Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding
You know those cozy nights when you’re craving something warm and sweet? Well, that’s when Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding steps in like a superhero. This oh-so-comforting dessert not only brings back memories but also makes for a fantastic treat to share with friends and family. Trust me, making this delightful dessert is way easier than you think, and the end result is just divine!
What Is Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding?
Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding is a classic dessert that combines the rich taste of custard with delicious chocolate chips, all nestled within soft, tender bread. It’s like a warm hug on a plate and feels so indulgent without being overly complicated. If you’re thinking about using up some day-old bread, you’ve come to the right place! This comforting dessert is perfect for brunch or dessert and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Ingredients Overview for Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding
Before we jump into making this delicious treat, let’s assemble our ingredients. These are pretty simple and can often be found in your pantry.
- 6 cups day-old bread: I love using French or brioche for that soft, fluffy texture.
- 2 cups whole milk: This adds rich creaminess to the custard. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could go for almond or coconut milk, but it might alter the taste slightly.
- 4 large eggs: These are key for binding everything together and giving that custard-like consistency.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness is essential! Feel free to adjust if you prefer it less sweet.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: The stars of the show! You can also use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips, depending on your mood.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: This adds warmth and depth. Always go for pure vanilla if you can!
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A sprinkle of cinnamon brings out all the flavors and makes the whole thing feel like a warm embrace.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: This is for greasing the dish, ensuring that your pudding slides out perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions on Making Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding
Now that we have everything ready, let’s jump into making this tasty treat! Just follow these easy-peasy steps.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because we want our pudding to bake evenly.
- Tear the bread into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl. Don’t worry about being too perfect; rustic is the vibe we’re going for!
- In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until everything is well blended. Just think of the luscious custard that’s about to happen!
- Pour the custard over the bread pieces and stir gently to coat them well. Then, mix in those chocolate chips until they’re evenly distributed. Hello, chocolaty goodness!
- Grease a baking dish with butter and pour your bread mixture into it, spreading it evenly. Make sure it looks all lovely in the dish.
- Bake for about 45 minutes, or until set in the middle. Trust me; your kitchen will smell heavenly during this time.
- Let it cool slightly before serving, and enjoy it warm or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. You deserve it!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding, the world is your oyster! You can serve it warm right out of the oven or let it cool down and enjoy it chilled. I personally love to top mine off with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. A light dusting of powdered sugar on top never hurt either! If you’re feeling fancy, a side of freshly whipped cream with a dash of cinnamon complements it perfectly.
Tips For The Perfect Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding
- Use stale bread: Day-old bread absorbs more custard, turning it into that soft, pudding-like perfection.
- Mix in fruits: You could toss in some sliced bananas or berries for an extra fruity twist.
- Add nuts: Feel free to throw in some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to add a nice crunch.
- Check for doneness: If you’re unsure about whether it’s baked enough, insert a knife into the center. It should come out clean when done.
Q&A Section
1. Can I use fresh bread?
Yes, you can. Just dry it out a bit in the oven first so it can absorb the custard.
2. How long will leftovers last?
They’ll last about 3 days in the fridge if stored in an airtight container.
3. Can I freeze the bread pudding?
Yes, freeze it before baking for best results, and bake straight from frozen when you want to enjoy it.
4. Can I substitute any ingredients?
Absolutely! You can use any type of milk or bread, and even swap out the chocolate chips for toffee bits or butterscotch chips if you fancy.
Why You’ll Love It
Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding is more than just a dessert; it is a delicious blend of comfort and nostalgia. Every bite is soft and rich with chocolatey goodness, making it particularly satisfying. Plus, it’s an easy way to impress your friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen. This dessert is all about bringing smiles and happiness to the table, and who wouldn’t want that?
Behind The Scenes: My Journey with This Recipe
When I was first figuring out this Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding, let me tell you—it was quite the journey! I had my fair share of soggy bottoms and burnt edges. The first time I made it, I was so excited, but I had the baking temperature way too high! I learned that patience really is key. Experimenting with the ratios of milk to eggs took some trial and error, but oh boy, was it worth it. I finally cracked the code, and now this pudding is a family favorite.
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Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting dessert combining rich custard and delicious chocolate chips, perfect for any cozy night.
Ingredients
- 6 cups day-old bread (French or brioche recommended)
- 2 cups whole milk (or almond/coconut milk)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for greasing)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Tear the bread into bite-sized pieces and place in a large mixing bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until well blended.
- Pour the custard over the bread pieces and stir gently to coat. Mix in the chocolate chips.
- Grease a baking dish with butter and pour the bread mixture into it, spreading evenly.
- Bake for about 45 minutes, or until set in the middle.
- Let it cool slightly before serving, and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream. Mixing in fruits or nuts can add a delightful twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 80mg