Description
This Dark Chocolate Bread Pudding is a rich and comforting dessert featuring cubed day-old bread soaked in a luscious dark chocolate custard, baked to golden perfection. Made with high-quality dark chocolate, whole milk, and cream, this indulgent treat is perfect for chocolate lovers looking for a warm and satisfying dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 cups day-old bread, cubed (French bread or brioche works best)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa or higher)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Toppings
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate sauce
- Fresh berries
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Bread: Place the cubed bread into a large mixing bowl, ensuring the pieces are evenly sized for consistent soaking.
- Heat the Milk and Cream: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk and heavy cream, heating until just simmering but not boiling, then remove from heat.
- Melt the Chocolate: Add the dark chocolate chips to the warm milk and cream mixture, whisking continuously until fully melted and smooth.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually pour the warm chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, stirring constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling and to create a smooth custard.
- Combine with Bread: Pour the chocolate custard over the cubed bread, gently folding the mixture to ensure all pieces of bread are thoroughly soaked.
- Let it Sit: Allow the soaked bread mixture to rest for 10-15 minutes so the bread can absorb the custard fully.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the soaked bread mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out to an even layer.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is set, slightly golden, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the pudding from the oven and allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving, optionally topping with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or fresh berries.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for the best texture and absorption of custard.
- Dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content provides a rich flavor without excessive sweetness.
- Letting the bread soak before baking ensures a moist and custardy pudding.
- Adjust the baking time slightly depending on your oven for optimal results.
- Optional toppings like whipped cream or berries add freshness and balance to the dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: dark chocolate, bread pudding, dessert, baked custard, chocolate dessert, comfort food
