Easy Chocolate Bread Pudding

There’s something downright magical about chocolate bread pudding. It’s warm, gooey, and decadently rich—like a big, cozy hug in dessert form. But did you know this classic dish actually dates back centuries? Originally, bread pudding was a way to use up stale bread, transforming it into a creamy, custardy delight. Fast forward to today, and we’ve upgraded it with luscious chocolate, velvety cream, and the irresistible sweetness of King’s Hawaiian Rolls (or brioche if you’re feeling fancy).

Trust me, you’re going to love this one. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite. And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make!

Why You’ll Love Easy Chocolate Bread Pudding

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re treating yourself to a quiet evening indulgence, impressing guests at a dinner party, or bringing a show-stopping dessert to a potluck, this pudding delivers every time.

Is this Easy Chocolate Bread Pudding for you? Let’s see. Chocolate Bread Pudding is…

1. Rich and velvety – The combination of milk, cream, and eggs creates a smooth, custard-like texture.
2. Deeply chocolatey – With melted chocolate and chocolate chips, every bite is packed with flavor.
3. Effortlessly elegant – It looks and tastes gourmet, but it’s surprisingly easy to make.
4. Perfectly balanced – The touch of salt and vanilla enhances the deep chocolate notes.
5. Customizable – Add nuts, liqueur, or spices to make it your own!

Ingredients in Easy Chocolate Bread Pudding

Here’s the magic of this bread pudding—it’s made with just a handful of ingredients, but the result is pure indulgence.

• King’s Hawaiian Rolls or Brioche: These soft, slightly sweet breads soak up the custard beautifully, creating the perfect pudding texture. Drying them overnight helps them absorb more flavor!
• Butter: Adds richness and a silky mouthfeel.
• Eggs & Egg Yolks: The key to that creamy, custardy consistency.
• Whole Milk & Heavy Cream: The ultimate duo for a luscious, smooth texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Just enough to sweeten the custard without overpowering the chocolate.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavors and brings warmth to the dish.
• Salt: A pinch makes the chocolate flavor pop!
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate: The heart of the pudding—melts into the custard for a luxurious bite.
• Instant Coffee (optional): Deepens the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste.
• Chocolate Chips or Chopped Chocolate (optional): For extra bursts of gooey chocolate.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this chocolatey masterpiece:

• Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
• Melt the Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, combine chopped chocolate, butter, and a splash of cream. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth.
• Prepare the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, egg yolks, sugar, vanilla, salt, and instant coffee (if using). Slowly whisk in the warm milk and cream.
• Combine Everything: Tear the dried bread into chunks and place them in a large bowl. Pour the custard over the bread, letting it soak for about 10 minutes.
• Assemble the Pudding: Transfer the soaked bread into the buttered baking dish. Pour the melted chocolate over and gently mix, making sure every piece is coated. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top if desired.
• Bake to Perfection: Place in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly wobbly.
• Let It Rest: Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving. The pudding will set further as it cools.
• Serve and Enjoy: Dig in while it’s warm and gooey, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce!

How to Serve Chocolate Bread Pudding?

This pudding is delicious on its own, but if you want to take it to the next level, try these serving ideas:

• With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream melts beautifully into the warm pudding.
• Drizzled with Sauce: Caramel, chocolate, or even a splash of bourbon sauce adds an extra layer of decadence.
• With Fresh Berries: The tartness of raspberries or strawberries balances the richness.
• Topped with Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, it cuts through the deep chocolate flavors.
• A Dusting of Powdered Sugar: Simple, elegant, and perfect for presentation.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Serving Size: 1 portion
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 27g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 115mg

Tips & Variations

Here are some extra tips to make your Chocolate Bread Pudding absolutely perfect:

• Use Stale Bread: Fresh bread won’t soak up the custard as well. If you forgot to dry it overnight, pop it in a 250°F oven for 10 minutes.
• Don’t Overbake: You want the center to be slightly jiggly when you take it out. It will continue to set as it cools.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a splash of bourbon for extra depth.
• Make It Boozy: A tablespoon of rum, bourbon, or Kahlua in the custard adds a grown-up twist.
• Dairy-Free? No Problem! Swap milk and cream for coconut milk or almond milk.
• Leftovers? Store in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the microwave for a quick treat.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—Easy Chocolate Bread Pudding, the ultimate comfort dessert that’s both foolproof and fabulous. Whether you’re making it for a crowd or just treating yourself, this dessert is pure joy in every bite.

Easy Chocolate Bread Pudding

This Easy Chocolate Bread Pudding is rich, decadent, and irresistibly comforting. Made with soft brioche or Hawaiian sweet rolls, this homemade dessert comes together with just 10 ingredients and minimal effort. Drizzled with a luscious chocolate crème anglaise, it's the ultimate treat for chocolate lovers! Whether you're craving a fine dining dessert or a quick and easy recipe, this pudding is a must-try.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Servings 8 servings

Ingredients

  

• 1 12-pack King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls (or 12 oz brioche loaf), dried overnight
• 3 tbsp butter plus more for greasing (45g)
• 2 eggs
• 2 egg yolks
• 2 ½ cups whole milk 600g
• ½ cup heavy cream 120g
• ½ cup granulated sugar 100g, adjust to taste
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp salt
• 300 g semi-sweet chocolate or a mix of milk and dark chocolate
• 1 tsp instant coffee optional
• ½ cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate optional

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 7×11-inch baking dish with butter.
• Chop the bread into large cubes (1.5-2 inches) and place them in the baking dish.
• In a saucepan, whisk together eggs, egg yolks, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, salt, and instant coffee.
• Place the saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until butter and chocolate melt and combine. Do not let it thicken.
• If using chocolate chips, sprinkle them over the bread. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring every piece is soaked.
• Press the bread gently to absorb the custard, reserving 1.5 to 2 cups of custard for later.
• Bake for 30-35 minutes until set but slightly wobbly when shaken.
• While baking, return the reserved custard to the stove on low heat. Stir constantly until it thickens slightly. Strain to create a smooth chocolate crème anglaise.
• Pour some crème anglaise over the baked pudding and serve warm with extra sauce on the side.

Keyword homemade recipes, fine dining recipes, easy baking, chocolate dessert, quick dessert recipes, rich bread pudding