As the aroma of warm, chocolatey goodness wafts through my kitchen, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia. This Decadent Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding is my go-to dessert for cozy gatherings or any time I crave something comforting and indulgent. Not only is it gloriously easy to whip up, but every spoonful delivers a blissfully gooey texture that’s hard to resist. With rich dark chocolate mingling with the tangy cream cheese, you’ll see how simple ingredients can transform into a crowd-pleaser that impresses every guest. Perfect for those nights when you want a little extra sweetness or when an unexpected guest arrives, this recipe can easily be adapted for gluten-free and dairy-free diets, just in case! So, are you ready to dive into a mouthwatering treat that brings warmth to any occasion? Let’s get started on this delicious journey together!
Why is This Bread Pudding Irresistible?
Gooey Texture: Each bite is a heavenly combination of creamy custard and chocolate, making it a true comfort food delight.
Effortless Preparation: With just a few steps, you can easily craft this masterpiece—even newbie cooks can impress their friends!
Versatile Flavors: Experiment with various chocolate types or even seasonal fruits like raspberries for endless flavor combinations.
Crowd Pleaser: Whether serving at a family gathering or a casual dinner with friends, this dish will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Make-Ahead Option: Prepare in advance and bake when you’re ready, making entertaining a breeze—think of it as a dessert that practically prepares itself! Indulge further with a delectable scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on top, or if you’re in the mood for something lighter, a drizzle of raspberry coulis pairs beautifully!
Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding Ingredients
For the Bread Pudding
• Sweet Bread (Brioche or Challah) – This luxurious bread serves as the pudding’s foundation, soaking up the custard without losing its structure.
• Large Eggs – Essential for binding everything together, contributing to the richness of the dessert.
• Whole Milk – Adds moisture and a delicate creaminess that makes each bite gooey.
• Heavy Cream – The secret to indulgence; it creates a rich, velvety texture within the bread pudding.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dish, perfectly balancing the flavors of the chocolate and cream cheese.
• Vanilla Extract – Elevates the overall taste profile with its warm, sweet notes.
• Salt – A tiny but mighty ingredient that enhances sweetness and elevates the flavors of chocolate and cream cheese.
• Cream Cheese – Provides a tangy creaminess; for optimal melting, cube it before mixing into the pudding.
• Dark Chocolate Chunks or Chips – Look for high-quality chocolate (60-70% cocoa) to create luscious gooey pockets throughout.
• Unsalted Butter – Use this for greasing the baking dish to keep your bread pudding from sticking.
For Serving Suggestions
• Vanilla Bean Ice Cream – For added decadence, serve warm with a scoop of this creamy delight.
• Raspberry Coulis – Drizzling this fruity sauce adds a fresh burst of flavor that complements the richness.
• Fresh Whipped Cream – Light and airy, this topping harmonizes beautifully with the gooey bread pudding.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Decadent Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the ideal baking temperature for your Decadent Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding, allowing it to cook evenly. While the oven heats up, gather your ingredients and get ready to transform simple components into a comforting dessert.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Take a 9×13 baking dish and generously grease it with unsalted butter to prevent sticking. This step is crucial for ensuring that your luscious bread pudding can be served without any hassle later on. Set the dish aside as you prepare the bread pieces for a perfect base.
Step 3: Tear the Bread
Now, tear your sweet bread (either brioche or challah) into 1-inch pieces, ensuring a rustic texture that will soak up the custard beautifully. Evenly scatter the torn bread in the greased baking dish, creating a cozy layer ready to absorb the rich custard mixture.
Step 4: Make the Custard Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creamy custard will be the heart of your delicious Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding, providing that indulgent gooey texture we all crave.
Step 5: Combine Bread and Custard
Gently pour the custard mixture over the bread pieces, taking care to evenly distribute it. Use your hands or a spatula to press the bread down gently so that each piece is well submerged in the liquid. Let the bread soak for a richer result, allowing it to absorb all those wonderful flavors.
Step 6: Soak the Bread
Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, or for an even better result, refrigerate for 2 hours (ideally overnight). This soaking time is essential for your bread pudding to achieve that perfect gooey consistency, ensuring an indulgent experience when baked.
Step 7: Add Cream Cheese and Chocolate Chunks
After soaking, stir in the cubed cream cheese and 1 cup of dark chocolate chunks, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture. This delightful addition will create pockets of melting chocolate and tangy cream cheese that elevate your Decadent Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding to the next level of deliciousness.
Step 8: Bake the Bread Pudding
Sprinkle any remaining chocolate chunks over the top of the mixture, and place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly puffed, and a gentle jiggle in the center indicates it’s perfectly set.
Step 9: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool for 15–20 minutes. This cooling period allows the flavors to meld beautifully while setting the pudding’s gooey interior, making it easy to slice and serve.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Now it’s time to enjoy your Decadent Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding! Consider serving it warm with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a drizzle of raspberry coulis, or a dollop of fresh whipped cream for an irresistible finishing touch.
Expert Tips for Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding
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Soaking Time Matters: Ensure the bread is fully saturated during the soaking period; insufficient soaking can lead to dryness in your dessert.
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Jiggle Check: When checking for doneness, perform the “jiggle test”—the center should slightly wobble when you shake the dish.
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Cooling is Key: Allow the bread pudding to cool for 15-20 minutes before serving. This step ensures a perfectly gooey, sliceable texture instead of a runny center.
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Use Quality Chocolate: For the best flavor, use high-quality dark chocolate chunks (60-70% cocoa) to create those indulgent, gooey pockets throughout the pudding.
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Make-Ahead Convenience: To simplify your prep, consider making the mixture a day in advance; cover tightly and refrigerate. Just let it come to room temperature before baking.
