Indulge your senses with a decadent dessert that’s sure to impress—Dark Chocolate Bourbon Bread Puddings! This delightful American classic transforms simple day-old bread into a rich, chocolatey masterpiece, enhanced by a splash of bourbon for that extra kick. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in, this recipe is not only easy to make but also guaranteed to leave your guests begging for seconds. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a heavenly aroma wafting through your kitchen, you’ll want to dive into this sweet sensation immediately. Ready to elevate your dessert game? Let’s get started!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups cubed day-old bread
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup bourbon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or six individual ramekins with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the bread pudding from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 4 cups of cubed day-old bread with the 2 cups of milk and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Allow the bread to soak in the liquid for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure all the bread is saturated.
- While the bread is soaking, in a separate bowl, whisk together the 3/4 cup of sugar, 4 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Once the bread has soaked, gently fold the egg mixture into the soaked bread, being careful not to break up the bread too much. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
- Add in the 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips and 1/4 cup of bourbon to the bread mixture. Gently fold these ingredients in until evenly distributed.
- Pour the bread pudding mixture into the prepared baking dish or divide it evenly among the ramekins. If using a baking dish, you can sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top for added texture and presentation.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the bread puddings from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
- Serve the dark chocolate bourbon bread puddings as is, or drizzle with a little extra heavy cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Tips
- Choose the Right Bread: For the best texture, use day-old bread like brioche or challah. These types absorb the custard beautifully without becoming mushy.
- Soak Thoroughly: Make sure to let the bread soak in the milk and cream mixture for at least 10 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a creamy, custardy center.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the egg mixture with the soaked bread, fold gently to maintain the integrity of the bread cubes. You want a rustic texture, not a puree.
- Customize Your Chocolate: Feel free to mix in different types of chocolate chips—milk chocolate or even white chocolate can add a unique twist to your bread pudding.
- Serve Warm: This dessert is best served warm, so consider taking it out of the oven just before your guests arrive. A drizzle of heavy cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top makes it even more irresistible!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 11g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 130mg
