Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Chocolate Bread Pudding


I suspect the kitchen version of planned obsolescence is leftovers for which there is a purpose. I made a loaf of chocolate bread last week and, while I knew the first few slices would be delicious with hazelnut spread, an expanded plan was also in order. There would, of course, be French toast but I was most anxious to see if the bread would work in an old-fashioned pudding. I wanted a simple dessert and I was determined to keep ingredients and calories to an absolute minimum. What follows is a really simple version of bread pudding with real chocolate flavor. I made the pudding twice; once with, and once without chocolate bread. While the flavor is more intense when the pudding has a chocolate base, I can happily report the recipe also works with a slightly stale white bread. The pudding is perfect for family and really good friends, but I wouldn't recommend it for occasions when you need to impress. This is a homely pleasure, best not served to the boss or queen.


Chocolate Bread Pudding

Ingredients:
5 to 6 cups chocolate or white bread, cut in 1-inch cubes
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups whole milk
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-1/2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Optional: whipped cream for garnish

Directions:
1) Preheat 350 degrees F. Place bread in a buttered 9 x 9-inch baking pan. Sprinkle with chocolate chips. Set aside.
2) Place eggs, milk, sugar, salt, vanilla, cocoa and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Whisk to combine. Pour over bread and mix gently. Let sit for 15 minutes.
3) Bake for 40 minutes until firm but not dry. Serve warm or at room temperature. Garnish with whipped cream if desired. Yield: 8 servings.

30 comments :

recipes2share said...

what a delightful way to use up 'leftovers'! I imagine you achieved a very intense chocolaty sensation with this!!

Ning said...

The kids would surely love this! I agree with you regarding advance planning of the leftovers. With this kind of dessert, I look forward to making chocolate bread now... :)

The Cooking Photographer said...

"Penny Tip: There's nothing worse than bad bread pudding! If properly made it is a glimpse of heaven." P96 Coupon Cookery by Prudence Penny 1943.

If bread pudding can only be one of two extremes, then yours needs a halo.

~Laura

theUngourmet said...

Oh Mary, this looks terrific! I think a queen would love it!

I love bread pudding! I make a pumpkin bread pudding in the fall.

noble pig said...

Wow, what a great use of the bread. It's the bread that keeps giving!

Selba said...

Very nice pic of chocolate bread pudding!!! I wish I could have a spoon of it :)

Katy ~ said...

Are you kidding me? My boss would love this! So would we!

Jamie said...

Oh, I have just pulled out my sister's recipe for chocolate bread pudding because I have so been craving it. But, man oh man, made with chocolate bread it must be fantastic! Yours looks so luscious and chocolaty. Now I do have to make it!

Julia said...

I love any kind of bread pudding! And the fact that you make it with chocolate and no nuts just has me drooling! Looks fabulous.

The other thing you could have used the leftovers for is babka.

Hootin Anni said...

I remember my favorite aunt making bread pudding....and how I loved the fragrance in her kitchen when it was baking in the oven. Mmmmm, mmmm, mmmm!! Now you tempt me with chocolate? Oh my.

Thank you kindly for dropping by and leaving your comment wishing Bud and me a happy anniversary. It meant a lot to me, truly. Happy Tuesday.

Heather S-G said...

Um, that looks absolutely delectible (sp?)...seriously, I want to scoop it by the spoonful into my drooling mouth :o...

Katherine Roberts Aucoin said...

What a tasty, wonderful way to re-purpose your chocolate bread! This looks so decadent and the bonus is how you get the calories down. Guilt-free eating pleasure!

NKP said...

Yum! I would have that for breakfast! (and not invite the queen..)

chow and chatter said...

wow delicious you really can cook

Joy Tilton said...

This has my name written all over it! Love bread pudding and the chocolate version is over the top. Can't wait to make this one, thanks for sharing!

Pam said...

Could anything taste better? This is my kind of bread pudding - it looks wonderful Mary.

Unknown said...

Wish I could take just one perfect bite!

If that happens, don't think you would have any left! Lol.

First time here. Nice blog.

Donna-FFW said...

I said MMMM out loud when I saw this.. Delicious picture.

The Blonde Duck said...

I just wrote an article for work about white chocolate bread pudding. I foresee bread pudding in my future...

Mary Bergfeld said...

Dammy, I'm so glad you found us. I hope you come back often.

Penny said...

Your picture looks heavenly. This has gotten me thinking about all of the many flavors that could be introduced to bread pudding. Has the book been written? You should write it if not.

La Bella Cooks said...

Oh wow! My husband is such a bread pudding nut that I know he would love to have this for dessert. looks fantastic!

Anonymous said...

Mary I am making this TODAY!! Right after I order some Himalayan poppies. Stunning!!!

Jules

Mary Bergfeld said...

Jules, you're making me smile again:).

Cathy said...

Yum, sounds delish to me, Mary. This is the kind of dessert I like.

Ginger said...

Mary did you make this for me? Bread pudding is my absolute favorite dessert EVER!! I have to say that I never had chocolate bread pudding but want to try your recipe. Thanks for sharing this!

Shirl said...

Hello, I'm still making my BLue Monday visits. Thank you so much for stopping. Love you blue poppies! Your recipes look yummy, I'll have to try some!
Bless you, Shirl
Shirls Rose Cottage

Lisa said...

I love bread pudding. It is one of my favorite discoveries since I began blogging. I just tried a new bread too and it seems like these days I always think about what kind of a bread pudding it might be made into.

My bread pudding base is much richer than yours. I really like this slimmed down version. I will have to try it on the next batch.

Lori said...

I saw a cook on tv make this once. I have been wanting to make it now for a while. It looks so good Mary.

free online adventure games said...

I've always wanted to try making bread pudding, and this seems like a simple recipe to start off with, even with a little twist of chocolate! Good comfort food.

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