Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding: A Sweet Hug in a Bowl

You know those days when the soul craves something warm and comforting? Well, let me tell you about Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding! This dish is a treat that combines all the goodness of chocolate with that homey feeling of soft, sweet bread. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll feel like you’ve wrapped yourself in a cozy blanket, even on a chilly day. So grab your mixing bowl, and let’s get right into this delightful recipe!

Table of Contents

What Is Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding?

Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding is basically a love letter to your taste buds. It’s a dessert that brings together cubed bread, creamy custard, and pockets of melting chocolate. Imagine sinking your spoon into this luscious pudding—it’s soft, rich, and just sweet enough! Originating from the need to use up stale bread, this recipe has been transformed into a warm, dessert delight that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a family gathering or a simple night in, it’s a dessert that never fails to impress.

Ingredients Overview for Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding

Here’s a handy list of what you will need to whip up your very own Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding. Feel free to switch things around based on what you have at home!

Bread: About 6 cups of day-old bread (like French or brioche). This makes it chewy and delicious.
Milk: 2 cups whole milk. For richer flavor, you can use half-and-half.
Eggs: 4 large eggs. They help bind everything together!
Sugar: 1 cup granulated sugar. This will sweeten everything up!
Chocolate Chips: 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips. Go for dark or even white chocolate if you’re feeling adventurous.
Vanilla Extract: 1 tablespoon. This adds a lovely depth of flavor.
Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. A warm spice that complements the chocolate beautifully.
Butter: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for greasing your dish. It keeps everything from sticking!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding

Ready to dive into making this heavenly dessert? Here’s how to do it!

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for gentle baking.
Prep the Bread: Tear your bread into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl. If you have stale bread, that’s even better!
Make the Custard: In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until everything is well combined. This creates that creamy base!
Combine: Pour the custard over the bread pieces and stir gently to coat everything. Then mix in those luscious chocolate chips.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish with butter and pour in your bread mixture. Try to spread it evenly.
Bake: Pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 45 minutes. You want it to be set in the middle.
Cool and Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy it on its own or top it off with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream!

Serving Suggestions

Once your Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding is ready, the fun really begins! You can serve it warm or at room temperature. A dollop of whipped cream on top makes it feel extra fancy. For a little twist, why not try drizzling some caramel or chocolate sauce over it? If you want to take it to the next level, pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that melty goodness!

Tips For The Perfect Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding

Use Day-Old Bread: This helps absorb the custard without getting mushy.
Add Nuts: Throw in some chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture!
Soak Longer: Let the bread sit in the custard for about 30 minutes before baking for richer flavor.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your pudding; it should be golden and possibly a little wobbly in the center when done.

Q&A Section

1. Can I use other types of bread?
Absolutely! You can use challah, sourdough, or even gluten-free bread if that’s your vibe.

2. How do I store leftovers?
Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat in the microwave for a minute or two.

3. Can I freeze Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding?
Yes! It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

4. Is it okay to double the recipe?
Definitely! Just make sure to adjust your baking time if you’re using a larger dish.

Why You’ll Love It

This Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding is all about comfort and indulgence! It’s rich, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious. Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying it all by yourself (no judgment here!), this dessert is sure to bring a smile to your face. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover bread. It really is a win-win!

Behind The Scenes

When I first tackled this recipe, I had to figure out the right balance of eggs to milk to make the custard creamy but not overly dense. Let me tell you, there were some not-so-great attempts where I might have left it in the oven too long. But once I nailed it, it was those gooey chocolate chips and comforting flavor that won me over! It’s now a family favorite that I love to share with friends. If you’re ever looking for more recipes, check out my Pinterest pages at MyRecipeCast. I’m always adding new ideas and inspiration!

Now that you have this recipe, I’m excited for you to try it! Happy baking, my friend!