Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of dark chocolate chunk bread pudding, a dessert that perfectly balances the deep flavors of dark chocolate with the comforting taste of challah bread. This delightful treat is perfect for any occasion, offering a sophisticated yet simple way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
When preparing this recipe, you may need to visit a supermarket for challah bread, a traditional Jewish bread that is light and slightly sweet, perfect for soaking up the flavors in the pudding. Also, ensure you have dark chocolate, which adds a rich, intense flavor, and unsweetened cocoa, which provides depth without additional sweetness.
Ingredients For Dark Chocolate Chunk Bread Pudding
challah bread: A light and slightly sweet traditional Jewish bread perfect for soaking up flavors.
1% reduced-fat milk: A lower-fat option that still adds creaminess to the pudding.
sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the bitterness of the dark chocolate and cocoa.
unsweetened cocoa: Provides a deep, rich chocolate flavor without extra sweetness.
vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet, aromatic essence.
large egg: Acts as a binding agent to give the pudding its structure.
cooking spray: Prevents the bread pudding from sticking to the ramekins.
dark chocolate: Adds rich, chunky bits of intense chocolate flavor.
fat-free whipped topping: A lighter option to add a creamy finish when serving.
One reader, Karrah Jacoby says:
This dark chocolate chunk bread pudding is divine! The rich cocoa flavor combined with the creamy texture is pure comfort. Easy to make and absolutely delicious, it's a perfect dessert for any occasion. Highly recommend!
Techniques Required for Making Dark Chocolate Chunk Bread Pudding
How to toast bread: Arrange bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees F for 5 minutes or until toasted. How to combine ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together milk, sugar, unsweetened cocoa, vanilla, and egg until well mixed. How to coat bread: Add the toasted bread to the milk mixture, tossing gently to ensure all pieces are coated. How to use a water bath: Place ramekins in an 8-inch square baking pan and add 1 inch of hot water to the pan before baking. How to bake in ramekins: Divide the bread mixture and chocolate between ramekins and bake at 325 degrees F for 35 minutes or until set.
How To Make Dark Chocolate Chunk Bread Pudding
Take on this easy baked bread pudding customized by adding heaps of dark chocolate. Indulge yourself in this chocolatey sweet and heartwarming treat!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1¾cupschallah bread,cut into ½ inch cubes, no crust
- ⅔cup1% reduced-fat milk
- 2tbspsugar
- 1½tbspunsweetened cocoa
- ½tspvanilla extract
- 1large egg,lightly beaten
- Cooking spray
- 1ozdark chocolate,coarsely chopped, Green & Black’s 70% dark
- 2tbspfat-free whipped topping,optional
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
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Arrange bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes or until toasted.
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Remove bread from oven; decrease oven temperature to 325 degrees F.
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In a medium bowl, combine milk, sugar, unsweetened cocoa, vanilla, and egg, stirring well with a whisk.
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Add bread, tossing gently to coat. Cover and chill 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
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Divide half of the bread mixture evenly between 2 6-ounce ramekins coated with cooking spray; sprinkle evenly with half of the chocolate.
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Divide remaining bread mixture between ramekins; top with remaining chocolate.
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Place ramekins in an 8-inch square baking pan; add 1 inch of hot water to pan.
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Bake at 325 degrees F for 35 minutes or until set. Serve warm with 1 tablespoon whipped topping.
Nutrition
- Calories: 401.05kcal
- Fat: 16.47g
- Saturated Fat: 6.99g
- Trans Fat: 0.08g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.08g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.92g
- Carbohydrates: 51.58g
- Fiber: 4.25g
- Sugar: 21.46g
- Protein: 12.81g
- Cholesterol: 128.99mg
- Sodium: 278.93mg
- Calcium: 179.23mg
- Potassium: 378.03mg
- Iron: 4.31mg
- Vitamin A: 123.73µg
- Vitamin C: 0.16mg
Crucial Technique for Perfecting Dark Chocolate Chunk Bread Pudding
To ensure your bread pudding has a rich and deep chocolate flavor, use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content. This will provide a more intense taste and a smoother texture when melted. Additionally, when toasting the challah bread, make sure to keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning, which can lead to a bitter taste.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Bread Pudding Recipe
Toast the bread ahead: Toast the challah bread in advance and store it in an airtight container to save time on baking day.
