The Most Heavenly Chocolate Cream Cheese Bread Pudding That Will Melt Your Heart

January 26, 2026

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chocolate Cream Cheese Bread Pudding is the kind of dessert that feels like a warm, soulful embrace at the end of a long day. There is something profoundly magical about taking simple ingredients—bread, eggs, cream, and sugar—and transforming them into a sophisticated masterpiece that rivals the finest bakery offerings. This specific iteration takes the classic comfort of a traditional bread pudding and elevates it with the sharp, tangy contrast of cream cheese and the deep, brooding richness of high-quality dark chocolate.

The Legacy of Comfort Desserts

Historically, bread pudding was born from necessity, a way for households to utilize every scrap of bread to ensure nothing went to waste. In the modern kitchen, however, it has evolved into a canvas for culinary creativity. By integrating semi-sweet or dark chocolate, we move away from the humble origins and into the realm of luxury. The addition of cream cheese provides a cheesecake-like essence that balances the sweetness, ensuring every bite is complex rather than cloying. If you enjoy rich, bread-based treats, you might also find comfort in The Most Heartwarming Glazed Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Bread for Cozy Mornings, which shares that same aromatic, home-baked appeal.

A Multi-Sensory Experience

Imagine the aroma of vanilla and cocoa wafting through your home as this dish bakes. The top layer of the Chocolate Cream Cheese Bread Pudding develops a beautiful, slightly crisp crust where the sugar caramelizes against the bread, while the interior remains a custardy, gooey delight. The chocolate chunks melt into pools of silkiness, intermingling with the warm cream cheese. It is a texture lover's dream, offering soft, firm, and creamy elements in a single spoonful. This dish is not just food; it is an emotional experience designed to be shared with those you love.

Why You’ll Love It

You will fall in love with this Chocolate Cream Cheese Bread Pudding because it bridges the gap between two world-class desserts: the decadent chocolate cake and the classic New York cheesecake. The custard base is infused with vanilla, creating a neutral yet fragrant background that allows the dark chocolate to truly shine. Unlike many bread puddings that can become soggy, this recipe uses brioche, which maintains its structure, providing a satisfying chew even after soaking.

Perfect Balance of Flavors

The secret to its success is the balance. Dark chocolate provides a slight bitterness that prevents the sugar from becoming overwhelming. The cream cheese adds a bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the heavy cream and eggs. This synergy makes it a versatile dish, equally at home on a holiday brunch table as it is as a show-stopping finale to a formal dinner party. It is remarkably easy to assemble, yet the results look and taste like hours of professional effort. For another decadent chocolate experience, don't miss The Most Irresistible Easy Moist Chocolate Cake Recipe That Will Melt Your Heart.

Ingredients

To create the perfect Chocolate Cream Cheese Bread Pudding, you need high-quality ingredients that bring distinct character to the dish. Using cheap chocolate or thin bread will significantly alter the outcome. Focus on the fat content and the quality of the cocoa to ensure a restaurant-quality result.

Brioche or Challah Bread (1 lb): These enriched breads are essential for their buttery crumb and ability to absorb liquid without disintegrating.
Large Eggs (4): These provide the structure and richness for the custard.
Whole Milk (2 cups) & Heavy Cream (1 cup): This combination creates a velvety mouthfeel that is far superior to using milk alone.
Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Just enough to sweeten the custard without masking the chocolate.
Vanilla Extract (2 tsp) & Salt (1/4 tsp): Essential flavor enhancers that deepen the cocoa notes.
Cream Cheese (8 oz): Chilled and cubed for distinct pockets of tanginess.
Dark Chocolate (1 1/2 cups): Divided for mixing into the pudding and topping.

Notes and Substitutions

If you cannot find brioche, croissants make a fantastic and even more buttery substitute for your Chocolate Cream Cheese Bread Pudding. For the chocolate, I recommend dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa solids, but if you prefer a sweeter profile, milk chocolate chips work as well. If you are looking to lighten the dish, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the texture will be slightly less indulgent. Always ensure your eggs are at room temperature to help the custard emulsify more smoothly.

