Filled with luscious chocolate and crunchy pecans, it delivers the perfect balance of creamy texture and bold flavor. Top it with a silky chocolate sauce for an extra layer of indulgence, and if you’re feeling fancy, garnish with chocolate-dipped strawberries. It’s an impressive yet easy dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients for Decadent Chocolate Bread Pudding
Dark Chocolate Bread Pudding:
- 1 loaf French or Italian bread
- 4 eggs, slightly beaten
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (10 milliliters)
- 2 cups sugar (400 grams)
- 1 stick butter, melted (1/2 cup or 115 grams)
- 4 cups half-and-half or heavy whipping cream (960 milliliters)
- 1 cup chopped pecans (120 grams)
- 1 cup slightly sweet or semi-sweet chocolate chips (175 grams)
Chocolate Sauce:
- 1 package slightly sweet or semi-sweet chocolate chips, 12 ounces (340 grams)
- 1 stick butter (1/2 cup or 115 grams)
- 1 to 1 1/4 cups half-and-half or heavy whipping cream (240-300 milliliters)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 milliliters)
- Strawberries, dipped in chocolate for garnish
How to Make Decadent Chocolate Bread Pudding
- Prepare the Bread: Tear the loaf of bread into small chunks. For the best results, let the bread sit for several hours or overnight to become slightly stale. Place the pieces in a large bowl and cover with a dish towel until ready to use.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the slightly beaten eggs, sugar, half-and-half (or cream), and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add Melted Butter: Melt the butter in the microwave and slowly incorporate it into the sugar mixture, stirring continuously.
- Combine with Bread: Pour the wet mixture over the bread chunks and gently stir to ensure all pieces are evenly coated.
- Add Chocolate and Pecans: Fold the chocolate chips and chopped pecans into the bread mixture, distributing them evenly.
- Soak the Bread: Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the bread to fully absorb the liquid.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33-centimeter) pan and pour the bread mixture into it.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the pudding is set but not overdone.
- Cool Slightly: Allow the bread pudding to cool slightly while you prepare the chocolate sauce. Wait to make the sauce until the pudding is ready to serve to prevent it from hardening.
- Make the Chocolate Sauce: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and butter, checking and stirring every 30 seconds.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract once the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
- Incorporate Cream: Gradually add the half-and-half (or cream) in 1/4-cup (60-milliliter) increments, stirring well after each addition. Microwave for an additional 30 seconds as needed until the sauce reaches your desired drizzling consistency.
- Optional Garnish: Dip strawberries into the chocolate sauce and place them on wax paper to dry.
- Serve: Portion the bread pudding into bowls, drizzle generously with the warm chocolate sauce, and top each serving with a chocolate-dipped strawberry for an elegant touch.
This decadent chocolate bread pudding is a dessert lover’s dream. The combination of creamy bread pudding, rich chocolate sauce, and crunchy pecans makes it a standout treat for any special occasion or casual gathering. Customize it with your favorite toppings, and enjoy the compliments that are sure to follow. Whip up this indulgent dessert today and savor every luscious bite!
