Chocolate & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding: A Decadent Dessert

Chocolate and cream cheese bread pudding is a luxurious twist on a classic comfort dessert. Cubes of day-old bread are soaked in a rich custard and layered with cream cheese and chocolate chips, creating a tender, creamy interior with pockets of melty chocolate and tangy cream cheese. The finished dish is warm, indulgent, and perfect for special occasions or cozy nights in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Decadent flavor – Cream cheese and chocolate create a rich, indulgent dessert.
Comforting texture – Custardy, soft bread with creamy pockets throughout.
Easy to make – Simple mixing and baking yield impressive results.
Customizable bread choice – Works with brioche, challah, or French bread.
Make-ahead friendly – Can be prepared in advance and baked when needed.
Versatile serving – Delicious on its own or with toppings like whipped cream or chocolate sauce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Bread Pudding Base

6 cups day-old bread, cubed – Provides structure and absorbs the custard
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips – Adds rich chocolate flavor
8 oz cream cheese, softened – Creates creamy pockets throughout
4 large eggs – Binds the custard together
2 cups whole milk – Adds creaminess to the custard
1 cup heavy cream – Enhances richness
¾ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the dessert
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth of flavor
½ teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor

Optional Toppings

Powdered sugar – For dusting
Whipped cream – Adds creaminess
Chocolate sauce – For drizzling and extra indulgence

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven – Set to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the bread and chocolate – Toss cubed bread with chocolate chips in a large bowl until evenly distributed.
Make the cream cheese mixture – Beat softened cream cheese until smooth and set aside.
Prepare the custard – Whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined.
Combine mixtures – Pour custard over the bread, folding gently to soak all pieces. Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese into the mixture to create pockets, without fully blending.
Bake the pudding – Spread mixture evenly in the prepared dish and bake for 45–50 minutes, until the top is golden and a knife inserted comes out clean.
Cool and serve – Let cool 10–15 minutes, then serve warm, optionally dusted with powdered sugar, whipped cream, or drizzled with chocolate sauce.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Use day-old bread – Slightly stale bread absorbs custard better than fresh bread.
Cream cheese pockets – Don’t overmix; leave distinct pockets for texture contrast.
Check doneness – Knife should come out clean but the custard should still be soft.
Even chocolate distribution – Toss chips with bread to prevent clumping.
Serving suggestion – Serve warm for maximum indulgence.
Make-ahead – Assemble ahead, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Nutritional Information

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8–10
Calories: ~400–450 calories per serving (estimated)

Perfect Pairings

Vanilla ice cream – Adds creamy contrast to the warm pudding
Espresso or coffee – Complements the rich chocolate flavor
Fresh berries – Adds tartness and freshness
Caramel or chocolate sauce – Enhances sweetness and presentation

Ideal Occasions

Holiday brunches – A decadent centerpiece dessert
Dinner parties – Impress guests with a comforting treat
Birthday or celebration dessert – Easy yet luxurious option
Cozy nights in – Perfect indulgence with a warm beverage

Storage & Serving Tips

Refrigerate leftovers – Keep in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Reheat gently – Microwave or oven at low temperature to warm servings.
Assemble ahead – Can be prepped and baked later for convenience.
Top just before serving – Whipped cream or sauces stay fresh and decorative.

Creative Variations to Try

Add nuts – Chopped pecans or walnuts for texture.
Swap chocolate – Use dark or white chocolate for flavor variety.
Fruity twist – Fold in berries or dried fruit.
Spiced custard – Add cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Pudding too runny – Bake slightly longer to fully set.
Top burns before center cooks – Cover with foil midway through baking.
Cheese pockets sink – Drop spoonfuls carefully and do not overmix.
Bread too dry – Ensure cubes are not overly stale; slightly firm is best.

Why This Recipe Works

This bread pudding works by combining a custard that soaks evenly into bread cubes while cream cheese pockets provide creamy bursts of flavor. Chocolate chips melt into the bread, creating indulgent pockets of richness, while the custard sets into a tender yet structured dessert. Baking at moderate temperature ensures a golden top and fully cooked interior. Each serving provides roughly 400–450 calories, making it a decadent yet satisfying treat.

Final Thoughts

Chocolate and cream cheese bread pudding is a comforting, indulgent dessert that elevates classic bread pudding with rich cream cheese and melty chocolate. Its combination of textures and flavors makes it ideal for entertaining or cozy family dinners. With simple ingredients and easy assembly, this dessert delivers impressive results without complex techniques, and optional toppings allow for added elegance and personal flair.