Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and transform an ordinary dessert into an extraordinary experience! This Dark Chocolate Cherry Croissant Bread Pudding is not just a recipe—it's a luxurious escape into a world of rich, velvety flavors that will make your senses dance with delight. Imagine tender, buttery croissants soaked in a silky custard, studded with bursts of juicy cherries and molten dark chocolate, creating a dessert so irresistible that it will become the star of your next gathering.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: French
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 croissants, torn into pieces
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup cherries, pitted and halved
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, tear the croissants into roughly 1-inch pieces, creating rustic, uneven chunks that will provide varied texture to the bread pudding.
- In a separate saucepan, warm the milk over medium heat until it begins to steam, but do not allow it to boil. Remove from heat.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly pale.
- Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs and prevent scrambling.
- Add the croissant pieces to the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle dark chocolate chips and halved cherries evenly throughout.
- Pour the milk and egg custard mixture slowly over the croissants, ensuring all pieces are saturated. Gently press down to help the bread absorb the liquid.
- Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the croissants to fully absorb the custard.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 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. The pudding will continue to set as it cools.
- Optional: Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of additional melted dark chocolate.
Tips
- Choose high-quality croissants: Day-old, slightly stale croissants work best as they absorb the custard more effectively.
- Temper your eggs carefully: When adding warm milk to eggs, do it slowly and whisk continuously to prevent scrambling.
- Don't rush the soaking process: Let the croissants sit in the custard for at least 10 minutes to ensure maximum flavor absorption.
- Watch your baking time: The pudding should be golden brown on top but still slightly jiggly in the center when done.
- Serve immediately: While delicious warm, this dessert is best enjoyed within an hour of baking for optimal texture.
- Customize your toppings: Experiment with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 437kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 129mg
