There’s something profoundly comforting about a warm, gooey dessert straight from the oven, and my Decadent Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding captures that essence in every bite. Imagine indulging in rich, dark chocolate mingling with luscious cream cheese, creating a delightful contrast that’s pure bliss. This easy dessert not only elevates your cooking game but also brings a touch of sophistication to any gathering or family dinner. It’s the perfect centerpiece for those cozy evenings when you crave a bit of comfort food. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare, making it a crowd-pleaser that even beginner cooks can master. Are you ready to discover just how irresistible this pudding can be?
Why is this bread pudding a must-try?
Comfort Food Bliss: This Decadent Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding is the ultimate cozy dessert, perfect for those chilly nights when you want something warm and inviting.
Decadent Flavor: Rich dark chocolate melds beautifully with tangy cream cheese, creating a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to resist.
Effortless Preparation: With just a few simple steps, even novice cooks can whip up this showstopper.
Versatile Indulgence: Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of caramel for a delightful twist!
Impressive Presentation: The golden crust and gooey center guarantee oohs and aahs from your guests, making any gathering more special.
Elevate your dessert game with this simple yet stunning treat, and don’t forget to check out my recipe for Garlic Bread Air to complement your meal!
Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding Ingredients
Get ready to create a luxurious dessert experience!
For the Pudding
• Sweet Bread (Brioche or Challah) – Provides a rich crumb that absorbs custard beautifully; avoid airy or dense bread.
• Large Eggs – Essential for binding and adding richness for custard consistency.
• Whole Milk – Contributes to the moisture level; can be substituted with your favorite alternative milk.
• Heavy Cream – Ensures a decadent texture; increase for creaminess, or use a dairy-free option if preferred.
• Granulated Sugar – The key to sweetness in the pudding; feel free to adjust based on taste.
• Vanilla Extract – Elevates the flavor profile; always opt for pure vanilla for the best results.
• Salt – Enhances sweetness and depth; just a pinch makes a big difference.
• Cream Cheese – Adds creamy pockets with a tangy flavor; can be cut into cubes or replaced with a dairy-free version.
• Dark Chocolate Chunks or Chips – Offers rich, chocolatey flavor; select high-quality chocolate (60-70% cocoa) for optimal taste.
For Baking
• Unsalted Butter – Use for greasing your baking dish well, ensuring the pudding doesn’t stick.
Now that you have the ingredients for this mouthwatering Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding, let your culinary adventure begin! It’s not just a recipe; it’s a comforting experience waiting to delight your loved ones.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While waiting, take a 9×13 inch baking dish and generously grease it with unsalted butter, ensuring every corner is covered. This crucial step prevents the Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding from sticking and allows it to transition smoothly from dish to plate.
Step 2: Tear the Bread
Next, tear your sweet bread, like brioche or challah, into 1-inch pieces. Scatter these pieces evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This not only provides the pudding with a hearty base but also allows maximum absorption of the custard mixture, ensuring every bite is deliciously moist.
Step 3: Whisk the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the large eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well combined. Aim for a blended mixture without lumps, which will create a luscious custard for your bread pudding. This is where the magic begins, transforming basic ingredients into a decadent delight.
Step 4: Soak the Bread
Pour the custard mixture over the torn bread pieces, ensuring each piece is well soaked. Gently press down on the bread using a spatula to help it absorb the custard. Allow the mixture to sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate for a more intense flavor infusion for up to 2 hours or overnight.
Step 5: Incorporate the Cream Cheese
After soaking, lightly fold in the cream cheese cubes and 1 cup of dark chocolate chunks. Be careful not to overmix; you want to maintain those gooey pockets of chocolate and creamy textures throughout the pudding. This step enhances the Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding, introducing delightful bursts of flavor.
Step 6: Add the Topping
Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chunks over the top of the pudding mixture. This step not only enhances the chocolatey goodness but also ensures that the top will have a delightful layer of melted chocolate when baked. Your dessert is now ready for the oven!
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. Look for the top to turn a gorgeous golden brown while the center should still jiggle slightly when shaken. Avoid overbaking, as you want to retain the gooey consistency that makes this Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding so irresistible.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the pudding from the oven and let it cool for 15-20 minutes before serving. This cooling time allows the pudding to set appropriately, making it easier to slice and serve. Gather your loved ones and get ready to savor this warm, creamy treat.
Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine as you customize this delicious recipe to suit your taste buds!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream and whole milk with coconut milk and dairy-free cream cheese for a luscious, creamy option. The coconut flavor will add a lovely tropical note!
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Nutty Addition: Toss in some toasted pecans or walnuts for an amazing crunch and an added nutty flavor. These bites will give your pudding a delightful texture twist.
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Fruity Surprise: Incorporate fresh or frozen raspberries or cherries before baking to introduce a fruity tartness that beautifully balances the rich chocolate.
