Introduction

This decadent chocolate and cream cheese bread pudding is the ultimate comfort dessert. It combines rich cream cheese cubes and gooey dark chocolate chunks with tender, soaked bread for a luscious treat that melts in your mouth. Perfect for cozy evenings or special occasions.

Decadent Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding: Gooey Perfection Recipe - Recipe Image

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 are fully submerged and absorb the liquid. Let it 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 stir in the cream cheese cubes and 1 cup of the 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 bread pudding.
Step 6: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly when gently shaken. Avoid overbaking to keep the gooey center.
Step 7: Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the creamy center to settle. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, substitute half the milk with additional heavy cream.
Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or orange zest to the custard for extra warmth and aroma.
Use different types of chocolate such as milk or white chocolate to suit your taste preferences.
Make ahead and refrigerate overnight after soaking; bring to room temperature before baking for convenience.

Storage

Store leftover bread pudding covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings gently in the microwave until warm and gooey, or bake the entire dish at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to refresh the texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread besides brioche or challah?

Yes, sweet and soft breads work best for bread pudding, but you can also use croissants or even sturdy white bread. Avoid dense or very dry breads for the best texture.

How do I know when the bread pudding is done baking?

The top should be golden brown and the center should be set but still slightly jiggly when you gently shake the pan. It will continue to set as it cools, so avoid overbaking to keep the gooey middle.

Decadent Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding: Gooey Perfection Recipe

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This Decadent Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding offers a rich, gooey dessert experience combining soft, soaked brioche bread with creamy cream cheese and dark chocolate chunks. The custard-soaked bread bakes into a golden-brown top with a luscious, slightly jiggly center that delivers comforting warmth and indulgent texture, perfect for any special occasion or cozy treat.

Author: Cleo
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes (including 2-hour soak time)
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Bread Base

1 loaf sweet bread (like brioche or challah), about 1 pound, torn into 1-inch pieces

Custard Mixture

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 1-inch pieces of sweet bread (brioche or challah) across the bottom of the dish, creating an even layer.
Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the 4 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread pieces in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread so that all pieces absorb as much custard as possible and are fully submerged. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or for best results, cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight to ensure a moist and gooey interior.
Add the Fillings: After soaking, gently fold in the 8 ounces of chilled cream cheese cubes and 1 cup of the dark chocolate chunks, distributing them evenly throughout the bread and custard mixture to combine flavors throughout the pudding.
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 uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly when gently shaken. Avoid overbaking to maintain the gooey texture, as the pudding will continue to set while cooling.
Cool and Serve: Remove the bread pudding from the oven and allow it to cool in the baking dish for at least 15 to 20 minutes. This resting period helps the creamy center to fully settle to the perfect gooey consistency. Serve warm for best enjoyment.

Notes

For the best gooey center, ensure the bread soaks adequately—between 30 minutes to overnight.
Do not overbake; the pudding should be slightly jiggly in the center when removed from the oven as it will firm up upon cooling.
Using high-quality dark chocolate chunks enhances the depth of flavor.
Chilling and cubing the cream cheese before adding helps maintain creamy pockets throughout the pudding.

Keywords: bread pudding, chocolate bread pudding, cream cheese dessert, decadent dessert, baked custard dessert, chocolate chunks, brioche dessert