Description
This rich and comforting Chocolate Bread Pudding features day-old bread soaked in a luscious chocolate custard, baked to perfection. Topped optionally with confectioners’ sugar and whipped cream, it makes a perfect dessert for two that balances creamy, sweet, and chocolatey flavors in a warm, tender dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 ounces semisweet chocolate
- 1/2 cup half-and-half cream
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup 2% milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 slices day-old bread, crusts removed, cut into cubes (about 3 cups)
Optional Toppings
- Confectioners’ sugar
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Combine the chocolate and cream: Melt the semisweet chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl until smooth. Once melted, stir in the half-and-half cream thoroughly and set the mixture aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the custard and soak the bread: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, 2% milk, egg, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined. Stir in the chocolate and cream mixture. Add the bread cubes to this chocolate custard and gently toss to coat all pieces evenly. Let the mixture stand for 15 minutes, allowing the bread to absorb the chocolate sauce.
- Bake the bread pudding: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease two 2-cup souffle dishes. Spoon the soaked bread mixture evenly into the prepared dishes. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the bread pudding is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Add toppings and serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and optionally dust with confectioners’ sugar and top with a dollop of whipped cream. Serve warm for a comforting dessert experience.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for best texture; fresh bread will make the pudding too mushy.
- Microwaving the chocolate should be done in short increments, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Letting the bread soak for 15 minutes ensures the custard fully permeates the bread, resulting in a moist pudding.
- You can substitute half-and-half with heavy cream for a richer dessert or with whole milk for a lighter version.
- The recipe yields two small servings, perfect for a couple or small household.
- Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits for added texture and flavor variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
