As I stood in my kitchen, the sweet aroma of baking bread enveloped me like a warm hug, transporting me to my childhood. This Decadent Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding brings together the nostalgia of cozy family gatherings with its rich, gooey embrace. With an easy preparation that transforms simple ingredients into a stunning dessert, this comforting dish is sure to impress at any dinner party or to savor during a quiet night in. Plus, each bite is an indulgent blend of dark chocolate and tangy cream cheese, creating a delightful contrast that keeps you coming back for more. Curious about how to whip up this delicious dessert that your loved ones will rave about? Let’s dive in!
Why is Bread Pudding So Irresistible?
Gooey Goodness: Each bite of this Decadent Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding offers a melt-in-your-mouth experience, combining rich chocolate with creamy cheese for heavenly flavor.
Simple Preparation: You don’t need to be a culinary master. With easy-to-follow steps, you’ll create a show-stopping dessert everyone will love!
Nostalgic Flavor: This dish transports you back to cozy family gatherings, making it the perfect comfort food for both you and your guests.
Versatile Indulgence: Customize it with different chocolates or add a sprinkle of cinnamon, making it a true crowd-pleaser for every palate.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, this pudding is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Pair it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of raspberry coulis for an unforgettable treat!
Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding Ingredients
• Unleash the magic of flavors with these delightful ingredients!
For the Pudding Base
• Sweet Bread (Brioche or Challah) – Provides a rich foundation and ideal absorption without turning mushy.
• Large Eggs – Binds the mixture together while adding richness for that perfect custard texture.
• Whole Milk – Infuses moisture and creaminess into this delightful dessert.
• Heavy Cream – Adds decadence and enhances the pudding’s luxurious mouthfeel.
• Granulated Sugar – Balances flavors with a touch of sweetness for the ultimate indulgence.
• Vanilla Extract – Contributes aromatic depth, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Salt – A pinch of this balances the sweetness, ensuring chocolate and cream cheese shine.
For the Creamy Goodness
• Cream Cheese – Melts beautifully into tangy pockets, counterbalancing the sweetness perfectly.
• Dark Chocolate Chunks or Chips – Adds rich, luscious pockets of intense chocolate flavor contrasting with cream cheese.
For Preparation
• Unsalted Butter – Use it to grease your baking dish, ensuring an effortless release after baking.
Each of these ingredients harmonizes in your Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding, contributing to its incredibly gooey and comforting essence!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking. While the oven heats up, prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with unsalted butter. This prevents sticking and allows your delicious Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding to slide out effortlessly once it’s done.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
Tear the sweet bread, such as brioche or challah, into 1-inch pieces and spread them evenly in the greased baking dish. Make sure each piece of bread is well distributed, as this will help soak up the custard evenly while baking. A good foundation of bread ensures a perfect texture throughout your pudding.
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 the mixture is smooth and creamy. This custard is the heart of your Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding, so make sure it’s well blended to achieve a rich and flavorful dessert.
Step 4: Soak the Bread
Pour the creamy custard mixture over the torn bread pieces, gently pressing down with a spatula to ensure every piece is fully submerged. Let the bread soak at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors. For even better results, refrigerate for 2 hours or up to overnight for a super moist pudding.
Step 5: Add Cream Cheese and Chocolate
Once the bread has soaked, gently fold in the cubes of cream cheese and one cup of dark chocolate chunks. Be careful not to overmix; you want lovely pockets of melted cream cheese and chocolate throughout the pudding, enhancing the decadent taste of your Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding.
Step 6: Bake the Pudding
Sprinkle the remaining dark chocolate on top of the bread mixture, creating a luscious, chocolatey layer. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the pudding is golden brown and has a slight jiggle in the center, indicating that it’s perfectly gooey.
Step 7: Cool Before Serving
Remove the Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding from the oven and allow it to cool for 15 to 20 minutes. This cooling period is crucial for setting the texture and making it easier to cut. The pudding will firm up slightly, giving you those perfect gooey bites that are so irresistible.
Storage Tips for Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding
Fridge: Store leftovers tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or an airtight container for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: To enjoy your Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding again, warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Best Practices: Always let the pudding cool completely before wrapping it for storage to minimize moisture buildup.
Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing this delightful recipe to suit your tastes!
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Chocolate Varieties: Swap in milk or white chocolate for a sweeter, creamier flavor profile that still delivers decadence.
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Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg can provide warm, cozy undertones that elevate your pudding to new heights.
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Nuts: Enhance texture by incorporating toasted pecans or walnuts. Their crunch will complement the creamy and gooey elements beautifully.
