Go Back

Hot Chocolate Bread Pudding

Hot chocolate bread pudding combines day-old French bread with a smooth cocoa and chocolate custard, then bakes until set. A toasted mini marshmallow topping adds a golden, gooey finish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 57 minutes
Soaking and resting 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 52 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the bread pudding
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter softened
  • 1 lb French bread day-old, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 0.33 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips 6 ounces
  • 4 eggs large
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt
For the topping
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows

Equipment

  • 1 9x13-inch baking dish

Method
 

Make the bread pudding
  1. Heat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with the butter.
  3. Arrange the bread cubes evenly in the prepared dish.
  4. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, cocoa powder, and sugar.
  5. Heat over medium heat until steaming, whisking often.
  6. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
  7. Add the chocolate chips and whisk until melted and smooth.
  8. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, vanilla, and salt.
  9. Slowly whisk the warm chocolate mixture into the egg mixture.
  10. Pour the custard evenly over the bread.
  11. Let the bread soak for 20 minutes, gently pressing the cubes into the custard once or twice.
  12. Bake for 45–55 minutes, until the center is set and registers 160°F.
Toast the marshmallows
  1. Set the oven rack about 6 inches below the broiler.
  2. Turn the broiler to high.
  3. Scatter the marshmallows over the pudding.
  4. Broil for 1–2 minutes, watching closely, until golden.
  5. Let the pudding rest for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

For an even bake, gently press the bread cubes into the custard during soaking. Refrigerate leftovers for 3–4 days; freezer storage is suitable. For a dairy-free variation, use dairy-free milk, butter, and chocolate chips.