Ultimate Chocolate Bread Pudding
When I really want to impress guests, I serve this decadent bread pudding. With just a few staple ingredients—bread, eggs, sugar and chocolate—I'm able to turn out this masterpiece in no time!
When I really want to impress guests, I serve this decadent bread pudding. With just a few staple ingredients—bread, eggs, sugar and chocolate—I'm able to turn out this masterpiece in no time!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- sauce:
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans toasted
- 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
- 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup flaked coconut toasted
- 1 tablespoon plus 1/2 cup butter divided
- 1 pound egg bread or challah cubed
- 2 teaspoons brandy optional
- sweetened whipped cream:
- 1 tablespoons brandy optional
- Carbohydrate 18.0535692873787 g
- Cholesterol 145.948854168847 mg
- Fat 11.5782426758212 g
- Fiber 0.350404517669322 g
- Protein 4.08112878492053 g
- Saturated Fat 5.59001423675179 g
- Serving Size 1 1 servings. (107g)
- Sodium 64.0222257037084 mg
- Sugar 17.7031647697094 g
- Trans Fat 0.900468954984146 g
- Calories 193 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Grease a 9-in. springform pan with 1 tablespoon butter.
- Cube remaining butter; place in a small saucepan.
- Add chocolate chips and brown sugar.
- Cook and stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved.
- Remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, espresso powder and salt.
- Gently stir in bread; let stand until bread is softened, about 15 minutes.
- Fold in chocolate mixture.
- Transfer to prepared pan.
- Bake, uncovered, until a knife inserted in center comes out clean, 45-55 minutes.
- Cool on a wire rack 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, for sauce, heat cream in a small heavy saucepan until bubbles form around sides.
- In a small bowl, whisk together egg yolk, brown sugar and salt.
- Whisk a small amount of hot cream into egg mixture; return all to pan, stirring constantly.
- Cook and stir until mixture is thickened and coats the back of a spoon.
- Stir in butter.
- Fold in pecans and coconut.
- If desired, stir in brandy.
- Cool.
- For whipped cream, beat cream until it begins to thicken.
- Add confectioners' sugar and, if desired, brandy; beat until soft peaks form.
- Loosen sides of pan with a knife.
- Carefully run a knife around edge of springform pan to loosen; remove rim from pan.
- Serve pudding warm with sauce and whipped cream.
My Go-To Dessert for Impressing Guests: Ultimate Chocolate Bread Pudding
As a busy professional woman, time is a luxury I don't always have. Yet, I still love to entertain and create special moments for friends and family. That's why I’ve perfected this recipe for Ultimate Chocolate Bread Pudding – it's incredibly rich, decadent, and surprisingly easy to make, even on a weeknight. The secret lies in the simplicity of the ingredients: good quality bread, rich chocolate, and a few pantry staples. This isn’t your grandmother’s bread pudding; it’s elevated, refined, and effortlessly impressive. The aroma alone will have your guests anticipating a truly unforgettable dessert experience.
The best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can adjust the sweetness, add different nuts or spices, and even experiment with different types of bread. I personally love using challah for its soft texture and slightly sweet flavor, but a good quality brioche or even leftover sourdough would work wonderfully. The key is to ensure the bread is cubed into roughly equal-sized pieces so they absorb the custard evenly. Don’t be afraid to get creative! A splash of coffee liqueur or Grand Marnier in the custard adds another layer of sophistication. The warm, gooey bread pudding paired with the luscious homemade sauce and fluffy whipped cream is a dessert that transcends the ordinary. It's a moment of pure indulgence, perfect for celebrating a special occasion or simply rewarding yourself after a long day.
The process itself is surprisingly straightforward. The custard is a simple whisk-together affair, and the sauce requires only a few minutes of gentle simmering on the stovetop. The most time-consuming step is cubing the bread and allowing it to soak in the custard, but even this can be done ahead of time, making the preparation a breeze. I often assemble the pudding the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it until ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify, resulting in an even more delicious dessert. The pudding bakes beautifully, developing a wonderfully crisp top while remaining luxuriously moist and tender inside. And let's not forget the whipped cream; a touch of brandy elevates it to a whole new level.
This chocolate bread pudding recipe is more than just a dessert; it's a testament to the power of simple ingredients used to create something extraordinary. It's a dish that speaks volumes about thoughtful hospitality without demanding hours in the kitchen. It's a dish that I’m proud to share, knowing it will bring a touch of sweetness and joy to any gathering. So, whether you're hosting a dinner party, celebrating a birthday, or simply craving a decadent treat, this Ultimate Chocolate Bread Pudding is the perfect choice. Prepare to be amazed by how much flavor can be packed into such a relatively simple recipe!
Tips and Variations:
- Bread Selection: Experiment with different types of bread, such as brioche, challah, or even leftover sourdough. Just ensure the bread is cubed into roughly equal-sized pieces.
- Chocolate Choice: Feel free to use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or a combination of both for a unique flavor profile.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the custard for a warm, comforting twist.
- Boozy Boost: Incorporate a splash of coffee liqueur, Grand Marnier, or rum into the custard or the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
- Nutty Delights: Use different types of nuts in the sauce, such as walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts.
- Make it Ahead: Assemble the bread pudding a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake as directed. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of extra whipped cream for an even richer dessert experience.