Pre-mix the custard: Combine the milk, sugar, unsweetened cocoa, vanilla, and egg the night before and refrigerate.
Use a microwave: Melt the dark chocolate in the microwave for quicker preparation.
Chill efficiently: Place the bread mixture in the freezer for 15 minutes instead of chilling for 30 minutes to speed up the process.
Double the recipe: Make a larger batch and freeze individual portions for quick reheating later.
Substitute Ingredients For Dark Chocolate Chunk Bread Pudding Recipe
challah bread - Substitute with brioche bread: Both are rich, slightly sweet breads that will provide a similar texture and flavor.
1% reduced-fat milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a lower-calorie, dairy-free alternative that will still provide the necessary moisture.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and a slightly different flavor profile.
unsweetened cocoa - Substitute with carob powder: Carob powder is a caffeine-free alternative that mimics the flavor of cocoa.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor to the dish.
large egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: A mixture of 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal and 3 tablespoons water can replace an egg, making the recipe vegan-friendly.
cooking spray - Substitute with butter: Butter can be used to grease the baking dish and will add a richer flavor.
dark chocolate - Substitute with semi-sweet chocolate: Semi-sweet chocolate will provide a similar depth of flavor and sweetness.
fat-free whipped topping - Substitute with coconut whipped cream: Coconut whipped cream is a dairy-free alternative that offers a similar light and fluffy texture.
Presentation Ideas for Dark Chocolate Chunk Bread Pudding
Use high-quality ramekins: Select elegant, oven-safe ramekins to bake the bread pudding. This will elevate the presentation and ensure even baking.
Garnish with fresh mint: Add a small sprig of fresh mint on top of the whipped topping for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Drizzle with chocolate sauce: Lightly drizzle a rich dark chocolate sauce over the bread pudding just before serving to enhance the visual appeal and flavor.
Add a dusting of powdered sugar: Sift a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top of the bread pudding for a touch of elegance and sweetness.
Serve on a decorative plate: Place the ramekins on a beautifully designed plate, perhaps with a subtle pattern or color that complements the chocolate tones.
Incorporate edible flowers: Add a few edible flowers around the ramekin on the plate to bring a sophisticated and colorful element to the presentation.
Use a contrasting napkin: Place the plate on a napkin with a contrasting color to make the dish stand out and add a touch of luxury.
Include a small spoon: Serve with a dainty, polished spoon that fits the ramekin perfectly, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Highlight the layers: Ensure the bread pudding is layered beautifully in the ramekin, with visible chunks of dark chocolate peeking through to entice the diner.
Serve immediately: Present the bread pudding warm, straight from the oven, to ensure the chocolate is melted and the dish is at its most aromatic and inviting.
Essential Tools for Making Bread Pudding with Dark Chocolate Chunks
Oven: Used to preheat and bake the bread pudding at specified temperatures.
Baking sheet: Used to arrange and toast the bread cubes.
Medium bowl: Used to combine milk, sugar, unsweetened cocoa, vanilla, and egg.
Whisk: Used to stir the milk, sugar, unsweetened cocoa, vanilla, and egg mixture.
Ramekins: Used to divide and bake the bread mixture.
Cooking spray: Used to coat the ramekins to prevent sticking.
8-inch square baking pan: Used to hold the ramekins and water bath during baking.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the milk and bread.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the sugar, cocoa, vanilla, and whipped topping.
Knife: Used to chop the dark chocolate into chunks.
Hot water: Used to create a water bath in the baking pan.
Refrigerator: Used to chill the bread mixture for 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Bread Pudding
- Let the bread pudding cool completely to room temperature before storing or freezing.
