Imagine a dessert that combines the nostalgic warmth of bread pudding with the irresistible decadence of chocolate and caramel. This isn't just any ordinary dessert - it's a transformative culinary experience that will make your taste buds dance with pure delight! Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a luxurious sweet escape, this Caramel Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding is about to become your new obsession. Get ready to discover a recipe that turns simple ingredients into a mind-blowing dessert that's both comforting and extraordinary.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 6 cups bread, cubed
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously butter a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cut day-old bread into 1-inch cubes, ensuring they are roughly uniform in size for even cooking and texture.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Gradually pour in milk and heavy cream, continuing to whisk until the mixture is fully integrated and creates a smooth custard base.
- Add bread cubes to the custard mixture, gently folding to ensure all bread pieces are evenly coated. Allow bread to soak for 10 minutes, absorbing the liquid.
- Fold in chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the bread mixture.
- Transfer the soaked bread mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly and pressing down gently.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the bread pudding, creating a swirled pattern for even distribution.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 15 minutes before serving to allow the pudding to set.
- Serve warm, optionally topped with additional caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips
- Use day-old bread for the best texture - slightly stale bread absorbs the custard more effectively and creates a more cohesive pudding.
- Let the bread soak in the custard mixture for at least 10 minutes to ensure maximum flavor absorption.
- For extra richness, use a mix of whole milk and heavy cream.
- Don't overbake - the center should still have a slight jiggle when you remove it from the oven.
- For a more decadent presentation, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or an extra drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Experiment with different types of bread like brioche or challah for varied textures.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the sugar slightly and use dark chocolate chips.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 130mg
