Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding is a warm, comforting dessert made with chunks of soft bread soaked in a sweet, creamy custard, then baked until golden and studded with melty chocolate chips. Every bite is rich, gooey, and full of nostalgic flavor—perfect for cozy nights or easy entertaining.
Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding is warm, rich, and comforting—soft custard-soaked bread studded with melty chocolate chips and baked to golden perfection!
Why This Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding Is the Best
- Rich Custard Base: Made with eggs, milk, and vanilla for a silky texture.
- Melty Chocolate Chips: They melt into the custard and add sweet pockets of chocolate.
- Golden, Crisp Top: A lightly crisped surface contrasts the soft interior.
- Perfect Use for Stale Bread: The best way to avoid waste and turn leftovers into a treat.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Great for prepping in advance and baking when ready.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding is the kind of dessert that never goes out of style. Whether served for a casual family dinner or dressed up for holidays, it’s warm, inviting, and always a hit.
Ingredient Notes
- Day-old Bread (e.g., brioche or challah): Soft, rich, and slightly dry, this bread soaks up the custard while holding its shape, making for a tender yet structured pudding.
- Eggs: These bind the pudding together and create a creamy custard when baked.
- Whole Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the custard base, ensuring the pudding stays soft and luscious.
- Heavy Cream: Adds extra decadence and a silky texture to the custard.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the base and balances the richness of the cream and eggs.
- Brown Sugar (optional): Brings a hint of molasses flavor and deeper sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- Ground Cinnamon: Adds cozy spice and complements the chocolate beautifully.
- Salt: Just a pinch intensifies the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips: Melt into gooey pockets throughout the pudding, adding bursts of chocolatey richness in every bite.
- Butter (for greasing): Ensures the pudding doesn’t stick and adds a hint of richness to the crust.
- Powdered Sugar (for serving): A delicate dusting adds elegance and a touch of sweetness.
Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding is warm, rich, and comforting—soft custard-soaked bread studded with melty chocolate chips and baked to golden perfection!
Tips for Making the Best Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding
- Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better.
- Let It Soak: Give the bread time to fully absorb the mixture before baking.
- Use Good-Quality Chocolate Chips: For a richer chocolate experience.
- Bake in a Water Bath (Optional): For ultra-creamy texture.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar or Drizzle with Sauce: Add flair before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- With Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: For extra indulgence.
- With a Drizzle of Chocolate or Caramel Sauce: Enhances the richness.
- With Fresh Berries: Adds a fresh, tart contrast.
- Served Warm: Bread pudding is best when enjoyed straight from the oven.
A Must Try
Soft, custardy, and dotted with sweet chocolate chips, Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding is the ultimate comfort dessert. It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and brings back the cozy charm of home baking. Make it once, and it just might become your new go-to sweet treat.
Be sure to check out these other delicious recipes!
Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 pound brioche bread cut into 1-inch cubes
- 10 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 ½ cups half and half
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 large eggs
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp dark brown sugar
- ⅛ tsp salt
Caramel Sauce Recipe:
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup half-and-half
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- Pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and butter a 13x9-inch baking dish to get things started.
- In a large bowl, add your bread cubes and pour 8 tablespoons of melted butter over them. Give it all a good toss so the bread gets nicely coated. Toss in the chocolate chips and mix until everything's combined. Then, spread the mixture evenly into your buttered baking dish.
- In another large bowl, whisk together the half and half, 1 cup of sugar, eggs, egg yolks, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until it’s smooth and well blended. Pour this creamy mixture over the bread cubes in the dish. Let it sit for 30 minutes so the bread soaks up all that goodness—press the cubes down into the liquid every now and then to help them absorb more.
- Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter over the top, then sprinkle with brown sugar for a sweet, crispy finish.
- Bake for about 1 hour, or until the pudding is golden brown and set in the center.
- Serve it warm with a generous drizzle of Caramel Sauce and enjoy every gooey, chocolatey bite! 😋
- To make the caramel sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium-low heat, mix together the brown sugar, half-and-half, butter, and a pinch of salt. Cook while gently whisking for about 5 to 7 minutes, until the sauce starts to thicken up.
- Stir in the vanilla and let it cook for one more minute to get even thicker and extra flavorful.
- Turn off the heat and let the sauce cool for a bit, then pour it into a jar. Pop it in the refrigator until it’s nice and cold, and use it whenever you’re ready for a sweet caramel treat! 🍯
Notes
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Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding is warm, rich, and comforting—soft custard-soaked bread studded with melty chocolate chips and baked to golden perfection!