Imagine a dessert so irresistible, it transforms humble bread into a luxurious symphony of chocolate and comfort. This Chocolate Swirl Bread Pudding isn't just a recipe—it's a culinary experience that promises to turn ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary treat that will have everyone begging for seconds. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned chef, this dessert is your ticket to instant dessert hero status!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 6 cups cubed bread
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 4 cups milk
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously butter a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cut day-old bread into roughly 1-inch cubes. Using slightly stale bread helps absorb the custard mixture more effectively.
- In a separate large saucepan, warm the milk over medium heat until it's steaming but not boiling. Remove from heat.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to prevent the eggs from scrambling and create a smooth custard base.
- Add the bread cubes to the custard mixture, gently folding to ensure all bread pieces are evenly coated. Let sit for 10 minutes to allow bread to absorb the liquid.
- Fold in half of the chocolate chips into the bread mixture, distributing them evenly.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top of the pudding, creating a beautiful chocolate swirl effect.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 15-20 minutes before serving. The pudding will continue to set as it cools.
- Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Tips
- Bread Selection Matters: Use day-old or slightly stale bread for the best texture. Slightly dry bread absorbs the custard more effectively, creating a more luxurious pudding.
- Temperature Control: When adding warm milk to eggs, pour slowly and whisk constantly to prevent scrambling and ensure a smooth custard base.
- Chocolate Distribution: Fold chocolate chips into the mixture and sprinkle some on top for a beautiful visual and flavor swirl.
- Doneness Check: Look for a golden brown top and a center that's set but still slightly jiggly. The pudding will continue to set as it cools.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent experience.
- Make-Ahead Tip: This dessert can be prepared in advance and reheated, making it perfect for dinner parties or family gatherings.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
