If you’re searching for a dessert that strikes the perfect balance of cozy nostalgia and decadent indulgence, look no further than Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce. The custardy bread pudding, studded with melty morsels of chocolate, gets lavishly finished with a silky vanilla cream sauce that makes every bite taste like pure comfort. Whether it’s a family gathering, a chilly evening in, or a special treat just because, this classic is sure to steal the show — and your heart!

Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in bringing out the best flavor and sublime texture. You’ll find that these staples, from hearty bread to rich cream, combine effortlessly for a truly memorable dessert.

Day-old French bread (6 cups cubed): This is the backbone of the pudding; dry bread soaks up the custard, giving the dessert its signature soft-yet-structured texture.
Whole milk (2 cups): Adds moisture and richness to help make the custard delightfully creamy.
Heavy cream (1 cup for pudding + 1 cup for sauce): Ensures the pudding and sauce are both silky and extra luscious. Don’t skip it!
Large eggs (4): Essential for setting the custard — they bind everything together and create that spoonable, custardy bite.
Granulated sugar (¾ cup for pudding + ¼ cup for sauce): Sweetens the mix without overwhelming, letting vanilla and chocolate really shine.
Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon for pudding + 1 teaspoon for sauce): Brings a fragrant warmth that elevates the flavors throughout.
Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon): A hint of spice adds a homey touch and deepens the flavor profile.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Just a pinch wakes up all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
Semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup): These become gooey pockets of happiness in every bite — use good quality for best results.
Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons for greasing + 1 tablespoon for sauce): Not just for flavor, butter helps achieve a golden, lightly crisp bottom and a satiny sauce.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): This thickens the cream sauce so it’s pourable but lush, not runny.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Preheat the Oven

Begin by turning your oven on to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot and ready when you need it. Use the unsalted butter to generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, making sure every nook is covered — this prevents sticking and gives the pudding edges a little extra flavor.

Step 2: Make the Custard Base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream (for the pudding), eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and the sugar and spices are fully incorporated. This sumptuous custard will be what transforms your bread cubes into something magical.

Step 3: Soak the Bread

Add those rustic cubes of day-old French bread into your custard. Gently stir so every piece is coated, then let the mixture sit for 10 to 15 minutes. This rest is key — it gives the bread time to absorb the custard, ensuring your Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce is tender all the way through.

Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips and Assemble

Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips, distributing them throughout for cheerful bursts of chocolate in every bite. Pour everything into your prepared baking dish and smooth it out for an even top. Don’t forget to scrape the bowl so you get every last drop of custard and chocolate!

Step 5: Bake

Slide the baking dish into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the top is golden brown, the center feels set, and your kitchen smells absolutely heavenly. A knife inserted in the middle should come out mostly clean, but with a few moist crumbs is just right.

Step 6: Make the Cream Sauce

While the pudding bakes, turn your attention to the cream sauce. In a small saucepan, whisk together heavy cream, sugar, and cornstarch over medium heat. Keep whisking — as the mixture heats up, it will begin to thicken and gently bubble. Remove it from the heat, then add the butter and vanilla, stirring until the sauce is silky-smooth and glossy. This easy cream sauce turns your Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce into something truly unforgettable.

Step 7: Serve

Spoon the warm chocolate chip bread pudding onto plates or shallow bowls and shower each serving with a generous pour of the warm cream sauce. Serve immediately, and watch it disappear!

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce

Garnishes

For a little bakery-style flair, shower your Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce with a touch of powdered sugar, a scattering of extra chocolate chips, or even a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries add color and a fresh, tangy contrast.

Side Dishes

This bread pudding is rich, so it shines as the star of the dessert table. If you want to round out your spread, try serving it alongside a platter of fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For something a bit lighter, a cup of robust coffee or a soothing herbal tea pairs perfectly and lets all those cozy flavors sing.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, bake the pudding in individual ramekins for cute, single-serve portions. Or layer bite-sized cubes in parfait glasses with extra cream sauce and berries for a show-stopping trifle. You can even turn leftovers into a decadent breakfast by topping with toasted nuts and a splash of cream sauce!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce stores beautifully in the refrigerator. Let leftovers cool to room temperature, cover tightly, and chill for up to 3 days. Store the cream sauce in a separate airtight container for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

If you need to freeze your bread pudding, simply cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. For convenience, slice into individual portions before freezing — just remember to freeze the cream sauce in a separate container.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw the pudding overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Warm slices in the oven at 325°F, covered loosely with foil, until heated through. Gently reheat the cream sauce in a small pan or in the microwave, whisking often to bring back its silky texture before serving over the pudding.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! While French bread offers a perfect sturdy base, brioche or challah make for an even richer, more tender Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce. Just be sure to use day-old bread for best results!

What if I don’t have chocolate chips?

No chocolate chips on hand? Chop up a bar of semisweet or dark chocolate instead. You can even experiment with white or milk chocolate for a fun twist on classic Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce.

Can I make this cream sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cream sauce up to two days ahead. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and gently reheat before serving, whisking to restore its smoothness.

Is it possible to make Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce dairy-free?

You can substitute your favorite dairy-free milk and cream alternatives, such as oat or coconut, and use dairy-free chocolate chips and vegan butter. The flavor and texture will be slightly different, but still delicious!

How do I know when the bread pudding is fully cooked?

The pudding is ready when the top is golden brown and the center feels set but not dry — a knife inserted should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs sticking. If you like a slightly softer pudding, take it out at the earlier end of the baking range.

Final Thoughts

Few desserts are as comforting and universally loved as Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce. It’s a recipe I come back to whenever I want to make people feel right at home. If you’ve never tried making it, give it a go — I promise you’ll find yourself returning to this classic time and time again!