Decadent Hershey’s Chocolate Bread Pudding with Vanilla Bean Bourbon Sauce

Chocolate Hershey’s Bar Bread Pudding

This Chocolate Hershey’s Bar Bread Pudding is a delectable twist on a classic dessert, perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth. Bread pudding has its roots in frugal cooking, initially created to utilize stale bread, but today we toast fresh bread to achieve the right texture and flavor. In this modern version, there’s no fruit—though you might consider adding bananas or any of your favorite fruits for a delightful twist.

Ingredients:

• Milk – 2 cups
• Sugar – 4 tablespoons (divided)
• Ground Cinnamon – 1/2 teaspoon
• Vanilla Extract – 2 teaspoons
• Unsalted Butter – 6 tablespoons
• Chocolate (Hershey’s Bars) – 6 ounces, chopped
• Pecans – 1/4 cup, chopped
• Cornstarch – 6 tablespoons
• Bourbon – 1/2 cup
• Egg Yolks – 3
• Salt – 1/4 teaspoon

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature will ensure that your bread pudding bakes evenly and develops a golden-brown crust.

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2. Prepare the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of milk, 3 egg yolks, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set the custard aside for now.

3. Toast the Bread: Arrange your bread in a single layer on a large baking pan with sides. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake until the bread is lightly browned and toasted, about 15 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture in your bread pudding.

4. Butter the Bread: While the bread is toasting, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, drizzle the butter evenly over the toasted bread. Toss or stir the bread to ensure that all pieces are well coated with the butter.

5. Combine Bread and Custard: Remove the toasted bread from the oven and transfer it to the bowl with the custard mixture. Gently stir to ensure that all pieces of bread are saturated with the custard. Allow the mixture to sit for 2 to 3 minutes to let the bread absorb the custard.

6. Prepare the Skillet: Lightly spray a 10-inch cast iron skillet with cooking spray. For easy cleanup and to prevent sticking, line the bottom of the skillet with parchment or baking paper.

7. Layer the Pudding: Spoon half of the bread and custard mixture into the prepared skillet, spreading it into an even layer. Sprinkle 6 ounces of chopped Hershey’s chocolate evenly over this layer. Top with the remaining bread and custard mixture. Finish by sprinkling the top with 1/4 cup of chopped pecans and the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar.

8. Bake: Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the pudding is set and the top is golden brown.

9. Prepare the Vanilla Bean Bourbon Sauce: While the pudding is baking, make the sauce. In a small bowl, stir together 6 tablespoons of cornstarch and 1/2 cup of bourbon until smooth. In a medium saucepan, whisk together 2 cups of milk, 1 egg yolk, 1/2 cup of sugar, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to low, then add the cornstarch mixture. Continue cooking and whisking for another minute, or until the sauce has thickened. Keep warm.

10. Serve: Once the bread pudding is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven. Serve warm, drizzling each serving with Vanilla Bean Bourbon Sauce and Hershey’s Chocolate syrup for an extra touch of indulgence.

Tips:

• Bread: Day-old bread works best for bread pudding. If you don’t have stale bread, toasting fresh bread as instructed will achieve a similar result.

• Add-Ins: Feel free to get creative with your bread pudding. Adding fruits like bananas, raisins, or even a sprinkle of nuts can elevate the flavor profile to your liking.

• Sauce: The Vanilla Bean Bourbon Sauce is rich and creamy, making it a luxurious complement to the chocolatey bread pudding. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute the bourbon with additional milk or a splash of vanilla extract.

Enjoy this decadent dessert that brings together the classic comfort of bread pudding with the rich sweetness of Hershey’s chocolate, creating a delightful treat for any occasion! 🍫🍰