This chocolate chip bread pudding is classic comfort food—warm, gooey, and studded with chocolate. It’s simple to prepare: combine bread cubes with a milk-and-egg custard, fold in chocolate chips, and bake until set. In under an hour you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dessert that reheats well and can be customized to your taste.
Bread pudding with chocolate chips is an easy, satisfying dessert you can make from pantry staples. It’s a great way to use day-old or leftover enriched bread—such as challah, brioche, or other egg-enriched loaves—and the custard-soaked cubes become tender and luscious after baking.
The recipe adapts well to flavor variations: add cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth, a splash of vanilla or almond extract for depth, or swap in different types of chocolate. It also makes a convenient make-ahead dessert for busy evenings or gatherings.
We enjoy homemade bread in many forms, from crusty artisan loaves to savory feta bread and this comforting bread pudding. If you love chocolate, similar recipes like baked chocolate chip oatmeal also deliver that same cozy, chocolatey satisfaction.
Ingredients
Bread – Use challah or brioche for the best texture. These egg-enriched breads yield a tender, custardy pudding. High-quality white bread works in a pinch.
Whole Milk – Whole milk adds richness and helps create the custard-like texture that makes bread pudding so satisfying.
White Sugar & Brown Sugar – A mix of white and brown sugar balances sweetness and adds a touch of caramel-like depth from the brown sugar.
Eggs – Eggs bind the custard and provide structure, richness, and color.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavors of the custard and chocolate.
Salted Butter – Small pats of butter add flavor and a glossy finish; if you prefer unsalted, add a pinch of salt.
Semisweet Chocolate Chips – Semisweet chips give a balanced chocolate flavor that melts into pockets throughout the pudding.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding
Step One: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch (or similar) baking dish.
Step Two: Combine milk, eggs, sugars, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. You can blend these until smooth or whisk vigorously in a bowl.
Top Tip
If you don’t have a blender, whisk the custard well in a large bowl until combined.
Step Three: Place the bread cubes in a large bowl and pour the custard over them. Gently fold until all the cubes are moistened, taking care not to break them up too much.
Step Four: Fold in about two-thirds of the chocolate chips so the chocolate is distributed through the mixture.
Step Five: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top and dot with the small pieces of butter.
Step Six: Bake for about 40–45 minutes, until the custard is set but still slightly wobbly in the center and the edges are golden brown. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Variations
Nuts – Stir in chopped pecans, walnuts, or macadamia nuts for crunch, or sprinkle them on top before baking.
Different Chocolate – Use white, milk, dark chocolate chips, chocolate chunks, or flavored chips. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled pudding.
Dairy-Free – Substitute almond, oat, or coconut milk and omit the pats of butter for a dairy-free version.
Sugar-Free – Replace sugars and chocolate chips with sugar-free alternatives if desired.
Spices – Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice for seasonal warmth.
Extracts – Try almond or maple extract in place of some or all of the vanilla for a different profile.
Fruit – Swap chocolate for dried fruit (raisins, cranberries), fresh berries, or chopped apples, peaches, or pears for a fruit-forward pudding.
Common Questions
What to serve with chocolate chip bread pudding?
Whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream are classic accompaniments. You can also serve with a spoonful of caramel or raspberry sauce under or over the slice for added flavor.
How do I store bread pudding?
Store leftover bread pudding in the refrigerator because it contains milk and eggs. Reheat individual portions in the oven or microwave until warm.
Can I freeze bread pudding?
Yes. Freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy.
Recipe
Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding
Bread pudding with chocolate chips is warm, gooey, and full of chocolate. Ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
- 6 cups bread cubes (challah or brioche)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Combine milk, eggs, vanilla, sugars, and salt; whisk or blend until smooth.
- Fold in the bread cubes and about two-thirds of the chocolate chips.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Top with remaining chocolate chips and the butter pieces.
- Bake 40–45 minutes, until custard is set but slightly wobbly and the edges are browned. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Nutrition information is per serving; this recipe yields nine servings.
Want more dessert ideas?
Strawberry Shortbread Cookies
Banana Caramel Tart
Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls
Mini Egg Cookie Bars