A Decadent, Comforting Dessert

There’s nothing quite like Chocolate Bread Pudding—rich, warm, and packed with deep chocolate flavor. But when you drizzle it with a silky bourbon sauce, it transforms into an indulgent, restaurant-quality dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or cozy nights in.

I love this recipe because it’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and turns stale bread into a masterpiece. The chocolate custard soaks into the bread, creating a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture, while the bourbon sauce adds just the right amount of warmth and sweetness.

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Q: What’s the best bread for bread pudding?

Use day-old brioche, challah, or French bread for the best texture. Stale bread absorbs the custard better, giving you a rich and creamy pudding.

Q: Can I make this without bourbon?

Yes! You can substitute the bourbon with vanilla extract, rum extract, or just leave it out for a non-alcoholic version.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the bread pudding up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. The bourbon sauce can also be made ahead and reheated before serving.

Q: Can I use chocolate chips instead of chopped chocolate?

Yes! Chocolate chips or chunks work great in this recipe. Dark or semisweet chocolate will give the best flavor.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 10 minutes or microwave individual servings for 30 seconds.

What You Need to Make Chocolate Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce

For the Chocolate Bread Pudding:

• 6 cups stale brioche or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 6 oz dark chocolate, chopped (or 1 cup chocolate chips)

For the Bourbon Sauce:

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup bourbon
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

How to Make Chocolate Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce

Step 1: Prep the Bread and Custard

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Place the bread cubes in the baking dish and sprinkle the chopped chocolate evenly over the top.

Step 2: Make the Custard

3. In a saucepan, heat heavy cream and milk over medium heat until warm but not boiling. Remove from heat.
4. In a bowl, whisk together sugars, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Slowly whisk the warm milk mixture into the eggs (tempering) to avoid scrambling.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

6. Pour the custard evenly over the bread and gently press down to soak the bread.
7. Let sit for 15-20 minutes to absorb.
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.

Step 4: Make the Bourbon Sauce

9. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and heavy cream until smooth.
10. Add bourbon, vanilla extract, and salt, stirring until slightly thickened (about 5 minutes).

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

11. Drizzle the warm bourbon sauce over the bread pudding and serve immediately!

Tips for the Best Chocolate Bread Pudding

✔ Use stale bread – This helps absorb the custard without becoming mushy.
✔ Don’t skip resting time – Let the bread soak for at least 15 minutes before baking.
✔ Want a boozy kick? – Add a splash of bourbon to the custard mixture for extra depth.
✔ Prefer it less sweet? – Use dark chocolate and reduce the sugar slightly.
✔ For extra richness – Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Reader Reviews

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma L. – “The bourbon sauce took this over the top! So rich and decadent, definitely making again!”

🌟🌟🌟🌟 James K. – “I used challah bread, and it was amazing! The bread pudding was soft but not soggy—perfect texture!”

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Samantha W. – “This was a hit at my dinner party. The chocolate and bourbon sauce combination is chef’s kiss!”

🌟🌟🌟🌟 Lucas R. – “A great way to use up stale bread! I skipped the bourbon, and it was still delicious.”

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Jessica T. – “So easy to make! I added a little espresso powder to the custard for an extra chocolatey depth—highly recommend!”

Printable Recipe

Chocolate Bread Pudding With Bourbon Sauce

Yield: 10

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

This Chocolate Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce is a rich, decadent dessert made with stale bread, creamy chocolate custard, and a warm bourbon sauce—perfect for any occasion!

Print

Ingredients

• For the Chocolate Bread Pudding:
• 6 cups stale brioche or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 6 oz dark chocolate, chopped (or 1 cup chocolate chips)
• For the Bourbon Sauce:
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup bourbon
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Bread and Custard

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Place the bread cubes in the baking dish and sprinkle the chopped chocolate evenly over the top.

Step 2: Make the Custard

1. In a saucepan, heat heavy cream and milk over medium heat until warm but not boiling. Remove from heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together sugars, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Slowly whisk the warm milk mixture into the eggs (tempering) to avoid scrambling.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the custard evenly over the bread and gently press down to soak the bread.
2. Let sit for 15-20 minutes to absorb.
3. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.

Step 4: Make the Bourbon Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and heavy cream until smooth.
2. Add bourbon, vanilla extract, and salt, stirring until slightly thickened (about 5 minutes).

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

1. Drizzle the warm bourbon sauce over the bread pudding and serve immediately!

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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!

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