Chocolate Cream Cheese Bread Pudding – Rich, Creamy & Irresistibly Decadent

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Introduction

I first made Chocolate Cream Cheese Bread Pudding on a quiet afternoon when I had leftover bread, a block of cream cheese, and a serious chocolate craving. One bake later, it became a dessert I keep coming back to. It is comforting, indulgent, and surprisingly simple.

Chocolate Cream Cheese Bread Pudding takes the classic baked pudding everyone loves and pushes it into dessert territory that feels bakery worthy. The custard is rich, the chocolate melts into every bite, and the cream cheese adds pockets of creamy tang that balance the sweetness perfectly.

This is the kind of dessert that works for family dinners, holidays, or when you want something warm and impressive without complicated steps.

Ingredients

• Day old bread cubes 5 cups
• Cream cheese softened 200 g
• Dark chocolate chips or chunks 1 cup
• Eggs 4 large
• Whole milk 2 cups
• Heavy cream 1 cup
• Granulated sugar 3/4 cup
• Unsweetened cocoa powder 1/4 cup
• Vanilla extract 2 teaspoons
• Butter melted 3 tablespoons
• Salt 1/4 teaspoon

Alternative Ingredients

If you do not have day old bread, lightly toast fresh bread in the oven before using. Brioche, challah, or French bread all work well.

Milk chocolate can be used instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter result. Half and half may replace heavy cream if needed, though the pudding will be slightly less rich.

Recipe Info Table

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 8
Yield One baking dish

Step by Step Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 180 C and lightly butter a baking dish.
2. Spread the bread cubes evenly in the dish and scatter the chocolate chips over the top.
3. Cut the cream cheese into small cubes and distribute them throughout the bread.
4. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, melted butter, and salt until smooth.
5. Pour the custard mixture slowly over the bread, pressing gently so everything is soaked.
6. Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes to absorb fully.
7. Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes until the center is set and the top looks slightly crisp.
8. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips

Use room temperature cream cheese so it melts slightly into the pudding instead of staying firm.

Do not rush the soaking step. Giving the bread time to absorb the custard makes the texture creamy rather than dry.

For extra depth, sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top halfway through baking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chocolate Cream Cheese Bread Pudding is rich without being overwhelming. The cocoa custard gives deep chocolate flavor while the cream cheese adds balance.

It is easy to prepare ahead of time and bakes beautifully with minimal effort. This recipe also uses simple ingredients you probably already have.

It works equally well served warm or at room temperature, making it ideal for gatherings.

What Makes This Recipe Unique

Most bread pudding recipes rely only on vanilla custard. Chocolate Cream Cheese Bread Pudding stands out by layering cocoa flavor with creamy pockets of tangy cheese.

The result is a dessert that tastes like a cross between chocolate cake and cheesecake, but with the comforting texture of bread pudding.

You’ll Also Love

Classic Vanilla Bread Pudding
Chocolate Chip Brioche Bake
Baked Cheesecake Dessert Cups
Warm Cocoa Custard Pudding

Conclusion

Chocolate Cream Cheese Bread Pudding is proof that comfort food can still feel luxurious. It is rich, creamy, and deeply chocolatey without being complicated or fussy.

If you are looking for a dessert that impresses while still feeling homemade, this recipe delivers every time. Bake it once, and it will quickly earn a permanent place in your dessert rotation.