Name: Easy Chocolate Bread Pudding Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 12-pack King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (or 1 12oz loaf of Brioche bread), ideally dried out overnight; 3 tbsp butter + more for greasing the pan (45g); 2 eggs; 2 egg yolks; 2 1/2 cups whole milk (600g); 1/2 cup heavy cream (120g); 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g); taste and add more if needed; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp salt; 300g semi-sweet chocolate (or mix of milk and dark chocolate); 1 tsp instant coffee (optional); 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate of choice

Jump to Recipe·4 from 28 reviews

If you’re craving a dessert that’s comfort in every bite yet feels just a little bit indulgent, this Easy Chocolate Bread Pudding Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Combining the tender sweetness of King’s Hawaiian rolls or brioche with the rich, melty goodness of semi-sweet chocolate, this recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a warm, cozy treat everyone will adore. It’s straightforward enough for any home cook and delivers incredible flavor and texture that feels generously decadent but is truly fuss-free. Trust me, this dessert brings all the joy of chocolate with the homestyle charm of bread pudding, perfect for family dinners or a special weekend treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A wooden cutting board on a white marbled surface holds many small cubes of soft bread. The bread pieces show a light golden-brown crust on top with fluffy, pale yellow insides. The bread cubes are spread out across the board, with some crumbs scattered around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering just the right ingredients is key to nailing the perfect balance of creamy, chocolaty, and fluffy textures in this bread pudding. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from lending richness and moisture to adding depth of flavor and that irresistible creamy custard coating the bread so beautifully.

King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (or Brioche bread): These rolls provide a soft, subtly sweet base that soaks up the custard perfectly; drying them out overnight ensures they absorb all the flavors without getting mushy.
Butter: Adds richness both in the custard and for greasing the baking dish to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
Eggs and egg yolks: The backbone of the custard, giving it structure and that silky texture crucial to bread pudding.
Whole milk and heavy cream: These dairy elements contribute to a luxuriously creamy custard that’s just the right consistency when baked.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard; you can adjust according to your preferred sweetness level.
Vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor with fragrant warmth, balancing the chocolate perfectly.
Salt: A small pinch enhances all the other flavors, preventing the dessert from tasting flat.
Semi-sweet chocolate: The star ingredient that melts into the custard, providing deep, luscious chocolate notes.
Instant coffee (optional): Just a teaspoon amps up the chocolate flavor without making the dessert taste like coffee.
Chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (optional): Added for bursts of rich, melty chocolate pockets throughout the bread pudding.

How to Make Easy Chocolate Bread Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the baking dish and bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously butter a 7×11 inch ceramic or glass baking dish. Chop the King’s Hawaiian rolls or your chosen bread into large cubes about 1.5 to 2 inches each. Arrange these cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish, making sure to distribute them so each piece will soak up the custard beautifully.

Step 2: Make the chocolate custard

In a nonstick saucepan, combine eggs, egg yolks, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, salt, butter, semi-sweet chocolate, and instant coffee if using. Whisk everything thoroughly to break down the eggs and create a smooth mixture. Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and gently stir until the butter and chocolate have completely melted and are well incorporated. Be careful not to overheat or thicken the custard here since it will finish cooking in the oven.

Step 3: Assemble and soak

If you’re adding chocolate chips, sprinkle them evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Pour the warm chocolate custard over the bread, ensuring each piece is drenched and gets soaked through. Gently press down on the bread to eliminate any dry spots and help the custard saturate the cubes well. Keep back about 1.5 to 2 cups of custard for making the creme anglaise sauce later.

Step 4: Bake the bread pudding

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 to 35 minutes. The bread pudding should feel set but still have a slight wobble when you gently shake the dish. When in doubt, it’s better to err on the side of undercooking because it will continue to firm up once it cools a bit.

Step 5: Make the chocolate creme anglaise

While the bread pudding is baking, return the reserved custard to the stove on low heat. Stir constantly for a few minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly. Strain through a fine sieve to ensure a smooth, silky chocolate creme anglaise that perfectly complements the warm pudding.

Step 6: Serve warm with creme anglaise

Once the bread pudding comes out of the oven, pour some of the warm creme anglaise over the top. Serve immediately while warm, with extra creme anglaise on the side for dipping or drizzling as desired. This finishing touch turns a simple baked dessert into a seriously indulgent treat.

How to Serve Easy Chocolate Bread Pudding Recipe

A close-up of a chocolate bread pudding in a white rectangular dish, showing a rich, thick layer of dark chocolate sauce spread unevenly on top. The pudding itself is dark brown with visible chunks and a moist texture. The edges of the dish have some browned bits from baking. The dessert looks dense with a shiny, slightly glossy finish, and there are small red sprinklings on top adding a subtle contrast. A black serving spatula slides under a piece, lifting it slightly from the dish. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding garnishes can take your Easy Chocolate Bread Pudding Recipe to the next level visually and flavor-wise. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries provide a bright contrast to the richness, while a sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a pretty, snowy effect. For an extra touch of decadence, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is a dream pairing that enhances the creamy texture.

Side Dishes

This dessert stands beautifully on its own but can be paired with lighter sides to balance the richness. A fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad dressed with lemon can refresh your palate between bites. For a cozy dinner party, serve alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a scoop of espresso gelato to complement the chocolate notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the bread pudding in individual ramekins for an elegant, portion-controlled presentation perfect for dinner guests. Alternatively, layer cubed bread and custard in a trifle dish topped with whipped cream and berries for a show-stopping dessert centerpiece. For a fun twist, sprinkle toasted nuts like pecans or hazelnuts on top for added crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft pudding.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Chocolate Bread Pudding Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Make sure to cover it properly to prevent it from drying out, and store the creme anglaise separately to maintain its silky texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the bread pudding for up to two months by wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap followed by foil. Freeze the custard sauce separately in a sealed container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to enjoy almost fresh-baked flavor and texture.

Reheating

Reheat bread pudding in the oven at 325°F for about 15 to 20 minutes or microwave individual portions for 30 to 45 seconds. Warm up the creme anglaise gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Serving warm brings back all the lushness and makes it taste like it just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread for this Easy Chocolate Bread Pudding Recipe?

Absolutely! While King’s Hawaiian rolls or brioche lend a soft, sweet base, you can substitute with challah or any sturdy white bread. Just make sure to dry the bread out overnight or toast it slightly to prevent sogginess.

Is it necessary to add coffee to the custard?

No, the coffee is optional but highly recommended as it intensifies the chocolate flavor without making the dish taste like coffee. If you prefer a pure chocolate taste, feel free to skip it.

How do I know when the bread pudding is done baking?

The bread pudding should feel set but have a slight wobble in the center when gently shaken. It will continue to firm up as it cools. Avoid overbaking to keep it moist and tender.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute whole milk and heavy cream with your favorite non-dairy alternatives like coconut milk or almond milk. Use dairy-free butter to keep the same creamy texture.

What’s the best way to serve leftovers?

Reheat leftovers gently and serve with fresh whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. Adding fresh berries also refreshes the dessert and adds a lovely pop of color.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about an Easy Chocolate Bread Pudding Recipe that’s straightforward yet decadent enough to satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings. It’s the perfect cozy treat to whip up anytime you want to impress with minimal effort but maximum flavor. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to delight your taste buds with a dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite.