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.

Chocolate Cream Cheese Bread Pudding: 7 Secrets for Success

Name: Chocolate Cream Cheese Bread Pudding
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound brioche or challah bread, torn into 1-inch pieces; 4 large eggs; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 8 ounces cream cheese, chilled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes; 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chunks or chips, divided; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, for greasing the dish

Description

A rich and decadent dessert featuring buttery brioche soaked in vanilla custard with pockets of tangy cream cheese and dark chocolate chunks.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound brioche or challah bread, torn into 1-inch pieces
4 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
8 ounces cream cheese, chilled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chunks or chips, divided
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, for greasing the dish

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with the unsalted butter.
Step 2: Tear the bread into 1-inch pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
Step 4: Gently fold the cream cheese cubes and 1 cup of chocolate chunks into the bread pieces.
Step 5: Pour the custard mixture over the bread and press down gently to ensure all bread is soaked; let rest for 30 minutes.
Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of chocolate chunks over the top.
Step 7: Bake for 45-50 minutes until the edges are golden and the center is set but slightly jiggling.

Notes

Using stale or slightly dried out bread allows for better custard absorption. Dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa is recommended for the best flavor balance.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 510 kcal
Sugar: 26g
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 31g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 11g
Cholesterol: 145mg

Description

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition

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