Soft, chocolate-soaked bread baked until golden, this warm dessert delivers deep comfort with every spoonful.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep: 15 min
Cook: 40 min
Total: 55 min
Ingredients
4 cups day-old bread, cut into cubes
2 cups whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
⅓ cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
2 oz dark chocolate, chopped
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp salt
1 tbsp butter, for greasing
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously butter a baking dish so the pudding releases easily after baking.
Scatter the bread cubes evenly in the dish, making sure they form a loose, even layer that can absorb the custard.
In a saucepan over low heat, warm the milk, cream, cocoa powder, and chopped chocolate, stirring until smooth and fully melted, then remove from heat.
Whisk the eggs, sugar, vanilla, and salt in a bowl, then slowly pour in the warm chocolate mixture while whisking to create a silky custard.
Pour the custard evenly over the bread, pressing gently so every piece is soaked, then let rest 5 minutes.
Bake until the top is lightly set and the center stays soft and spoonable, then cool slightly before serving warm.
Nutrition Facts (approx)
Calories: 390 | Protein: 9g | Carbs: 42g | Fat: 20g
Quick Facts
• baked comfort dessert
• cold weather favorite
• nostalgic and cozy
• great use for leftover bread
• serve warm or room temp
Tips
- Use slightly stale bread, it absorbs the custard better and gives a richer texture.
- Warm the chocolate mixture gently, overheating can dull the flavor.
- Let the pudding rest briefly after baking so the custard sets without drying out.
Variations
Add depth by mixing a pinch of cinnamon into the custard. It brings a warm undertone that blends naturally with chocolate and adds a subtle twist. If you enjoy traditional desserts with a rich finish, the Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pudding brings a stovetop classic to your table.
Change the texture by folding in chocolate chunks before baking. It gives pockets of melted chocolate throughout the pudding, making each bite feel indulgent. For a cozy dessert with that same melt-in-your-mouth quality, the Hot Chocolate Pudding Cups are another simple option worth trying.
For a more dessert-forward finish, bake the pudding in individual ramekins. It creates crisp edges and a soft center in every portion. To round it out, serve with a warm mug of Thick European-Style Hot Chocolate for a double hit of chocolate comfort.