Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce Recipe

Imagine cozying up to a dish that magically combines nostalgia and indulgence—a pan of Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce. This old-fashioned comfort dessert becomes something truly special once luscious chocolate chips and a dreamy, warm cream sauce enter the mix. Soft cubes of soaked French bread bake up golden and custardy, dotted with sweet chocolate surprises in every bite, then crowned with silky drizzles of vanilla cream. Whether you serve it for a celebratory dinner or a rainy afternoon treat, this irresistible pudding will have everyone asking for seconds.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce so spectacular? The answer is simple: quality, everyday ingredients used at their very best. Each one not only enhances taste and texture but also blends together for that rich, comforting flavor everyone loves.

• Day-old French bread: Slightly stale bread soaks up the custard perfectly, holding its shape but yielding a soft, pillowy texture.
• Whole milk: Adds creamy richness and a tender crumb to the pudding.
• Heavy cream: Makes the custard luscious and gives the cream sauce its dreamy body.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together, creating a velvety, classic pudding texture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the bread pudding and the cream sauce just enough to let the chocolate shine.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, soothing aroma and enhances all the dessert’s flavors.
• Ground cinnamon: Lends subtle spice and depth, cozying up with the chocolate and custard.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the complexity in every bite.
• Semisweet chocolate chips: Pockets of melty chocolate elevate this humble classic to showstopper status.
• Unsalted butter: Melted over the top for a glorious golden finish and extra richness.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Taking a moment to prep your pan makes serving a breeze and ensures the pudding comes out perfectly golden without sticking.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard Together

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until everything looks smooth and inviting. This custard is the soul of the Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce—rich, aromatic, and just sweet enough.

Step 3: Soak the Bread

Add the cubed, day-old French bread right into the bowl with your custard. Gently toss until every bit is coated, then pause for 10–15 minutes. Letting the bread rest gives it time to soak up all that creamy goodness, turning humble cubes into a decadent base.

Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Once the bread has absorbed the liquid, fold in the semisweet chocolate chips. Distribute them evenly so that every serving boasts gooey, melty chocolate in each bite.

Step 5: Transfer and Top with Butter

Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Drizzle melted unsalted butter evenly over everything—this gives the pudding a glossy finish and unforgettable flavor.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Set

Slide the dish into your oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is puffed, golden, and the center no longer jiggles. Your kitchen will smell completely irresistible!

Step 7: Make the Cream Sauce

While the bread pudding is baking, make the cream sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk constantly until thickened and smooth, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat, then stir in butter and vanilla. Serve warm—this luscious sauce is the crowning glory of Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let your pudding cool slightly—it will set further and slice more easily, while still staying warm. Spoon over that dreamy cream sauce and enjoy every last bite!

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce

Garnishes

Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce loves a few thoughtful finishing touches. Try a dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of shaved chocolate, or even a few extra chocolate chips melted on top while still warm. Fresh berries, a mint sprig, or a swirl of caramel sauce add festive color and flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair this dreamy dessert with simple sides that balance its richness. A scoop of vanilla gelato, a bowl of tart raspberries, or a few slices of poached pear create a lovely harmony on the plate and offer little refreshing bites between forkfuls of pudding.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try baking Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce in individual ramekins, then serve with sauce poured tableside. Layer servings in parfait glasses with whipped cream and fresh fruit for a modern twist. Or, cut cold leftovers into cubes, skewer them, and drizzle with warm cream sauce for bread pudding “fondue” at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture remains delightfully moist, and the flavors deepen, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert for busy weeknights or entertaining.

Freezing

To freeze, let the bread pudding cool completely, then wrap the dish tightly with a double layer of foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. The cream sauce is best made fresh, but you can freeze the pudding portion alone and rewarm when ready to serve.

Reheating

For best results, reheat slices in a 300°F (150°C) oven, covered with foil, until warmed through—about 15 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but go low and slow to keep the pudding moist. Reheat the cream sauce gently on the stove, whisking until smooth.

FAQs

Can I use another type Dessert

Absolutely! Brioche or challah are both wonderful substitutes if you’d like the Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce to be even richer. Just be sure the bread is slightly stale for the best texture.

Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap in your favorite non-dairy milk and cream alternatives, as well as dairy-free chocolate chips and plant-based butter. The final pudding will still come out delicious, though the flavor and texture will be slightly different.

How do I know when the bread pudding is done?

The pudding is ready when the top is golden and puffed, and the center barely jiggles when you nudge the dish. A knife inserted in the center should come out mostly clean with just a hint of moist crumb.

Can I prepare Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the pudding (without baking) and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 12 hours. When you’re ready, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, then proceed to bake and make the cream sauce as directed.

What can I add for an “adult” twist?

Try adding a splash of bourbon, rum, or even Irish cream to either the pudding mixture or, for extra flair, the cream sauce—just a tablespoon or two will deepen the flavor and make your Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce feel extra grown-up.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dessert that feels like a warm hug and a celebration all in one, Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce is it. With its melty chocolate, decadent custard, and luscious cream sauce, this recipe always wins hearts. So go ahead—gather your ingredients and treat yourself and those you love to a truly unforgettable dessert!

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