Prepare to be transported to dessert heaven with a recipe that transforms ordinary bread into an extraordinary culinary masterpiece! This Bittersweet Chocolate Custard Bread Pudding is not just a dessert—it's a decadent experience that will make your taste buds dance with pure chocolate bliss. Imagine rich, velvety chocolate custard soaking into soft, pillowy bread, creating a dessert so luxurious it feels like a warm hug for your soul. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to an unforgettable sweet indulgence, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups bread, cubed (stale or day-old)
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the custard from sticking.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the milk and heavy cream. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it is warm but not boiling, stirring occasionally.
- Once the milk and cream are warm, add the chopped bittersweet chocolate to the saucepan. Stir continuously until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined and slightly frothy.
- Slowly pour the warm chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling. Make sure the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Add the cubed bread to the chocolate custard mixture, gently folding it in until all the bread is soaked. Allow the mixture to sit for about 10-15 minutes, letting the bread absorb the custard.
- Transfer the soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. If desired, you can sprinkle some additional chopped bittersweet chocolate on top for added richness.
- Bake the bread pudding in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the top is set and slightly golden. A knife inserted in the center should come out mostly clean, with a few moist crumbs.
- Once baked, remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the custard to set a bit more.
- Serve the bittersweet chocolate custard bread pudding warm, optionally topped with whipped cream, ice cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Tips
- Use stale or day-old bread for the best texture—it absorbs the custard more effectively and prevents a soggy result.
- Whisk the chocolate mixture slowly into the eggs to prevent scrambling and ensure a smooth, silky custard.
- Let the bread soak in the custard for 10-15 minutes before baking to maximize flavor absorption.
- For an extra decadent touch, sprinkle additional chopped chocolate on top before baking.
- Don't overbake! The pudding should be set but still slightly moist in the center.
- Allow the pudding to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to let the custard set completely.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate dessert experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 160mg
