Name: Chocolate Bread Pudding with Bourbon Butter Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups day-old bread (brioche, challah, or French bread), cubed; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips; 2 cups plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy); 1 cup full-fat coconut milk or vegan cream; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp salt; 2 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot; 1/4 cup vegan butter; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup bourbon; 1 tsp vanilla extract (for sauce); Pinch of salt (for sauce); 1/4 cup plant-based cream or coconut milk (optional, for sauce)

Chocolate Bread Pudding with Bourbon Butter Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dessert is the ultimate comfort food—gooey, chocolatey, and dripping with flavor. The bourbon butter sauce adds a bold, silky finish that pairs perfectly with the soft, custardy pudding. It’s an easy way to use up leftover bread and impress guests with a dessert that feels both rustic and luxurious. Plus, it can be prepped ahead and baked just before serving.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chocolate bread pudding:

Day-old bread (such as brioche, challah, or French bread), cut into cubes
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
Plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk)
Full-fat coconut milk or vegan heavy cream
Granulated sugar
Ground cinnamon (optional)
Vanilla extract
Salt
Cornstarch or arrowroot (for thickening)

For the bourbon butter sauce:

Vegan butter
Brown sugar
Bourbon
Vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Plant-based cream or coconut milk (optional, for extra richness)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
Prepare the pudding mixture:
- In a saucepan, combine plant-based milk, coconut milk, sugar, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. Heat gently until warm and sugar is dissolved.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and cornstarch. Let cool slightly, then mix in chocolate chips.
Assemble the pudding:
- Place bread cubes into the prepared baking dish. Pour the chocolate mixture evenly over the bread.
- Gently press the bread down to ensure it soaks up the custard. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to absorb.
Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes, until the top is set and lightly crisp.
Make the bourbon butter sauce:
- In a small saucepan, melt vegan butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and stir until dissolved.
- Add bourbon, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes. For extra richness, stir in plant-based cream.
- Remove from heat and keep warm.
Serve:
- Spoon warm bread pudding into bowls and drizzle generously with bourbon butter sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 6–8 servings.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 40–45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

No alcohol: Replace bourbon with vanilla extract and a splash of maple syrup in the sauce.
Nutty twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the pudding for crunch.
Berry version: Add fresh or dried berries for a fruity note.
Extra chocolate: Stir extra chips or chunks into the bread mixture for double the decadence.
Mini servings: Bake in ramekins for individual portions.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm. Add a splash of plant-based milk before reheating to keep it moist.
Bourbon butter sauce can be stored separately and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Not recommended for freezing, as the texture may change.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the pudding, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake just before serving.

What kind of bread works best?

Day-old brioche, challah, French bread, or even sandwich bread. Stale bread holds up better when soaked.

Is bourbon necessary?

It adds depth, but you can omit or substitute with a non-alcoholic vanilla glaze.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free bread and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I use non-dairy milk?

Absolutely. Almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk all work well.

What if I don’t have chocolate chips?

Use chopped chocolate bars or baking chocolate instead.

Is the sauce kid-friendly?

No, because it contains alcohol. For a kid-friendly version, make a vanilla butter sauce without bourbon.

Can I make it oil-free?

Use a non-dairy milk-based sauce without butter and reduce fat in the pudding, though it may affect richness.

How do I prevent the pudding from drying out?

Cover with foil during the first part of baking and avoid overbaking. Add extra sauce before serving.

Can I serve it cold?

It’s best served warm, but can be eaten cold or at room temperature. Reheat for best texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Chocolate bread pudding with bourbon butter sauce is a cozy, decadent dessert that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. With its deep chocolate flavor, soft custardy texture, and rich sauce, it’s the perfect ending to a winter meal or special occasion. Whether you serve it fresh from the oven or reheat it the next day, this indulgent treat never disappoints.