Chocolate Raisin Bread "Pudding"
A rich, chocolatey bread pudding with cinnamon-raisin bread and a hint of cocoa, perfect for dessert or brunch, appealing to chocolate lovers and comfort food fans.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 3-quart baking dish.
- Cut bread slices in half diagonally.
- Arrange the bread slices in the baking dish so they overlap slightly.
- In a saucepan, heat milk and cocoa powder over medium-low heat until the cocoa is dissolved.
- Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until blended.
- Pour the mixture over the bread and let stand for 15 minutes.
- Bake for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Sprinkle with confectioners sugar before serving.
- Serve when cool, approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes after baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate cocoa powder instead of unsweetened. You can also substitute half of the milk with almond milk for a nutty twist. If cinnamon-raisin bread isn't available, brioche or challah can work well. To enhance the texture, add a handful of chocolate chips or nuts to the bread layer before pouring the mixture over it.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious Chocolate Raisin Bread Pudding warm or at room temperature, dusted with confectioners sugar. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. For a refreshing contrast, serve alongside a light salad like Broccoli Cauliflower Carrot Salad to balance the richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This will help maintain its soft, pudding-like consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Raisin Bread "Pudding" contains roughly 474 calories, with 9g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. It also contributes 12g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?
Yes, you can use different breads such as brioche, challah, or even plain white bread. Just ensure the bread is a bit stale to absorb the custard mixture better without falling apart.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bread pudding mixture and assemble it a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving for the best taste and texture.
How do I know when the bread pudding is done?
The bread pudding is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. It should also be set in the middle and slightly puffed up. Keep an eye on it, as baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).