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Tired of throwing away stale bread or searching for a dessert that will truly impress your guests? This Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce transforms simple ingredients into a decadent dessert that strikes the perfect balance between homey comfort and elegant indulgence.
As someone who’s been perfecting bread pudding recipes for over a decade, I can confidently say this chocolate-studded version with its velvety cream sauce has converted even the most skeptical dessert critics. The rich custard base, pockets of melted chocolate, and buttery bread create a texture and flavor combination that’s simply irresistible.
In this recipe guide, you’ll discover the secrets to selecting the right bread, achieving the perfect custard consistency, and making a cream sauce that elevates this humble dessert to restaurant quality. Plus, I’ll share storage tips, make-ahead options, and delicious variations to suit any occasion.
Why This Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding Works
- Uses day-old bread that would otherwise go to waste
- Requires minimal active preparation time (just 15 minutes!)
- Works as both a casual family dessert or an elegant dinner party finale
- Can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving
- Balances rich chocolate flavor with warm spices and vanilla
- Features a versatile cream sauce that complements the pudding perfectly
Choosing the Right Bread
Best Breads for Bread Pudding
For this Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding, choosing the right bread foundation is crucial. Brioche and challah are top choices due to their buttery richness and tender structure. French bread offers a more rustic texture with a crisp crust that softens beautifully. Even plain white sandwich bread works well, though it creates a softer final texture.
Bread Preparation Tips
Look for bread that’s 1-2 days old, as slightly stale bread absorbs the custard mixture without becoming soggy. If you only have fresh bread, cube it and toast in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes to dry it slightly. For the best texture, cut bread into 1-inch cubes – this size absorbs the custard while maintaining some structure.
Substitutions
Don’t have the recommended breads? Croissants create an ultra-buttery version, while cinnamon raisin bread adds complementary flavors (just reduce the added cinnamon in the recipe). For a healthier twist, whole wheat bread can be used, though the texture will be slightly denser.
Ingredients & Prep
Bread Pudding Essentials
- 6 cups day-old bread cubes (brioche, challah, or French bread)
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Cream Sauce Components
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Pantry Staples and Add-ins
The beauty of bread pudding lies in its versatility. Consider adding orange or lemon zest for brightness, a splash of bourbon or rum for depth, or toasted nuts for texture. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla create the classic warm base notes, while high-quality chocolate chips ensure melty pockets of chocolate throughout the pudding.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Pre-Cooking Prep
Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish generously. Spread bread cubes evenly in the prepared dish. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined. Pour this custard mixture over the bread cubes, making sure all pieces are soaked. Gently press bread down to help absorption. Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the top and drizzle with melted butter. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes to allow the bread to fully absorb the custard.
Baking Method
Preheat your oven to 350°F. After the 30-minute soaking period, cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the pudding is puffed and golden, with a slight jiggle in the center. The internal temperature should reach 160°F on an instant-read thermometer.
Doneness Check
The bread pudding is done when the edges are set and slightly crisp, while the center remains moist but not liquid. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean (except for melted chocolate). If the top browns too quickly before the center is set, loosely cover with foil again.
Resting
Allow the bread pudding to rest for 15-20 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the custard to fully set and makes for cleaner portions when serving. While it rests, prepare the cream sauce.
Pro Tips for Perfect Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Don’t rush the soaking process – giving the bread time to fully absorb the custard is crucial for even texture. Avoid overmixing after adding the bread, which can break down the cubes too much. For the creamiest texture, use a combination of milk and heavy cream rather than just milk. Always bake bread pudding in a water bath for gentle, even heating that prevents curdling.
Tool Recommendations
A deep baking dish (ceramic or glass works best) allows for proper expansion during baking. An instant-read thermometer takes the guesswork out of doneness. For the cream sauce, a heavy-bottomed saucepan prevents scorching, and a silicone whisk helps achieve smooth consistency without scratching your cookware.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bread pudding covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or place the entire dish (covered with foil) in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes. The cream sauce can be refrigerated separately for up to 1 week and gently reheated on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore consistency.
Flavor Variations
Indulgent Twists
Create a triple chocolate version by using chocolate bread, adding 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the custard, and using a combination of milk and dark chocolate chips. For a mocha variation, add 1 tablespoon of espresso powder to the custard mixture and top with coffee-flavored cream sauce.
Dietary Adaptations
Make this gluten-free by using gluten-free bread and verifying your chocolate chips contain no gluten. For a dairy-free version, substitute almond milk and coconut cream for the dairy components, and use dairy-free chocolate chips and margarine. Reduce sugar by using a monk fruit sweetener blend in place of granulated sugar.
Seasonal Flavors
Enhance fall vibes with pumpkin puree (1/2 cup) and pumpkin pie spice. For a holiday version, add dried cranberries and orange zest to the base. During summer, incorporate fresh berries alongside the chocolate chips for bright contrast.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm bread pudding with a generous drizzle of cream sauce and perhaps a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence. For breakfast or brunch, pair with fresh berries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Coffee pairings include cappuccino or mocha, while dessert wine recommendations lean toward Ruby Port or Late Harvest Riesling for complementary sweetness.
FAQs
Can I prepare this bread pudding ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the bread pudding up to 24 hours in advance, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Allow it to come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking as directed. The cream sauce can also be made ahead and gently reheated.
My bread pudding seems too dry. What went wrong?
Likely causes include using too much bread for the amount of custard, not allowing enough soaking time, or overbaking. Next time, ensure all bread pieces are fully submerged in the custard mixture before baking and check for doneness earlier.
Can I freeze chocolate chip bread pudding?
Yes! Cool completely, then wrap individual portions or the entire pudding (without sauce) tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 325°F oven until warm throughout.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce is more than just a dessert—it’s a revelation in texture and flavor that transforms humble ingredients into something extraordinary. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering, weekend brunch, or simply as a cozy treat on a quiet evening, it’s guaranteed to become a requested favorite.