Chocolate Bread Pudding Skillet Recipe

There is something wonderfully nostalgic and delightfully indulgent about a Chocolate Bread Pudding Skillet. This dish is a cozy hug on a plate, combining the soft, custardy interior of bread pudding with a slightly crisp top edge that adds a perfect contrast in texture. Bursting with luscious chocolate chips melting throughout, it’s a dessert that lovingly invites you to dig in, bringing warmth and smiles to any table. Whether served after a casual family dinner or during a special gathering, this skillet creation is sure to be a favorite that’s as comforting as it is impressive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to creating this unforgettable Chocolate Bread Pudding Skillet. Each component plays its own delicious role, from the tender bread cubes soaking up the creamy custard, to the bursts of chocolate chips creating those irresistible pockets of sweetness.

• Bread cubes: Use slightly stale bread for better absorption of the custard, which helps the pudding stay soft and moist inside.
• Milk: Provides the creamy base that blends the flavors and gives the pudding a smooth texture.
• Eggs: Bind everything together while adding richness and helping the pudding set perfectly.
• Sugar: Sweetens the custard and balances the bitterness of the chocolate chips.
• Chocolate chips: Choose your favorite kind—dark, semi-sweet, or even milk chocolate for melting pockets of joy throughout.
• Butter: Coats the skillet and adds a golden, slightly crisp crust that’s simply irresistible.

How to Make Chocolate Bread Pudding Skillet

Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture

Start by whisking together the milk, eggs, and sugar in a medium bowl until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy. This custard is the heart of your bread pudding, so take a moment to get it well combined. The eggs provide structure while the sugar melts in, sweetening and enriching the base.

Step 2: Combine Bread and Chocolate

Gently fold the bread cubes and chocolate chips into the custard mixture. Make sure every piece of bread is soaked but not falling apart. This step is crucial because the bread needs to absorb just the right amount of custard to ensure a creamy interior with that tender crumb you expect in a Chocolate Bread Pudding Skillet.

Step 3: Prepare the Skillet and Cook

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, swirling it to coat the base and sides evenly. Pour the bread and custard mixture into the warm skillet and spread it out evenly. Cook for about 20 minutes until the pudding is set in the center and the edges have a slight crispness. You’ll notice the top turning a lovely golden brown—that’s your cue that it’s ready to delight!

How to Serve Chocolate Bread Pudding Skillet

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar over the top adds a touch of elegance and a delicate sweetness that perfectly highlights the chocolate. If you want to be extra indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce will elevate this dessert to the next level, making every bite sensationally rich and creamy.

Side Dishes

While this Chocolate Bread Pudding Skillet can absolutely stand on its own, consider serving it alongside fresh berries or a small bowl of whipped cream to add a bit of freshness and lightness to balance the richness. A cup of coffee or a bold black tea also pairs wonderfully and helps round out the experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a showstopper presentation, serve the pudding right from the skillet, letting guests scoop out their own portions. You can add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a few chocolate shavings on top for a bit of texture and visual appeal. Alternatively, individual ramekins baked with the same recipe make for charming, personalized servings perfect for dinner parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, store the Chocolate Bread Pudding Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days, allowing you to enjoy that comforting chocolate goodness even after the initial meal.

Freezing

Chocolate bread pudding can be frozen, but for best results, freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently for a freshly baked feel.

Reheating

To bring back the warm, cozy magic of your Chocolate Bread Pudding Skillet, reheat slices in the oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven method preserves that delightful crisp top better.

FAQs

Can I use any type of bread for the pudding?

Yes! While slightly stale white bread is traditional because it soaks up the custard well, you can experiment with brioche, challah, or even whole wheat to add unique flavors and textures to your Chocolate Bread Pudding Skillet.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely. Substitute the milk with any plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative. The texture may vary slightly, but you’ll still end up with a delicious dessert.

Can I add other mix-ins besides chocolate chips?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in nuts like walnuts or pecans, dried fruit, or even a splash of espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor in your Chocolate Bread Pudding Skillet.

What if I don’t have a skillet? Can I use a baking dish?

You can! This recipe works well in an oven-safe baking dish, though you might miss out on the crispy edges the skillet creates over the stovetop. Just bake at 350°F until the pudding is set and golden on top.

Should the pudding be served warm or cold?

Warm is best! Serving the Chocolate Bread Pudding Skillet warm ensures the chocolate is melty and the custard is soft and comforting. It’s truly a treat straight from the skillet to your plate.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about making a Chocolate Bread Pudding Skillet—whether it’s the nostalgia of bread pudding or the luscious explosions of melted chocolate, every bite feels like a celebration. I hope you give this recipe a go because it really is that cozy, that simple, and that wonderful. Sharing it with loved ones only makes it better, so get that skillet warm and enjoy every chocolaty moment!