🍫🍞 Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding 🍞🍫

Indulge in the comforting warmth of homemade Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding, a dessert that seamlessly marries the rich, creamy textures of custard with the delightful crunch of chocolate chips. Perfect for a weeknight treat or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. The best part? You can prepare it ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy your dinner without any last-minute stress. And if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they make a decadent breakfast when microwaved the next morning. Let’s dive into this delicious dessert adventure! 🍽️✨

🍽️ Overview

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Category: Dessert
• Keywords: Weeknight, Oven, < 4 Hours
• Calories: 326.2 per serving

🛒 Ingredients

📋 Instructions

1. Generously butter a 2-quart baking dish or casserole.

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   • Ensure the dish is well-coated to prevent sticking and to add richness to the pudding. 🧈✨

2. Combine bread and chocolate chips in the buttered dish.

   • Use day-old bread for the best texture. Cube it and mix with a generous amount of chocolate chips. 🍞🍫

3. Whisk together eggs, sugar, and salt in a medium bowl.

   • Ensure the mixture is smooth and well-combined. This will be the base of your custard. 🍳🥄

4. Gradually whisk in milk and cream.

   • Pour slowly while whisking to create a creamy custard mixture. 🥛🍶

5. Drizzle over bread cube mixture; wrap tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake, several hours or overnight.

   • This allows the bread to soak up the custard, ensuring a rich and creamy texture once baked. 🕒❄️

6. At least 1 1/2 hours before serving, preheat oven to 350 degrees.

   • Preheating ensures your oven is at the perfect temperature when you’re ready to bake. 🌡️🔥

7. Uncover baking dish and place on rimmed baking sheet.

   • The rimmed baking sheet catches any overflow, keeping your oven clean. 🧽🛡️

8. Bake pudding until golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, 50 to 60 minutes.

   • Check the pudding at the 50-minute mark to avoid overbaking. 🔪⏱️

9. Set aside to cool slightly before serving.

   • Letting it rest helps to set the custard and makes it easier to serve. 🌬️🥄

10. To serve, divide pudding among 6 bowls.

    • Portion out the warm pudding, ready for the final touches. 🍮🍽️

11. Top with ice cream and drizzle with chocolate syrup.

    • A scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup add the perfect finishing touch. 🍨🍫

🌟 Nutritional Information (per serving)

📝 Chef’s Tips

1. Choosing Bread: Day-old or slightly stale bread works best as it absorbs the custard mixture more effectively. You can use French bread, brioche, or even croissants for an extra luxurious touch. 🥖🥐

2. Chocolate Chips: Feel free to mix dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips to create a more complex flavor profile. 🍫

3. Making Ahead: This recipe is perfect for making ahead. Prepare the pudding the night before and bake it fresh while you have dinner, ensuring a warm, freshly-baked dessert. 🌜🌞

4. Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, simply microwave a portion until warm. This makes for a delightful breakfast or snack. ♻️📦

5. Additions: You can add dried fruits like raisins or cranberries, nuts like pecans or walnuts, or even a splash of your favorite liqueur for added depth of flavor. 🍒🥃

🎉 Serving Suggestions

1. With Fresh Berries: Serve the warm bread pudding with a handful of fresh berries on top. The tartness of the berries complements the rich, sweet pudding perfectly. 🍓🍇

2. Extra Sauce: Apart from chocolate syrup, consider serving with caramel sauce or a bourbon glaze for an added layer of flavor. 🍮🥃

3. Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream can add a light, airy contrast to the dense, creamy pudding. 🍦✨

4. Hot Beverages: This dessert pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a spiced chai latte. ☕🍵

5. Special Occasions: Dress it up for holidays by adding festive spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to the custard mixture. 🎄✨

🍽️ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, you can experiment with different types of bread like brioche, challah, or even leftover cinnamon rolls. Each type will bring its own unique texture and flavor to the pudding.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk, though the texture will be slightly less rich. For a non-dairy option, use coconut milk or almond milk.

How do I know when the pudding is done?

The bread pudding is done when it is golden brown on top, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. If the knife comes out with wet custard, bake it for a few more minutes and check again.

Can I add flavors to the custard?

Absolutely! You can infuse the custard with various flavors by adding a bit of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a splash of bourbon or rum.

What can I use if I don’t have chocolate chips?

If you don’t have chocolate chips, you can chop up a chocolate bar or use chocolate chunks. You can also mix in other sweets like toffee bits or butterscotch chips.

🥄 Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place a portion in the microwave for about 1 minute, or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, which helps retain the texture.

🍂 Perfect for Any Occasion

This Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding is versatile enough for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dessert, a highlight at your next dinner party, or a comforting breakfast treat. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it a favorite among both kids and adults. Try this recipe, and let it become a beloved staple in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy every delectable bite! 🥰🍽️

Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of our Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding, and let it become your go-to dessert for any special occasion or simply a delightful treat for a weeknight dinner. The combination of creamy custard, tender bread, and melted chocolate chips is sure to make this dessert a favorite in your household. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy this deliciously decadent pudding! 🍫🍞🍨