding variations to elevate your dessert to a new level:
- Chocolate chip bread pudding – add semisweet or white chocolate chips
- Chocolate and banana bread pudding – include banana slices
- S’mores bread pudding – combine mini marshmallows and graham cracker bits
- Chocolate cherry bread pudding – include dried or fresh cherries
- Chocolate bread and butter pudding – layer with butter for an old-fashioned touch
- Egg custard bread pudding – use extra eggs for a strong set
Tips for the Ultimate Bread Pudding Chocolate Recipe
- Allow your bread to sit overnight to dry out, or bake it in the oven if freshly baked.
- Employ a rich, dark chocolate for deep flavor.
- The perfect custard ratio for bread pudding is roughly 2 cups liquid to each 6 cups of bread.
- Do not omit the resting period before baking—it allows the bread to soak adequately.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and microwave or oven-heat prior to serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can bread pudding remain at room temperature?
It’s ideal to refrigerate chocolate bread pudding within 2 hours of baking to avoid spoilage.
Can bread pudding be prepared ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the pudding and chill overnight. Bake the next day for fresh results.
What does bread pudding taste like?
It’s soft, custardy, and comforting, with a taste akin to chocolate cake and french toast combined.
What is chocolate bread?
Chocolate bread is generally a sweet bread filled with cocoa or chocolate chips. We’re using plain bread and dipping it in a chocolate custard to make chocolate pudding bread in this recipe.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve your warm bread pudding soaked in chocolate with:
- Fresh whipped cream
- Vanilla, caramel, or dark chocolate sauce
- Ice cream or crème anglaise
- Berries or sliced fruit
- A hot cup of coffee or cocoa
Final Thoughts
This chocolate-soaked bread pudding is warm and comforting more than it’s a dessert—it’s a hug in a bite. If you’re a traditional bread pudding fan, a chocolate chunk lover, or just want to try a different variety of bread pudding, this recipe will be yours.
With so many variations like challah bread pudding, hot cocoa bread pudding, and even chocolate chip challah bread, there’s something here for everyone. Try it today and discover why this is the best chocolate bread pudding recipe you’ll ever make.