Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding is a decadent dessert that transforms day-old croissants into a rich, custardy treat, perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings.
Ingredients:
- 4 large day-old chocolate croissants, cut into 1/2-inch-thick pieces
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 cups 2% milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 vanilla bean, halved lengthwise
- Butter-flavored cooking spray
- 1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter-flavored cooking spray.
- Assemble the Pudding:
- Spread the croissant pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the croissant pieces.
- Prepare the Custard:
- In a saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, and vanilla bean (both seeds and pod). Heat over medium heat until warm.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually pour the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
- Combine and Soak:
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissant and chocolate chips, ensuring all pieces are submerged.
- Press the croissant pieces down gently to ensure they are fully soaked.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the croissants to absorb the custard.
- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is lightly golden.
- Serve:
- Let the bread pudding cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Dust with confectioners’ sugar if desired.
- Serve warm, optionally with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Variations and Tips:
- Croissant Freshness: Using day-old croissants helps them absorb the custard better, resulting in a richer texture.
- Chocolate Choices: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips or chunks, such as milk or dark chocolate, to suit your taste.
- Make-Ahead: This dessert can be prepared the night before and refrigerated overnight, making it a convenient option for breakfast or brunch.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
This Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding combines the buttery richness of croissants with the deep flavors of chocolate, creating a dessert that’s sure to delight your taste buds.
