If you are looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite, then this Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce Recipe is your new best friend. Soft, custardy bread soaked in a rich vanilla custard, studded with melty semi-sweet chocolate chips, and topped with a luscious cream sauce that adds the perfect touch of sweetness and smoothness—it’s truly comfort food elevated. Whether you’re making this for a cozy weekend brunch or a dinner party finale, this recipe brings out nostalgic flavors with a special, indulgent twist that will keep everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce Recipe is a breeze because the ingredient list is refreshingly simple yet packed with elements that build layers of flavor, creaminess, and that irresistible chocolatey goodness.
- Bread (4 cups, brioche or challah preferred): Choose a sturdy yet soft bread that soaks up the custard beautifully without turning mushy.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Adds creaminess and helps create that luscious custard base.
- Heavy cream (1 cup + 1/2 cup): Enhances the richness in both the custard and the cream sauce for ultimate indulgence.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup + 2 tbsp): Sweetens the custard and cream sauce to balance the chocolate and bread flavors perfectly.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp + 1/2 tsp): Elevates the entire dish with a warm, aromatic sweetness, tying all the flavors together.
- Eggs (3 large): The magic binders that turn milk and cream into that velvety custard texture.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1/2 cup): The star ingredient that brings bursts of chocolate delight in every spoonful.
- Butter (1 tbsp): Adds a silky finish and subtle richness to the cream sauce.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Spread your cubed brioche or challah evenly in the dish to create the perfect foundation for soaking up that dreamy custard.
Step 2: Mix the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk, 1 cup of heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs until smooth and well combined. This custard mixture is what transforms the bread into an irresistible, creamy delight.
Step 3: Assemble the Pudding
Pour the luscious custard evenly over the bread cubes, making sure every piece gets soaked thoroughly. Let it rest for 10 minutes to absorb all the goodness. After it’s had time to soak, sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips across the top for pockets of melted chocolate in every bite.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the custard has set and the top is beautifully golden brown. This step is crucial to get that delightful contrast between a tender center and a slightly crisp top crust.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Sauce
While the pudding bakes, whisk together 1/2 cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract to finish this heavenly drizzle.
Step 6: Serve with Creamy Elegance
Once the bread pudding is out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the warm cream sauce generously over the top. The sauce seeps into the nooks of the pudding, making every forkful irresistibly creamy and rich.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar, a few extra chocolate chips, or even a dollop of whipped cream can add a beautiful finishing touch that elevates the Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce Recipe from fantastic to unforgettable.
Side Dishes
Pair this dessert with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to add a touch of freshness and contrast. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a spiced chai latte complements the warm, sweet flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in charming ramekins or use mini cast iron skillets for a rustic vibe that’s sure to impress. You can also drizzle caramel sauce or a splash of bourbon cream alongside the traditional cream sauce for a decadent twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover bread pudding covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making it perfect for enjoying later without losing any flavor.
Freezing
This dish freezes well! Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe container. You can store it frozen for up to 1 month. When you want to indulge again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual portions for 45 seconds to 1 minute. Don’t forget to warm your cream sauce separately to drizzle on top.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! While brioche or challah are ideal for their rich texture, you can use French bread, sourdough, or even croissants for a unique flavor and texture twist. Just make sure the bread is a bit stale or dry to soak up the custard properly.
What can I substitute for semi-sweet chocolate chips?
If you want a different chocolate experience, feel free to swap semi-sweet chips with dark chocolate chunks, milk chocolate chips, or even white chocolate chips for a sweeter touch. Each will change the flavor slightly but deliciously.
Is this recipe suitable for make-ahead entertaining?
Yes, it’s perfect! You can assemble the bread pudding the day before and refrigerate it overnight. When ready, bake and prepare the cream sauce fresh just before serving for a hassle-free party dessert.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, use plant-based milk like oat or almond and substitute coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative. Adjust sweetness as needed since plant milks can vary in flavor.
How do I know when the bread pudding is fully cooked?
The custard should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center when you gently shake the dish. The top will be golden brown, and a knife inserted should come out mostly clean with perhaps a little moist custard clinging to it.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly soul-satisfying about this Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce Recipe that makes you want to savor every single bite. It’s the kind of dessert that warms the heart and brings people together around the table. So go ahead and give it a try—you might just find your new favorite cozy indulgence to share with those you love.
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Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This rich and comforting Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding combines tender cubes of brioche or challah bread soaked in a creamy custard, studded with semi-sweet chocolate chips, and baked to golden perfection. Topped with a luscious warm cream sauce flavored with vanilla, this dessert is perfect for cozy gatherings or a decadent treat any time of year.
Ingredients
For the Bread Pudding
- 4 cups cubed bread (brioche or challah preferred)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Cream Sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish and evenly spread the cubed bread inside to form the base of your pudding.
- Mix Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, making sure all the bread is well soaked. Let this sit for about 10 minutes to allow the custard to penetrate the bread. After soaking, sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the pudding for 35–40 minutes, or until the custard has set and the top turns a golden brown color.
- Prepare Cream Sauce: While the pudding bakes, heat the heavy cream, granulated sugar, and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and the sauce slightly thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Serve: Once the bread pudding is baked, drizzle the warm cream sauce over each serving to add a luscious finish before enjoying.
Notes
- For best texture, use day-old brioche or challah bread to better absorb the custard.
- Allowing the custard to soak into the bread for 10 minutes enhances the pudding’s moistness.
- The cream sauce can be prepared ahead and gently reheated before serving.
- Feel free to substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate based on your preference.
- Ensure the custard is set but not overbaked to keep the pudding creamy inside.
