Decadent Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding

Decadent Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding is more than just a dessert; it’s a sumptuous experience that can elevate any meal into a celebration. This delightful dish combines the richness of chocolate with the creamy tang of cream cheese nestled within a warm, custardy bread base. It’s the quintessential treat for a cozy family night, a comforting weekend brunch, or a stunning finale to a holiday feast. The joy of tearing through that gooey middle, paired with a sweet crust, is simply irresistible.

What Makes This Recipe Special

What sets this decadent bread pudding apart from the rest is its luxurious texture and bold flavors. The use of sweet bread like brioche or challah gives it a buttery richness that complements the dark chocolate chunks perfectly. Plus, the incorporation of cream cheese adds a delightful creaminess, balancing the sweetness in every bite. This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, which means you can whip it up for any occasion without spending all day in the kitchen.

"This bread pudding is a showstopper! The chocolate and cream cheese blend so well, and it’s always a hit at family gatherings!"

Preparing Decadent Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding

Making this dish involves a few straightforward steps, each contributing to that signature gooey texture that everyone loves. You’ll start by preparing the bread and soaking it in a rich custard, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. After soaking, you’ll fold in the luscious cream cheese and dark chocolate before baking it to perfection. The careful balance between soaking time and baking ensures that each spoonful is filled with delicious creaminess.

Gather Your Ingredients

To create this delectable treat, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 loaf (about 1 pound) sweet bread (brioche or challah), torn into 1-inch pieces
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 8 ounces cream cheese, chilled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chunks or chips, divided
• Unsalted butter, for greasing the baking dish

For a healthier twist, you can replace heavy cream with a lighter alternative.

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the bread: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter and scatter the torn bread pieces evenly in the dish.

2. Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.

3. Soak the bread: Pour the custard mixture over the bread, gently pressing down to ensure all pieces are submerged. Allow it to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight for best results.

4. Add the fillings: After soaking, gently stir in the cream cheese cubes and one cup of dark chocolate chunks.

5. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle the remaining half-cup of dark chocolate over the top and bake for 45-55 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is slightly jiggly but set.

6. Cool and serve: Allow to cool for 15-20 minutes before serving for optimal gooeyness. Serve warm.

Perfect Pairings for Decadent Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding

This delightful bread pudding is best served warm and can be enhanced with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce. For an added touch, consider a dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of sea salt on top for contrast. Fresh berries also pair beautifully, adding a burst of color and freshness to the plate.

Keeping Decadent Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding Fresh Longer

For optimal freshness, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within 3-4 days. When reheating, simply pop it in the microwave for a quick warm-up or place it in the oven at 350°F until heated through. If you’re planning to make it ahead, consider assembling it a day in advance and storing it in the fridge before baking.

Expert Advice

To ensure the best results, use high-quality chocolate—this will elevate the dish significantly. If you prefer a more custardy texture, allow it to soak overnight. Just remember, the longer it soaks, the richer the flavor will be. Keep an eye on the baking time; an underbaked center is key to achieving that gooey perfection.

Creative Twists

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Add a splash of almond extract for a nutty flavor or incorporate some orange zest for a citrusy twist. You could even use flavored cream cheese for an extra layer of taste. If you’re catering to dietary restrictions, consider using gluten-free bread or dairy-free cream cheese for a scrumptious alternative.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to prep this recipe?

The active prep time is relatively short—about 30 minutes, plus soaking time.

Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely! While brioche and challah work best for their texture, you can experiment with other types like pain au chocolat or even leftover cinnamon rolls for a fun twist.

Is this suitable for freezing?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled pudding before baking. Just make sure to cover it tightly. When ready to cook, bake it straight from the freezer; you may need to add some extra baking time.

Enjoy crafting this indulgent dessert, and watch it become a beloved staple in your home!

Decadent Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding

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• Total Time: 85 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A sumptuous bread pudding combining rich chocolate and creamy cream cheese in a custardy bread base.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 loaf (about 1 pound) sweet bread (brioche or challah), torn into 1-inch pieces
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 8 ounces cream cheese, chilled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chunks or chips, divided
• Unsalted butter, for greasing the baking dish

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Instructions

1. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter and scatter the torn bread pieces evenly in the dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
3. Pour the custard mixture over the bread, gently pressing down to ensure all pieces are submerged. Allow it to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight for best results.
4. After soaking, gently stir in the cream cheese cubes and one cup of dark chocolate chunks.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle the remaining half-cup of dark chocolate over the top and bake for 45-55 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is slightly jiggly but set.
6. Allow to cool for 15-20 minutes before serving for optimal gooeyness. Serve warm.

Notes

Best served warm, can be enhanced with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: chocolate, bread pudding, dessert, cream cheese, sweet bread