Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dessert is a luscious combination of soft, custardy bread and melty chocolate, topped with a buttery bourbon sauce that elevates every bite. It’s easy to make with basic ingredients and a great way to use up day-old bread. Perfect for both special occasions and indulgent everyday treats.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Stale bread, cubed
- Whole milk
- Eggs
- Sugar
- Unsalted butter
- Vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon
- Salt
- Semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- Bourbon
directions
- Preheat the oven and butter a baking dish.
- Soak the bread cubes in milk until fully absorbed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the egg mixture over the soaked bread and gently fold in chopped chocolate.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Drizzle melted butter over the top.
- Bake until set and golden brown.
- While baking, prepare the bourbon butter sauce by simmering butter, sugar, bourbon, and water until smooth.
- Serve the warm bread pudding with a generous drizzle of bourbon butter sauce.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 10 to 12 people. Prep time is about 20 minutes, baking time is 45 minutes, and the sauce preparation takes about 10 minutes.
Variations
- Substitute white chocolate or dark chocolate for semi-sweet chocolate.
- Add nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
- Use flavored bread like brioche or cinnamon raisin for added depth.
- Replace bourbon with rum or omit alcohol entirely for a kid-friendly version.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an even more indulgent dessert.
storage/reheating
Store leftover bread pudding covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30–45 seconds or warm larger amounts in the oven at 300°F until heated through. Store bourbon butter sauce separately and reheat gently before serving.
FAQs
Can I make chocolate bread pudding ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a day ahead, refrigerate it, and bake it fresh when needed.
What type of bread works best?
Day-old French bread, brioche, or challah works wonderfully for this pudding.
Can I leave out the bourbon?
Yes, you can omit the bourbon or substitute it with vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic sauce.
How do I know when the bread pudding is done?
The pudding should be puffed up and set in the center, and a knife inserted should come out clean.
Can I use milk alternatives like almond or oat milk?
Yes, but whole milk gives the richest texture.
How strong is the bourbon flavor?
The bourbon flavor is present but balanced with the buttery sweetness of the sauce.
Can I freeze the bread pudding?
Yes, freeze it without the sauce for up to 2 months; thaw and reheat before serving.
Is there a substitute for semi-sweet chocolate?
Bittersweet or milk chocolate can be used depending on your taste preference.
Can I add fruit to the bread pudding?
Yes, dried fruits like cherries or raisins pair well with chocolate.
How should I store the bourbon butter sauce?
Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week and reheat before using.
Conclusion
Chocolate Bread Pudding with Bourbon Butter Sauce is a decadent, comforting dessert that’s both nostalgic and luxurious. Whether you’re making it for a holiday, a party, or just a special night in, this dessert will wow everyone with its rich flavors and irresistible texture. Give it a try and enjoy the warm, sweet comfort in every bite.
Print
Chocolate Bread Pudding
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Warm, rich, and utterly indulgent, this Chocolate Bread Pudding with Bourbon Butter Sauce combines custard-soaked bread, melted chocolate chunks, and a luscious buttery bourbon drizzle. Perfect for cozy nights, celebrations, or making any occasion feel special.
Ingredients
Stale bread, cubed
Whole milk
Eggs
Sugar
Unsalted butter
Vanilla extract
Ground cinnamon
Salt
Semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
Bourbon
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven and butter a baking dish.
-
Soak cubed bread in milk until fully absorbed.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
-
Pour the egg mixture over the soaked bread and gently fold in chopped chocolate.
-
Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish.
-
Drizzle melted butter over the top.
-
Bake until golden brown and set (about 45 minutes).
-
Meanwhile, prepare the bourbon butter sauce by simmering butter, sugar, bourbon, and water until smooth and combined.
-
Serve the bread pudding warm with a generous drizzle of bourbon butter sauce.
Notes
Use sturdy, day-old bread like French bread, brioche, or challah for best texture.
For a kid-friendly version, omit the bourbon and add a touch more vanilla.
Add nuts, dried fruits, or substitute different chocolates to personalize the dessert.
Serve with vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Bread pudding can be assembled a day ahead and baked when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
