If you’re searching for a warm, gooey dessert that truly feels like a hug from the oven, you are going to fall head over heels for this Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce. Every bite is a nostalgic blend of tender, custardy bread, pockets of melty chocolate, and a silky cream sauce that takes it over the top. This recipe is pure comfort with a touch of decadence — perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth and sharing with those you love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of great bread pudding lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of kitchen staples, each bringing a special something to the table, you’ll turn humble bread into an irresistible treat packed with flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Day-old French bread (6 cups, cubed): Provides a sturdy crumb that soaks up all that luscious custard perfectly without turning to mush.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Delivers moisture and adds a light richness to the custard.
- Heavy cream (1 cup + 1 cup for sauce): Doubles up for both the pudding and sauce, infusing both with velvety, luxurious goodness.
- Large eggs (4): These act as the binder, setting the custard mixture so the pudding holds together beautifully.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup + 1/4 cup for sauce): Sweetens both the pudding and the sauce without overpowering the chocolate.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon + 1 teaspoon for sauce): Adds an inviting aroma and warmth, bringing out all the best in the chocolate and cream.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses gentle spice throughout the bread pudding.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Rounds out the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Melty, bittersweet bursts of chocolate in every bite!
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons melted + 2 tablespoons for sauce): Adds richness and helps keep everything moist and decadent.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce
Step 1: Prep the Dish and Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cut your day-old French bread into hearty 1-inch cubes; their texture is key for that perfect custardy bite. Lay them evenly in the prepared dish, making sure there’s space for the custard to soak in.
Step 2: Add the Chocolate Chips
Sprinkle the chocolate chips generously over the bread cubes, tucking some pieces between chunks so you’ll get surprises of melty chocolate throughout. This step is where the magic of Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce begins!
Step 3: Make the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk, 1 cup of heavy cream, eggs, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined and smooth. Pour this creamy mixture over the bread and chocolate chips, then press down gently to ensure every bit of bread is soaking up custardy goodness.
Step 4: Top and Rest
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top, adding a final layer of richness. Let the bread pudding sit for about 10 minutes. This pause allows the bread to absorb the custard so each bite is moist and tender all the way through.
Step 5: Bake the Bread Pudding
Bake the pudding uncovered for 45–50 minutes, until it’s puffed, golden brown, and set in the center. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is completely irresistible!
Step 6: Prepare the Cream Sauce
While the pudding is baking, make the silky cream sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the remaining heavy cream, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Whisk constantly until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Take it off the heat and get ready to pour this dreamy sauce over your warm Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the bread pudding is done, serve it warm, spooning over generous ribbons of cream sauce. Don’t be surprised if everyone runs to the table the moment you mention it’s ready!
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar, a scattering of extra chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans make this dessert pop. For ultimate wow factor, a swirl of whipped cream or a few fresh berries add extra color and flair.
Side Dishes
If you want to round out the experience, serve your Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce alongside fresh strawberries, a simple fruit salad, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Each side complements the warm pudding with a touch of freshness or a cooling contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking the pudding in individual ramekins for personalized treats, or use a round cake pan for a rustic presentation. Drizzle each serving with cream sauce at the table for extra drama. A drizzle of caramel or a splash of coffee liqueur in the sauce will make it even more memorable for adults.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover bread pudding (separated from the cream sauce) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The texture stays luxuriously soft, and the flavors deepen overnight, making next-day indulgence extra special.
Freezing
Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce freezes beautifully! Wrap cooled, baked pudding (without the sauce) tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze individual slices for easy, single-serve treats.
Reheating
To reheat, pop a serving in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or warm in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to keep it moist. Warm the cream sauce separately and pour it over just before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven experience.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! Brioche or challah are both fabulous options for Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce. They’re richer and make the pudding even more decadent and buttery.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pudding (minus baking) the night before, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as directed.
What’s the best way to keep the pudding from being soggy?
Letting the bread soak for about 10 minutes before baking helps. Using day-old bread (or even slightly toasted bread) means the cubes will absorb the custard but won’t break down, resulting in the perfect texture.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit?
Certainly! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or a handful of dried cherries or cranberries mix in beautifully with the chocolate chips for a flavorful twist on your Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce.
Is the cream sauce necessary?
While the pudding is delicious on its own, the cream sauce truly elevates the dish and adds luscious moisture. It’s worth the (minimal) extra effort for that signature finish!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like ending a meal with a bowl of warm, chocolate-studded comfort, and this Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce never fails to impress. It’s cozy, utterly delicious, and perfect for sharing—or savoring solo! Give this recipe a try and treat yourself to something truly special; you might just find a new favorite.
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Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent richness of this Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with a luscious Cream Sauce. This classic dessert combines the warmth of cinnamon, the sweetness of chocolate chips, and the velvety smoothness of a homemade custard, all topped with a luxurious cream sauce.
Ingredients
Bread Pudding:
- 6 cups day-old French bread cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Cream Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Bread Pudding: Place bread cubes in the dish, sprinkle chocolate chips over the top. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Pour the custard mixture over the bread, press gently to soak, drizzle melted butter on top, and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Bake: Uncovered for 45–50 minutes until golden brown and set.
- Make the Cream Sauce: In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, sugar, and butter. Cook until sugar dissolves and sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla.
- Serve: Warm bread pudding drizzled with cream sauce.
Notes
- Use brioche or challah for a richer flavor.
- Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the cream sauce for an adult twist.
- Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square with sauce
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 33 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