Equipment

Preparation is simple and requires only standard kitchen tools. You will need a 9x13 inch baking dish, preferably ceramic or glass for even heat distribution. A large mixing bowl is required for the custard, and a Quality Chef's Knife is essential for cubing the bread and cream cheese. A sturdy whisk and a spatula for folding complete the list.

Instructions

Following these steps carefully ensures that your Chocolate Cream Cheese Bread Pudding achieves the perfect ratio of custard to bread.

Step 1: Grease your baking dish generously with unsalted butter to prevent sticking and add a hint of flavor.
Step 2: Tear the brioche loaf into 1-inch pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl. Avoid cutting them perfectly; torn edges catch the custard better.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, and salt until completely smooth and the sugar has dissolved.
Step 4: Add the chilled cream cheese cubes and 1 cup of the chocolate chunks to the bowl of bread. Toss gently to distribute the ingredients.
Step 5: Pour the egg mixture over the bread. Use a spatula to gently press down on the bread, ensuring every piece is submerged. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
Step 6: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of chocolate chunks over the top of the pudding.
Step 7: Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the top is golden and the custard is set but still slightly wobbly in the very center.

The Importance of the Soak

The soaking phase is the most critical part of making Chocolate Cream Cheese Bread Pudding. If you rush this step, the interior of the bread cubes will remain dry, leading to a disconnected texture. By allowing the bread to rest in the liquid, the starches in the brioche swell and bond with the proteins in the cream, creating that signature custardy interior that makes bread pudding so beloved.

Pro Tips

For the absolute best Chocolate Cream Cheese Bread Pudding, use bread that is a day or two old. Stale bread is drier and therefore acts like a sponge, pulling in more custard. If your bread is fresh, you can lightly toast the cubes in a low oven for 10 minutes to dry them out. Another tip is to keep your cream cheese cubes as cold as possible before folding them in; this prevents them from melting into the custard too quickly, giving you those wonderful creamy bursts in the finished dish. Finally, always use a My Favorite Grill if you want to experiment with a smoky, outdoor-baked version of this classic dessert.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Serve your Chocolate Cream Cheese Bread Pudding warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of salted caramel sauce. It is best enjoyed fresh, but it stores remarkably well. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a low oven (300°F) to maintain the texture, as the microwave can make it a bit rubbery.

Creative Variations

You can vary this Chocolate Cream Cheese Bread Pudding by adding a cup of fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries for a fruity pop. Adding a tablespoon of orange zest to the custard creates a sophisticated 'chocolate orange' flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the cream cheese. For a crunchier texture, sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts over the top before the final 10 minutes of baking.

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Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	510 kcal
Protein	11g
Carbohydrates	48g
Fat	31g

Note: Nutrition information is an estimate based on standard ingredient values and may vary depending on the specific brands used.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Chocolate Cream Cheese Bread Pudding is a testament to the power of high-quality comfort food. Whether you are hosting a festive gathering or simply want to treat yourself to a decadent weekend bake, this recipe delivers on every front. The combination of molten chocolate, tangy cream cheese, and buttery brioche creates a flavor profile that is truly unforgettable. We hope you enjoy making and eating this as much as we do. Happy baking!

FAQs

What is the best bread for Chocolate Cream Cheese Bread Pudding?

The best bread is a high-fat, enriched dough like brioche or challah. These breads have a sturdy structure that can absorb the custard without falling apart, resulting in a perfectly soft yet distinct texture.

Can I make this bread pudding ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, letting the bread soak in the custard for at least 2 hours or even overnight in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld and the bread to fully hydrate, making the final result much richer.

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

The bread pudding is done when the edges are set and slightly puffed, but the center still has a slight jiggle. An internal temperature of 160u00b0F (71u00b0C) is a good indicator that the eggs have set safely.

Should the cream cheese be softened before adding it?

No, it is actually better to use chilled cream cheese cut into small cubes. This ensures that you get distinct, tangy pockets of cream cheese throughout the pudding rather than it blending entirely into the chocolate custard.

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The Most Heavenly Chocolate Cream Cheese Bread Pudding That Will Melt Your Heart