Decadent Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe
This Decadent Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding is a rich and indulgent dessert that combines soft, sweet bread soaked in a creamy custard with luscious cream cheese cubes and rich dark chocolate chunks. Baked to golden perfection, it offers a gooey center and a perfectly set top, ideal for a comforting treat or a special occasion dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes (including soaking time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 loaf sweet bread (such as brioche or challah), about 1 pound, torn into 1-inch pieces
Custard
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Fillings
- 8 ounces cream cheese, chilled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chunks or chips, divided
Other
- Unsalted butter, for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with unsalted butter. Evenly scatter the torn bread pieces across the bottom of the dish to create an even layer.
- Make the custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Soak the bread: Pour the custard evenly over the bread pieces in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it is fully submerged and absorbs the custard. Let the bread soak at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight to achieve a moist, gooey interior.
- Add the fillings: After soaking, gently fold the chilled cream cheese cubes and 1 cup of dark chocolate chunks into the bread mixture, distributing them evenly throughout.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chunks evenly over the top of the pudding. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly when shaken gently, taking care not to overbake to preserve the gooey center.
- Cool and serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let the bread pudding cool for at least 15 to 20 minutes. This resting time allows the creamy center to firm up to the perfect gooey texture. Serve warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
- For best flavor and texture, use day-old brioche or challah bread.
- Refrigerating the soaked bread overnight deepens the custard flavor and enhances moistness.
- Do not overbake; the center should remain slightly jiggly before cooling to achieve the gooey texture.
- Serve warm with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgence.
- Make sure cream cheese cubes are chilled to prevent them from melting too quickly during baking.
Keywords: chocolate bread pudding, cream cheese dessert, custard bread pudding, chocolate chunks, brioche pudding, indulgent dessert
