Chocolate Chip Holiday Bread Pudding Recipe : Easy & Decadent Dessert

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There’s something magical about transforming day-old bread into a luxurious dessert that brings everyone to the table. This Chocolate Chip Holiday Bread Pudding is the ultimate comfort food rich, custardy, studded with melty chocolate chips, and baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert, or simply want to elevate your bread pudding game, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

Perfect for using leftover challah or brioche, this homemade bread pudding combines simple pantry staples with rich cream and butter to create a dessert that’s both nostalgic and indulgent. The hint of cinnamon adds warmth, while the chocolate chips melt into pockets of gooey goodness throughout. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an unforgettable treat your family will request year after year.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding

This recipe stands out for its simplicity and incredible texture. Unlike other desserts that require precise techniques, bread pudding is forgiving and flexible. The custardy interior contrasts beautifully with the slightly crisp, caramelized top, creating layers of flavor and texture in every bite. It’s also a fantastic way to reduce food waste by transforming stale bread into something spectacular.

The combination of whole milk and heavy cream creates an ultra-rich custard that soaks into every bread cube, while the chocolate chips add bursts of sweetness. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this super moist banana bread alternative or rather, this best bread pudding will become your go-to recipe for special occasions and cozy weeknight desserts alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating the perfect bread pudding starts with quality ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Large eggs (room temperature)	5	Provides structure and richness
Unsalted butter (melted)	¼ cup	Adds buttery flavor and moisture
Granulated sugar	½ cup	Sweetens the custard
Salt	¼ teaspoon	Enhances flavors
Vanilla extract	2 teaspoons	Adds aromatic depth
Whole milk	2 cups	Creates creamy custard base
Heavy cream	¾ cup	Adds luxurious richness
Ground cinnamon	¾ teaspoon	Provides warm spice notes
Challah (cubed)	13 ounces	Absorbs custard perfectly
Chocolate chips	10 ounces	Adds chocolate indulgence

Ingredient Notes

Bread Selection: Challah is ideal for this recipe because of its slightly sweet flavor and soft texture, but brioche or French bread work beautifully too. Day-old or slightly stale bread actually works better than fresh because it absorbs the custard without becoming mushy.

Room Temperature Eggs: This is crucial! Cold eggs can cause the melted butter to solidify, creating greasy pockets instead of a smooth custard. Let your eggs sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting.

Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips both work wonderfully. You can even mix in some white chocolate chips for variety. Using quality chocolate chips makes a noticeable difference in flavor.

Essential Kitchen Equipment

Having the right tools makes preparation effortless. You’ll need:

• Mixing bowls for combining ingredients
• Whisk or electric mixer for blending the custard
• Measuring cups and spoons set for accuracy
• Chef’s knives and cutting board for cubing bread
• 11-inch round or 8×12-inch casserole dish (you can also use baking sheets lined with parchment for individual servings)
• Kitchen utensils for stirring and serving
• Oven preheated to 350°F

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). While it’s heating, spray an 11-inch round or 8-inch x 12-inch casserole dish with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and ensures easy serving later.

Step 2: Create the Custard Base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 5 large eggs, ¼ cup melted unsalted butter, ½ cup granulated sugar, ¼ teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 2 cups whole milk, ¾ cup heavy cream, and ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon. Whisk thoroughly until everything is well combined and the mixture is smooth. An electric mixer can speed up this process, but a traditional whisk works perfectly fine.

Step 3: Add Bread and Chocolate

Gently stir in 13 ounces of cubed challah bread and 10 ounces of chocolate chips. Make sure every bread cube gets coated with the custard mixture. Let this sit for about 2-3 minutes to allow the bread to start absorbing the liquid.

Step 4: Transfer to Pan

Pour the entire mixture into your prepared casserole dish. Use a spatula from your kitchen utensils set to spread everything evenly and press down gently so all the bread is submerged.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 50-60 minutes, or until the custard is fully set and the top is golden brown. The internal temperature should reach at least 170°F (77°C). You’ll know it’s done when a knife inserted in the center comes out mostly clean and the pudding doesn’t jiggle excessively.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the bread pudding to cool for 30 minutes before slicing. This cooling period lets the custard firm up, making it easier to cut clean slices. Serve warm with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or caramel sauce.

