Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that transforms the humble bread pudding into a luxurious chocolate lover's dream! This Chocolate Challah Bread Pudding is not just a dessert; it's a magical fusion of rich, velvety chocolate and traditional Jewish baking that will transport your taste buds to a world of pure comfort and indulgence. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a spectacular homemade dessert, this recipe promises to be your new obsession.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: Jewish
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf challah bread
- 300ml milk
- 200ml heavy cream
- 4 eggs
- 150g sugar
- 200g dark chocolate chips
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously butter a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cut the challah bread into 1-inch cubes. Allow bread cubes to sit out for 15-20 minutes to slightly dry out, which helps absorb the custard better.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth and well combined.
- Fold in half of the dark chocolate chips into the custard mixture.
- Arrange the challah bread cubes in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, gently pressing down to help the bread absorb the liquid. Let it sit for 10 minutes to soak.
- Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips over the top of the bread pudding.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. The pudding will set as it cools.
- Optional: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Tips
- Bread Selection: Use day-old challah for the best texture. If fresh, let bread cubes dry out slightly to help them absorb the custard more effectively.
- Chocolate Matters: Use high-quality dark chocolate chips for a rich, intense flavor. The better the chocolate, the more decadent your pudding will be.
- Custard Consistency: Whisk the custard ingredients thoroughly to ensure a smooth, even mixture that coats the bread evenly.
- Soaking Time: Allow the bread to soak in the custard for at least 10 minutes before baking to maximize flavor absorption.
- Baking Technique: Covering the dish with foil for the first part of baking prevents burning and ensures even cooking.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or a chocolate sauce drizzle for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dessert can be prepared in advance and reheated, making it perfect for entertaining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 160mg