- To store in the refrigerator, cover the ramekins tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the pudding to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the bread pudding:
- Wrap the ramekins securely with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or transfer the pudding to a freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid.
- Label the container with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
- To reheat the refrigerated or frozen bread pudding:
- If frozen, thaw the pudding overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Remove the plastic wrap from the ramekins or container.
- Place the ramekins or container on a baking sheet and cover loosely with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, it may take a bit longer.
- Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed to your liking.
- Serve the reheated bread pudding warm, topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
How To Reheat Leftover Bread Pudding
To reheat leftover dark chocolate chunk bread pudding, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pudding in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture and prevent the pudding from drying out.
Another option is to use the microwave. Place a single serving of the pudding on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 30-60 seconds, depending on the strength of your microwave. Check the pudding after 30 seconds and continue heating in 10-second intervals until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the pudding to become rubbery.
For a crispy top, you can reheat the pudding in the oven as mentioned above, but remove the foil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. This will allow the top to crisp up slightly, giving you a nice contrast of textures.
If you find that the pudding has dried out a bit during storage, you can add a splash of milk or cream before reheating. This will help to rehydrate the bread and restore some of the original texture.
For a quick and easy treat, cut the cold bread pudding into bite-sized pieces and serve it as a snack or dessert. The combination of rich chocolate and tender bread is delicious, even when served cold.
Interesting Trivia About Dark Chocolate Chunk Bread Pudding
A unique aspect of this dark chocolate chunk bread pudding recipe is the use of challah bread, which adds a rich, slightly sweet flavor and a tender texture that complements the dark chocolate perfectly.
Is Making Bread Pudding with Dark Chocolate Chunks Cost-Effective?
This dark chocolate chunk bread pudding recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Using challah bread and basic pantry staples like milk, sugar, and cocoa, it keeps costs low. The most expensive ingredient is the dark chocolate, but only a small amount is needed. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $8-$10.
Is Dark Chocolate Chunk Bread Pudding Healthy or Unhealthy?
This dark chocolate chunk bread pudding recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. Here's a breakdown:
Healthy elements:
- Using reduced-fat milk and fat-free whipped topping helps lower the overall fat content
- Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and has potential health benefits when consumed in moderation
- Challah bread, while not whole grain, does contain some nutrients like protein and fiber
Unhealthy elements:
- The recipe contains added sugar, which can contribute to excessive calorie intake and potential health issues if consumed in large quantities
- Unsweetened cocoa, while beneficial, is used in a small amount compared to the bread and milk
- The cooking method (baking) and the use of egg and milk create a dish that is calorie-dense and high in carbohydrates
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the challah bread with a whole grain variety to increase the fiber content and provide more nutrients
- Reduce the amount of added sugar or use a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey in moderation
- Increase the proportion of dark chocolate to bread to boost the antioxidant content while maintaining a satisfying taste
- Use a plant-based milk alternative, such as almond or coconut milk, to reduce the overall calorie and fat content
- Serve the bread pudding with fresh fruit, like berries or sliced pears, to add more vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the dish
Editor's Opinion on This Decadent Bread Pudding
This dark chocolate chunk bread pudding recipe offers a delightful balance of rich cocoa and creamy textures. Using challah bread ensures a tender, yet sturdy base that absorbs the chocolate-infused custard beautifully. The layering of dark chocolate chunks adds depth and indulgence, while the fat-free whipped topping provides a light, airy contrast. Baking in a water bath ensures even cooking and a smooth, custard-like consistency. Overall, it's a sophisticated yet approachable dessert, perfect for chocolate lovers seeking a comforting treat.
Enhance Your Dark Chocolate Chunk Bread Pudding Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Dark Chocolate Chunk Bread Pudding Recipe:
This dark chocolate chunk bread pudding recipe is a delightful blend of rich dark chocolate and challah bread. The use of unsweetened cocoa and vanilla extract ensures a deep, complex flavor, while the fat-free whipped topping adds a light, creamy finish. The step-by-step instructions are easy to follow, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. Trust this recipe for a comforting, indulgent dessert that is sure to impress.
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