Prepare your taste buds for a journey into indulgence with our Chocolate Cinnamon Bread Pudding, a divine symphony of rich chocolate, warm cinnamon, and velvety custard. This dessert is the epitome of comfort, a luscious treat that transcends the ordinary. Join us on this epicurean adventure as we guide you through the creation of a dessert that will undoubtedly become a cherished masterpiece in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 8 cups of cubed day-old bread (preferably brioche or challah)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
Instructions:
Step 1: Bread Cubes – Laying the Foundation of Decadence Begin by preparing the bread cubes, ensuring they are roughly 1-inch in size. Spread them evenly in a well-buttered baking dish, creating a foundation for the forthcoming symphony of flavors.
Step 2: Custard Creation – A Velvety Prelude In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisk the mixture over medium heat until it thickens into a luscious custard. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Harmonious Fusion – Binding Flavors Together Pour the custard over the prepared bread cubes, ensuring each piece is generously coated. Let the custard soak into the bread for about 15-20 minutes, allowing a harmonious fusion of flavors to develop.
Step 4: Chocolate Crescendo – Elevating the Experience Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks evenly over the bread and custard mixture, creating pockets of gooey, molten chocolate that will surprise and delight with every bite.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection – A Culinary Crescendo Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread pudding for 45-55 minutes or until the top is golden and the custard is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
Cook Notes:
- Experiment with different bread varieties to tailor the texture and flavor of the pudding to your liking.
- For an extra layer of richness, substitute some of the whole milk with additional heavy cream.
- Allow the bread pudding to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Variations:
- Nutty Symphony: Add a cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch and nutty undertones.
- Fruit Medley: Introduce a burst of freshness with a cup of dried fruit such as raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots.
- Boozy Elegance: Infuse sophistication by soaking the dried fruit in your favorite liqueur before adding it to the custard mixture.
Keto Versions:
- Swap the granulated sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit.
- Replace the whole milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk to reduce the carb content.
- Choose sugar-free chocolate chips or chunks to maintain the richness without compromising on ketosis.
Low Carb Versions:
- Opt for a low-carb bread alternative or use almond flour bread cubes to minimize carb intake.
- Experiment with a combination of heavy cream and unsweetened almond milk for a creamy, low-carb custard.
- Select a low-carb sweetener and unsweetened cocoa powder to adhere to a low-carb lifestyle.
As you indulge in the velvety richness of the Chocolate Cinnamon Bread Pudding, let each spoonful be a celebration of flavors that dance on your palate. This dessert is more than a sweet treat; it’s a testament to the artistry of combining simple ingredients into a masterpiece that brings joy with every bite.
May this recipe become a cherished favorite, gracing your table with its decadent presence during special occasions or moments when you simply crave a bit of indulgence. Share the love by serving this dessert to family and friends, and watch as smiles light up faces around the table. The Chocolate Cinnamon Bread Pudding is not just a dessert; it’s an experience that transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.
