Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding: A Decadent Dessert

Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding is a rich, comforting dessert that transforms simple day-old bread into a luxurious treat. Soft pockets of cream cheese and melted chocolate chips are enveloped in a creamy custard, baked until golden and lightly puffed. This dessert is indulgent, yet approachable, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and indulgent – Cream cheese and chocolate create decadent flavor.
Comfort food classic – Warm, custardy bread pudding for cozy moments.
Pockets of creaminess – Swirled cream cheese adds texture and flavor bursts.
Simple ingredients – Uses pantry staples with easy preparation.
Customizable toppings – Powdered sugar, whipped cream, or chocolate sauce enhance presentation.
Perfect for leftovers – Can be made with day-old bread for zero waste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Bread Pudding

6 cups day-old bread, cubed – Brioche, challah, or French bread for a tender base
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips – Adds richness and pockets of melted chocolate
8 oz cream cheese, softened – For creamy, decadent swirls
4 large eggs – Binds the custard and sets the pudding
2 cups whole milk – Adds creaminess
1 cup heavy cream – Enhances richness and custard texture
¾ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the custard
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds flavor depth
½ teaspoon salt – Essential seasoning

Optional Toppings

Powdered sugar – For dusting
Whipped cream – For serving
Chocolate sauce – For drizzling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven – Set to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the bread – In a large bowl, combine cubed bread and chocolate chips, tossing to distribute evenly.
Make the cream cheese mixture – Beat 8 oz softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy; set aside.
Prepare the custard – Whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, and salt until well combined.
Combine the mixtures – Pour custard over the bread and chocolate chips, folding gently so all bread is soaked. Spoon cream cheese mixture over the top in pockets; don’t fully blend.
Bake – Spread evenly in the prepared dish and bake for 45–50 minutes, until top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve – Let rest 10–15 minutes. Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar, with whipped cream, and optionally drizzle with chocolate sauce.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Bread choice – Brioche or challah gives the creamiest, softest texture.
Custard soaking – Ensure bread cubes are fully coated for a uniform custard.
Swirl technique – Use a spoon or knife to create visible cream cheese pockets without overmixing.
Chocolate chips – Semi-sweet balances the custard’s sweetness; milk chocolate is a softer alternative.
Leftovers – Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently.
Serving suggestion – Warm slices pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Nutritional Information

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8–10
Calories: ~400 per serving (estimated)

Perfect Pairings

Vanilla ice cream – Enhances richness and contrast
Coffee or espresso – Complements the chocolate flavor
Fresh berries – Adds a fruity balance
Whipped cream – Lightens each bite and adds creaminess

Ideal Occasions

Holiday gatherings – Perfect for Christmas or Thanksgiving
Dinner parties – Elegant yet simple to make ahead
Family dessert night – Crowd-pleasing comfort food
Celebrations – Birthdays or special occasions

Storage & Serving Tips

Store airtight – Keeps the pudding moist for 2–3 days in the fridge.
Reheat gently – Microwave or oven with a splash of milk for creaminess.
Prep ahead – Assemble earlier in the day; bake when ready to serve.
Garnish before serving – Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle chocolate for visual appeal.

Creative Variations to Try

Add nuts – Chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
Use flavored bread – Cinnamon swirl or chocolate bread adds depth
Fruit addition – Stir in berries or diced apples for a fruity twist
Spice it up – A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg enhances warmth

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Bread too dry – Slightly stale bread works best; avoid very hard, dried-out pieces.
Custard too runny – Ensure eggs and cream ratio is correct; fold gently.
Cream cheese sinks – Drop mixture in spoonfuls on top to maintain swirls.
Undercooked center – Bake until knife inserted comes out clean; may need extra 5 minutes depending on oven.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of day-old bread, custard, and cream cheese creates a moist, tender pudding with pockets of creamy indulgence. Chocolate chips melt into sweet pockets, complementing the richness of the custard, while baking at 350°F ensures a golden top with slightly crisp edges. The swirled cream cheese provides texture contrast, making every bite decadent. At roughly 400 calories per serving, this dessert is indulgent but can be enjoyed in moderation.

Final Thoughts

Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding is a luxurious yet approachable dessert that transforms everyday ingredients into a show-stopping treat. Its creamy custard, rich chocolate, and luscious cream cheese pockets make it perfect for family meals or special occasions. Easy to customize with toppings or fruits, it’s a dessert that impresses with both flavor and presentation.