Chocolate Bread Pudding
Description:
Indulge in the extravagance of this delectable chocolate bread pudding recipe, a dish that has graced many dinner parties with its irresistible charm. Crafted with care and precision, this dessert is bound to leave a lasting impression on your guests, with rarely a crumb left behind. The key to its decadence lies in the choice of bread—opt for challah or brioche for a base that’s both rich and delicate.
Recipe Details:
- Cook Time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 25 minutes
- Recipe Category: Dessert
- Keywords: Christmas, Thanksgiving, Weeknight, Oven, Less than 4 Hours
- Servings: 8
- Yield: Varies
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 622
- Fat Content: 41g
- Saturated Fat Content: 23.4g
- Cholesterol Content: 181.1mg
- Sodium Content: 380.9mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 62.6g
- Fiber Content: 8.4g
- Sugar Content: 23.7g
- Protein Content: 15.7g
Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 12 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 6 to 7 cups challah, brioche, or other light egg bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
Instructions:
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Begin by prepping the bread. Cut the challah, brioche, or any other light egg bread into slices about 1/2-inch thick. Take care to preserve as much of the crumb as possible and trim off and discard the crusts.
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Proceed to cut the bread into 1/2-inch cubes, amounting to approximately 6 to 7 cups.
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In a saucepan, bring the heavy cream, sugar, salt, and ground nutmeg to a gentle boil, stirring constantly to ensure the sugar dissolves completely. Once boiled, remove the mixture from the heat.
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Add the chopped chocolate to the hot cream mixture, allowing it to sit for about 2 minutes to melt slightly. Then, whisk vigorously until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and velvety.
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In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs and egg yolks until well combined. Add in the milk and vanilla extract, continuing to whisk until evenly mixed.
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Gradually pour the chocolate mixture into the egg and milk mixture, whisking continuously to ensure a smooth incorporation of all ingredients.
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Once the chocolate mixture is fully integrated, gently fold in the cubed bread, ensuring that each piece is coated with the luscious chocolate-infused liquid. Allow the mixture to stand for 1 to 2 hours, intermittently stirring and pressing down the bread with a spatula to aid absorption.
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Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). While the oven preheats, generously butter a shallow 2-quart baking dish, ensuring that the entire surface is coated to prevent sticking.
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Transfer the prepared pudding mixture into the buttered baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even distribution.
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Place the baking dish in a larger roasting pan or baking dish, and carefully pour hot water into the larger dish until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the pudding dish, creating a water bath.
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Bake the pudding in the water bath for approximately 55 to 65 minutes, or until the center feels firm to the touch when gently pressed.
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Once baked, remove the pudding from the oven and allow it to cool for about 45 minutes before serving. This cooling period allows the pudding to set further and enhances its texture and flavor.
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If you’re not serving the pudding immediately, it can be covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the covered dish in a water bath in a 300°F (150°C) oven until warmed through, approximately 15 to 30 minutes.
Review:
- Aggregated Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
- Review Count: 1
Conclusion:
With its rich chocolate flavor, velvety texture, and comforting warmth, this chocolate bread pudding recipe is a true delight for any occasion. Whether it’s a festive gathering during Christmas or Thanksgiving, or a cozy weeknight treat, this decadent dessert is sure to impress. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent experience that will leave everyone craving more.