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Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to incorporate different chocolate types or seasonal fruits; this Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding can be customized to suit your taste!
What to Serve with Decadent Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding
This delightful dessert pairs perfectly with a variety of accompaniments that elevate the experience.
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Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: A scoop of this creamy delight adds a refreshing contrast to the warm pudding, enhancing its indulgence. The rich flavors meld beautifully, creating a decadent treat.
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Raspberry Coulis: This tangy raspberry sauce brings a burst of fruity brightness that cuts through the chocolate richness, enriching every spoonful of pudding. The contrasting flavors dance on your palate, making it feel extra special.
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Fresh Whipped Cream: Light as a cloud, a dollop of whipped cream adds a silky touch, perfectly complementing the gooey texture of the bread pudding. It’s like a soft hug in dessert form!
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Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: For true chocolate lovers, a warm drizzle of chocolate sauce intensifies the dessert’s richness and adds luxurious layers of flavor.
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Mixed Berries: A medley of fresh berries not only adds vibrant color to your plate but also offers juicy sweetness that balances the dense pudding.
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Toasted Nuts: Sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch that contrasts the soft custard, adding a touch of warmth with their nutty flavor.
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Coffee or Espresso: A steaming cup of coffee complements the chocolate beautifully, enhancing its depth and creating a comforting finish to your meal. It’s a match made for cozy evenings.
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Mint Tea: A soothing cup of mint tea refreshes the palate after every rich bite, making it an excellent drink choice to pair with dessert. It’s like a gentle breath of fresh air!
Make Ahead Options
These Decadent Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Puddings are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the custard mixture and soak the bread up to 24 hours in advance, covering the dish tightly with plastic wrap to keep it fresh. To maintain that luscious gooey texture, allow the bread pudding to chill in the refrigerator overnight. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply stir in the cream cheese and chocolate chunks, then bake straight from the fridge—no need to bring it back to room temperature. This makes entertaining a breeze, letting you serve a warm and comforting dessert with minimal last-minute effort!
Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding Variations
Feel free to let your creative side shine with these delightful twists on your Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding! Each variation adds its own unique flavor and texture, ensuring every bite is a new experience.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute regular bread with gluten-free brioche or challah to suit dietary needs, without sacrificing that delightful gooeyness.
- Dairy-Free: Use almond or oat milk combined with coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free option that’s still rich and creamy.
- White Chocolate Surprise: Swap dark chocolate for white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier flavor that pairs beautifully with cream cheese.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle in some toasted pecans or walnuts for an added layer of texture and a delightful crunch with each spoonful.
- Fruit-Filled Delight: Fold in seasonal fruits like raspberries or cherries before baking for a burst of fresh flavor that elevates the whole dish.
- Cinnamon Twist: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the custard for a warm, inviting spiciness that complements the chocolate.
- Espresso Infusion: Mix in a tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the custard for a coffee-kissed twist that enhances the chocolate experience.
- Caramel Drizzle: For an indulgent finish, drizzle some salted caramel sauce over the finished bread pudding for a decadent touch that ties it all together.
Explore these variations to create your own signature version! And if you’re looking for more sweet ideas, check out my delicious Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake or the rich and creamy Honey Cream Cheese for delightful combinations!
Storage Tips for Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding
Fridge: Cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, slice the bread pudding into individual portions, wrap each piece tightly, and freeze for up to 1 month.
Reheating: To enjoy your Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding again, heat in the microwave for 30–60 seconds, or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Serving After Storage: Allow to cool before enjoying, as this dessert is best served warm to highlight its gooey texture and rich flavors.
Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe FAQs
What type of sweet bread is best for this recipe?
I recommend using brioche or challah as they absorb the custard wonderfully while retaining their structure. Look for bread that feels soft and fresh, with a slightly golden color. Avoid stale bread, as it may not soak up the custard as efficiently.
How can I store leftover chocolate & cream cheese bread pudding?
To keep it fresh for up to 3-4 days, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. If you want to save it for longer, slice it into individual portions, wrap each piece, and freeze for up to 1 month! Just remember to let it cool completely before storage to avoid condensation.
Can I freeze chocolate & cream cheese bread pudding?
Absolutely! To freeze, slice the cooled bread pudding into portions, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. This way, you can enjoy a delicious serving whenever you crave a sweet treat, up to 1 month later.
What if my bread pudding turns out too dry?
If your chocolate & cream cheese bread pudding isn’t as gooey as you’d like, it might not have soaked long enough. Ensure you let it absorb the custard for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or 2 hours in the fridge (overnight is best!). Also, make sure you’re using quality sweet bread that can soak up the custard effectively.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Yes! For a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free bread to substitute the sweet bread. To make it dairy-free, swap out whole milk and heavy cream for plant-based alternatives, and use dairy-free cream cheese. Don’t forget to check your chocolate options as some may contain milk!
How should I reheat leftover bread pudding?
To enjoy your delicious chocolate & cream cheese bread pudding again, simply heat it in the microwave for 30–60 seconds per slice, or warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. Enjoy it warm to enhance its gooey texture!
Decadent Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding to Swoon Over
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9x13 baking dish with unsalted butter.
- Tear the sweet bread into 1-inch pieces and scatter it in the greased baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Pour the custard mixture over the bread and gently press to ensure all pieces are submerged.
- Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate for 2 hours (ideally overnight).
- Stir in cubed cream cheese and dark chocolate chunks evenly.
- Bake the pudding in the preheated oven for 45–55 minutes, until golden brown and slightly puffed.
- Cool before serving for 15–20 minutes.
- Serve warm with vanilla bean ice cream, raspberry coulis, or fresh whipped cream.
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