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Spiced Flavor: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the custard mixture to warm up the flavor profile. This subtle spice can elevate your dessert, making it perfect for cozy gatherings.
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Different Chocolate Varieties: Feel free to mix in milk or white chocolate alongside the dark chocolate for a diverse flavor experience. Each type of chocolate will bring a different level of sweetness and creaminess to every bite.
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Indulgent Toppings: Top with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or for a bit of indulgence, drizzle some chocolate sauce or caramel sauce when serving. This finishing touch can take your presentation from good to simply stunning!
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Bread Choices: Experiment with different types of bread like panettone or even stale croissants for unique flavor combinations. Each option will impart its own character to the pudding.
Have fun mixing and matching these variations to discover your perfect version of this Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding! And while you’re at it, don’t forget to pair it with some delicious Velveeta Mac Cheese for a dreamy comfort food feast.
What to Serve with Decadent Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding
Transform your dessert into a complete experience with these delightful pairings that enhance every chocolaty bite.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold creaminess of ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm pudding, creating a luscious mouthfeel.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy raspberries or strawberries add a tart freshness, balancing the richness of chocolate and cream cheese.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of homemade whipped cream adds a delightful touch, enhancing the textures of the dish.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel over the pudding creates a sweet, sticky sweetness that complements the chocolate perfectly.
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Espresso or Coffee: A cup of rich espresso or brewed coffee invigorates the palate, enhancing the chocolate flavors.
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Chocolate Sauce: For extra indulgence, drizzle wholesale chocolate sauce on top. You can never have too much chocolate!
Serve this decadent dessert alongside these options for a truly memorable meal that warms the heart and delights the taste buds!
Make Ahead Options
These Decadent Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding is a perfect choice for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the custard mixture and soak the sweet bread up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover the bowl and refrigerate. This soaking time enhances the flavors, creating a richer dessert. If you’re short on time, allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature before baking. Just be sure not to overmix when folding in the cream cheese and chocolate to maintain those gooey pockets. When you’re ready to serve, bake until golden brown and enjoy the convenience of having a delicious dessert ready with minimal effort!
How to Store and Freeze Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding
Refrigeration: Cover your leftover pudding with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, maintaining its delicious flavors.
Freezing: For longer storage, slice the Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding and place it in freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. This will revive its gooey texture!
Serving Suggestion: Enjoy the pudding warm, adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce to enhance the experience!
Expert Tips for Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding
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Soak Time Matters: Letting the bread soak in the custard overnight yields a moist and flavorful pudding; shorter soaking will result in a drier texture.
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Jiggle Test: Trust your instincts—look for a slight jiggle in the center of the pudding when it comes out of the oven; this ensures the Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding remains delightfully gooey.
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Cool Before Cutting: Allow the pudding to cool for 15-20 minutes before slicing; this helps it set properly and prevents a runny center.
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High-Quality Chocolate: Use dark chocolate with at least 60-70% cocoa for the best flavor; avoid low-quality chocolates that can muddy the taste.
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Gentle Mixing: When adding cream cheese and chocolate chunks, fold gently to maintain their textures; overmixing can lead to a denser pudding.
Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best bread for this pudding?
Absolutely! For the best results, opt for sweet bread like brioche or challah. These types of bread have a rich crumb and absorb the custard beautifully. Avoid overly airy or dense options, as they will not provide that necessary structure and moistness.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Very important! Cover any leftover Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it into an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days. This way, you can enjoy it again while preserving its delicious flavors!
Can I freeze this pudding? If so, how?
Absolutely, you can freeze it! To do so, slice the pudding into individual portions and place them in freezer-safe containers. It can last in the freezer for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, until warmed through.
What’s the key to achieving the perfect texture?
The “jiggle test” is crucial here! Once baked, gently shake the pan; the center should have a slight jiggle, indicating it’s perfectly gooey. If the center is overly firm, it may have been overbaked. Additionally, be sure to let it cool for 15-20 minutes before slicing to ensure it sets properly.
Are there any dietary considerations or substitutions I should be aware of?
Yes, depending on dietary needs, you can easily make adjustments! You can substitute heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative for a lighter version. The cream cheese can also be replaced with dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan option. Just make sure to check labels if you have allergies, especially regarding the chocolate.
How can I enhance the flavor of my bread pudding?
To elevate the Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding, consider adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. You can also incorporate additional ingredients like toasted nuts or fresh fruit for an exciting twist. Mixing in these flavors during the soaking period can create an even more delightful dessert.
Irresistible Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with unsalted butter.
- Tear sweet bread into 1-inch pieces and scatter evenly in the baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Pour the custard over the bread and press down gently to soak. Let sit for 30 minutes.
- Fold in cream cheese cubes and dark chocolate chunks without overmixing.
- Sprinkle remaining chocolate chunks on top of the mixture.
- Bake in the oven for 45-55 minutes until golden brown with a slightly jiggly center.
- Cool for 15-20 minutes before serving.