Pro Tips for the Best Results

Tip 1: Cube your bread into uniform 1-inch pieces for even custard absorption and consistent texture throughout.

Tip 2: If your bread is fresh, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and toast them in a 250°F oven for 10-15 minutes to dry them out slightly.

Tip 3: Don’t skip the resting time after mixing! Letting the bread soak in the custard for a few minutes before baking creates a more cohesive texture.

Tip 4: Cover the top loosely with foil for the first 30 minutes if it’s browning too quickly, then uncover for the final 20-30 minutes.

Tip 5: Use a kitchen scale to measure your bread for the most accurate results.

Serving Suggestions

This Chocolate Chip Holiday Bread Pudding is incredibly versatile. Serve it warm as the star of your holiday breakfast or brunch table. For dessert, pair it with vanilla bean ice cream that melts into the warm custard. A drizzle of homemade caramel sauce or chocolate ganache takes it to the next level.

For an elegant presentation, dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh berries. Leftover bread pudding can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheated in the microwave or oven for a quick treat.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or warm in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. The texture remains deliciously custardy even after refrigeration.

Variations to Try

Fruit & Nut: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts and ½ cup of dried cranberries for a festive twist.

Triple Chocolate: Use chocolate challah or add cocoa powder to the custard, then top with white and dark chocolate chips.

Bourbon Bread Pudding: Add 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the custard for an adult version.

Individual Servings: Divide the mixture among greased ramekins and reduce baking time to 25-30 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the bread pudding up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

What if I don’t have challah?
Brioche, French bread, croissants, or even day-old sandwich bread work wonderfully. The key is using a bread with a soft texture that can absorb the custard well.

Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes, though whole milk provides the richest flavor. You can substitute 2% milk or even unsweetened almond milk, but the texture may be slightly less creamy without the heavy cream component.

How do I know when it’s done?
The custard should be set with just a slight jiggle in the center. Insert a knife or toothpick in the middle it should come out mostly clean. The internal temperature should read at least 170°F.

Can I freeze bread pudding?
Yes! Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.

Why is my bread pudding soggy?
This usually happens when too much liquid is added or the bread hasn’t had time to absorb the custard properly. Make sure to bake until the internal temperature reaches 170°F and allow proper cooling time.

Why This Recipe Works

The magic of this bread pudding lies in the ratio of ingredients. Five eggs provide enough structure to set the custard without making it rubbery, while the combination of milk and cream creates a luxurious, velvety texture. The melted butter adds richness and helps create those golden, slightly crispy edges that contrast beautifully with the soft interior.

Challah’s slightly sweet, eggy bread perfectly complements the custard, and its sturdy texture holds up during soaking and baking. The chocolate chips don’t just add flavor they create pockets of melted chocolate throughout, making every bite different and exciting.

Perfect for Any Occasion

While this recipe shines during the holidays, it’s perfect year-round. Make it for Mother’s Day brunch, Easter breakfast, or a cozy Sunday dessert. It’s also an excellent potluck contribution because it travels well and can be served at room temperature or warmed up on-site.

Kids absolutely love the chocolate chips, making this a family-friendly dessert that pleases all ages. The simple ingredient list means you can whip this up without a special grocery run, and the straightforward technique makes it accessible even for novice bakers.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Chip Holiday Bread Pudding proves that the best desserts don’t have to be complicated. With just a few quality ingredients and basic kitchen equipment, you can create a memorable dessert that rivals anything from a fancy bakery. The rich custard, tender bread, and melty chocolate chips come together in perfect harmony.

Whether you’re using up leftover bread, planning a special breakfast, or need a show-stopping dessert, this recipe delivers every time. The warm spices, creamy texture, and chocolate indulgence make it the ultimate comfort food. Give it a try this holiday season your family will thank you!

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