Name: Decadent Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 3 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf (about 1 pound) sweet bread (like 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

Introduction

This Decadent Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding is a rich and comforting dessert that perfectly balances creamy, gooey texture with deep chocolate flavor. Made with tender sweet bread soaked in a luscious custard and studded with cream cheese and dark chocolate chunks, it’s an irresistible treat for any occasion.

A close-up view of a rich, flaky pastry with three visible layers: the top layer is golden brown, puffed, and sprinkled with dark chocolate chunks and chips, creating a crunchy texture; the middle layer shows a mix of airy pastry bread with melted dark chocolate spread inside; the bottom layer features creamy, gooey melted cheese, oozing out and mingling with more dark chocolate bits. The pastry rests on a white plate with chocolate chips scattered around its base, placed on a white marbled surface partially covered with an orange cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 loaf (about 1 pound) sweet bread (like 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

Instructions

Step 1: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter. Scatter the torn bread pieces evenly in the prepared dish.

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

Step 3: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread pieces to ensure they absorb the liquid fully. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 4: After soaking, gently fold in the cream cheese cubes and 1 cup of dark chocolate chunks, distributing them evenly throughout the bread mixture.

Step 5: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chunks over the top of the pudding. Bake for 45-55 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.

Step 6: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 15-20 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the center set to a creamy, gooey texture. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the custard to enhance the chocolate’s richness.

If you prefer a nuttier texture, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top before baking.

Substitute mascarpone for cream cheese for a slightly milder, creamier filling.

Use stale or day-old bread for better soaking and texture.

FAQs

Can I make this bread pudding ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pudding and refrigerate it overnight before baking. This not only saves time but also improves the texture as the bread soaks fully.

What kind of bread works best for this recipe?

Sweet breads like brioche or challah are ideal as they absorb the custard well and add a rich flavor. Avoid dense or crusty breads that won’t soak properly.