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Fruits: Toss in fresh or frozen cherries or raspberries for a delightful fruity burst. These pockets of juicy goodness add a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate.
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Flavor Infusions: Try adding a splash of espresso or amaretto to the custard for a sophisticated twist that enriches the overall flavor.
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Dairy-Free Option: Substitute dairy ingredients with almond milk and vegan cream cheese. Your dessert will still be creamy and delicious!
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Gluten-Free Twist: Use gluten-free bread as a base for inclusivity without sacrificing taste. It’s a great way to cater to dietary needs.
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Top It Off: Layer on some caramel sauce or a sprinkle of sea salt before baking. This will add a wonderful richness and enhance the indulgent experience.
For handy suggestions, consider pairing your pudding with a side of refreshing Cottage Cheese Flatbread or elevate your dessert experience with a drizzle of warm Desserts Espresso Cream. The possibilities are endless, so embrace the joy of customization!
Expert Tips for Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding
- Soak Overnight: Giving the bread a longer soaking time overnight results in unparalleled moistness and richer flavor.
- The Jiggle Test: Ensure the center has a slight jiggle when removing it from the oven. This indicates the perfect gooey texture in your Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding.
- Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on it; a golden-brown top with slightly firm edges is ideal, while the center should remain soft.
- Cooling Matters: Allow the pudding to rest for 15-20 minutes after baking. This step is essential for achieving the perfect cutting consistency without a runny center.
- Easier Cleanup: Line your baking dish with parchment paper before greasing to make cleanup a breeze; it prevents sticking and helps with serving as well.
What to Serve with Decadent Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding
When the aroma of chocolate and cream cheese fills the air, it’s time to dream up delightful pairings for a truly unforgettable dessert experience.
- Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Creamy and cold, it contrasts beautifully with the warm, gooey pudding, creating a perfect combination of temperatures.
- Raspberry Coulis: The tartness of raspberry adds a refreshing burst, balancing the richness of the chocolate and cream cheese.
- Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, a dollop on top enhances the dessert’s luxurious feel, making each bite even more delightful.
Serve alongside a steaming cup of coffee or a sweet dessert wine like dessert Riesling.
- Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: For the true chocolate lover, a rich drizzle not only elevates the flavor but also adds a visual appeal.
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries introduce a pop of freshness with each forkful, brightening the overall dish.
- Toasted Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a satisfying crunch, introducing a new texture to this decadently smooth pudding.
Make Ahead Options
These Decadent Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance, allowing you to enjoy hassle-free baking on busy days. Simply follow the recipe through the step where you add the custard to the bread, then cover it tightly and refrigerate. This soaking time enhances the flavors and ensures a rich, gooey texture when baked. When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle the remaining chocolate on top and bake directly from the fridge for 45 to 55 minutes. This method not only saves time but maintains the pudding’s delicious quality—just as indulgent and comforting as if it were made fresh!
Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right bread for my bread pudding?
Absolutely! For the best results, opt for sweet bread like brioche or challah. These types provide a rich flavor and have a soft texture that absorbs the custard without becoming mushy, ensuring a perfect pudding. Look for bread that is slightly stale as it soaks up the custard better.
What is the best way to store leftovers of chocolate & cream cheese bread pudding?
Indeed! Store your leftover chocolate & cream cheese bread pudding in an airtight container, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure that the pudding has cooled completely before wrapping it to minimize moisture buildup, which can affect the texture.
Can I freeze chocolate & cream cheese bread pudding?
Very! To freeze, cut the pudding into individual portions and place them in airtight containers. You can freeze them for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Enjoy the delicious texture!
What should I do if my bread pudding is too dry?
If you find your chocolate & cream cheese bread pudding is too dry, it may be due to under-soaking the bread or overbaking. For future attempts, ensure you soak the bread for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate it for up to overnight for maximum moisture absorption. Use the jiggle test to check for doneness—there should be a slight wobble left in the center when it comes out of the oven.
Are there any dietary considerations for the chocolate & cream cheese bread pudding?
Yes! If you’re concerned about allergies, check that everyone can enjoy the ingredients, particularly the eggs and dairy. For gluten-free options, you can use gluten-free bread as a substitute. Always be mindful of chocolate types, as some may contain traces of allergens. For added safety, consider consulting with your guests before serving.
Irresistible Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with unsalted butter.
- Tear the sweet bread into 1-inch pieces and evenly distribute in the prepared baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Pour the custard over the bread pieces and gently press down to submerge. Let soak for 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Fold in the cream cheese and dark chocolate gently to mix.
- Sprinkle remaining dark chocolate on top and bake for 45 to 55 minutes until golden brown with a slight jiggle.
- Cool for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.
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