Decadent Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding is the ultimate indulgent dessert that comes together effortlessly and makes a stunning addition to your brunch spread, potluck, or dinner table. Featuring layers of rich chocolate chips nestled between slices of bread soaked in a creamy vanilla custard, this dessert becomes irresistibly luscious when served warm and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A recipe courtesy of Woman’s World, reimagined for Love With Recipes.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Half-and-half | 16 ounces |
| Eggs | 4 large |
| Sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons |
| Chocolate chips | 1 cup |
| Bread slices (stale or fresh) | Enough to layer an 8-inch pan |
| Vanilla ice cream (optional, for serving) | As desired |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 528.3 kcal |
| Total Fat | 22.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 170.8 mg |
| Sodium | 377.2 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 73.3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.5 g |
| Sugars | 32.9 g |
| Protein | 13.4 g |
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This moderate temperature ensures a soft, creamy interior and a lightly golden crust on your bread pudding. -
Prepare the Baking Dish:
Lightly coat an 8-inch square baking pan with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. -
Slice the Bread:
Using a sharp knife, diagonally cut each bread slice into triangles. Stale bread works best, as it absorbs the custard mixture without becoming too mushy. -
Layer the Bread and Chocolate Chips:
Arrange a third of the bread slices in the bottom of the prepared pan, slightly overlapping them for an even layer. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of chocolate chips over the bread. Repeat the process with the remaining bread and chocolate chips, finishing with a final sprinkle of chocolate chips on top. -
Make the Custard Mixture:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the half-and-half, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. This mixture will serve as the luscious base for your bread pudding. -
Soak the Bread:
Slowly and evenly pour the custard mixture over the layered bread and chocolate chips, ensuring all pieces are coated. Cover the pan with foil and let it stand at room temperature for 10 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the liquid. -
Bake the Pudding:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes while covered with foil. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25 minutes, or until the pudding is set and the top is golden brown. -
Cool Slightly Before Serving:
Remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool for 15 minutes. This cooling time allows the flavors to meld together and ensures that each slice holds its shape when served. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Cut the bread pudding into generous squares and serve warm. For an extra-special touch, top each serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, letting it melt slightly over the warm pudding.
Tips for Success
- Bread Choice: Use sturdy bread like brioche, challah, or French bread for the best results. Day-old bread works better than fresh, as it absorbs the custard more effectively.
- Chocolate Chips: Feel free to mix in semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate chips depending on your preference for sweetness.
- Variations: Add a handful of chopped nuts, dried fruit, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for additional texture and flavor.
Keywords:
Potluck, Sweet, Brunch, Oven, < 4 Hours
Experience the magic of this Decadent Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding and impress your guests with its irresistible combination of flavors and textures!
