Looking for the easiest way to make chocolate chip bread pudding? This chocolate chip bread pudding easy recipe delivers warm, gooey comfort in just a few simple steps. Whether you’re new to baking or just short on time, this dessert uses everyday ingredients and requires no fancy tools or overnight prep. It’s the kind of cozy, crowd-pleasing treat that’s ready in under an hour. With just the right balance of crisp edges and soft, custardy middle, it’s a no-fuss classic you’ll make again and again. Let’s dive into how you can whip this up effortlessly at home.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe is Truly Easy
1.1 Uses Only Simple Pantry Staples
You won’t need to hunt down rare ingredients or buy expensive baking tools. This recipe uses what you likely already have: day-old bread, milk, eggs, sugar, chocolate chips, and vanilla. Even the chocolate chips can be swapped for whatever you have on hand, like chopped chocolate or even raisins if you’re out.
The goal here is simplicity. No cream, no specialty brioche, and no soaking the bread for hours. Just grab what’s available and get baking.
1.2 No Overnight Soaking Needed
Many bread pudding recipes insist on long soak times to achieve that creamy texture. Not this one. By cutting the bread into smaller pieces and using the right ratio of milk and eggs, the pudding soaks up the custard in minutes.
That means you can go from prep to oven faster and still enjoy a rich, tender pudding. For busy nights or last-minute desserts, this shortcut is a game changer.
1.3 Beginner-Friendly Instructions
Whether it’s your first time making bread pudding or your hundredth, the steps here are laid out clearly. Every action is straightforward, and there’s no need for electric mixers or tricky techniques.
From whisking the custard to folding in chocolate chips, you’ll feel confident every step of the way. You’ll also get pro tips along the way to avoid common slip-ups.
1.4 Minimal Cleanup
Fewer dishes, less stress. Everything is mixed in one large bowl and poured straight into a baking dish. No separate pans or fussy layers. After baking, cleanup is as easy as the prep.
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Amazing & Easy Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
An easy chocolate chip bread pudding made with pantry staples and no overnight prep.
Ingredients
4 cups day-old bread, cubed
2 cups whole milk (or 2%/plant-based)
3 large eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 cup chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white)
2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for topping)
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
2. Cut day-old bread into 1-inch cubes. Toast fresh bread at 300°F for 10 minutes if needed.
3. Whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
4. Add bread cubes to custard mixture and soak for 5 minutes.
5. Fold in chocolate chips, reserving a few for the top.
6. Pour mixture into prepared dish. Drizzle melted butter and sprinkle reserved chocolate chips on top.
7. Bake for 40–45 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
8. Cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with ice cream or caramel sauce.
Notes
Use any sturdy bread, such as French bread or sandwich loaf.
To make ahead, assemble and refrigerate up to 8 hours, then bake.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Reheat covered at 325°F for 10–15 minutes, or microwave individual portions with a splash of milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients You’ll Need
2.1 Core Ingredients (All Pantry-Friendly)
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this chocolate chip bread pudding easy recipe. These ingredients are likely already in your kitchen, and if not, there are quick substitutes listed too.
| Ingredient | Amount | Easy Substitutes or Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Day-old bread | 4 cups (cubed) | Any sturdy white bread, French bread, or sandwich loaf |
| Whole milk | 2 cups | Use 2% or plant-based milk for a lighter version |
| Eggs | 3 large | Room temperature is ideal for better blending |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup | Brown sugar for a deeper flavor |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons | Optional, but adds great aroma |
| Chocolate chips | ¾ cup | Milk, dark, or white chocolate chips all work |
| Butter (melted) | 2 tablespoons | Optional, adds richness to the top layer |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon | Balances the sweetness |
Easy Tip: Fresh bread doesn’t soak well, so give the cubes a quick 10-minute toast at 300°F. This makes them perfect for absorbing the custard.
2.2 Optional Toppings (Still Easy)
You don’t need to dress it up, but these simple extras can elevate the flavor.
- A dusting of powdered sugar
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce
This recipe is flexible, forgiving, and made for convenience.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This is where your chocolate chip bread pudding easy recipe comes to life. Every step is designed for beginners, with clear directions and optional shortcuts.
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot and ready. Take an 8×8 inch baking dish and coat it lightly with butter or a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cube the Bread
Cut your day-old bread into 1-inch cubes. You’ll need about 4 cups. If your bread is fresh, toast the cubes at 300°F for 10 minutes so they absorb the custard better.
Easy Tip: Use a serrated knife for clean cuts and less crumbling.
Step 3: Mix the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together 3 eggs, 2 cups of milk, ½ cup sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Combine Bread and Custard
Add the bread cubes to the bowl of custard. Gently stir until all the bread is soaked. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
Easy Tip: No need to soak for hours. Five minutes is enough to absorb the flavor.
Step 5: Add the Chocolate Chips
Fold in ¾ cup of chocolate chips. You can reserve a tablespoon to sprinkle on top for a nice finish.
Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips and drizzle 2 tablespoons of melted butter on top, if using.
Step 7: Bake
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The pudding is done when the top turns golden and crisp, while the center feels firm but still soft.
Easy Tip: To check doneness, insert a knife into the center. It should come out mostly clean, with some soft custard but not raw batter.
Step 8: Cool Slightly and Serve
Let the pudding cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm with your favorite topping.
If you’re in the mood for more quick desserts, you might also enjoy this single-serving chocolate chip cookie made in minutes with zero chill time.
Pro Tips for Perfect Bread Pudding
These beginner-friendly tips will make your chocolate chip bread pudding not just easy but truly foolproof. Each one helps you avoid common mistakes and make the most of your effort.
4.1 Know When It’s Done
The pudding is ready when the top is golden brown and slightly crisp, but the center is still soft. Insert a butter knife into the middle. If it comes out mostly clean, it’s done.
Easy Tip: Don’t overbake. It continues to cook slightly as it cools.
4.2 Make It Ahead (Yes, Still Easy)
You can assemble the bread pudding up to 8 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes while the oven preheats.
4.3 How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 325°F for 10–15 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions with a splash of milk to keep it moist.
4.4 Best Way to Store Leftovers
Let the pudding cool completely before refrigerating. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It tastes just as good the next day.
4.5 Serve It Like a Pro
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, pour over some warm caramel, or finish with a swirl of whipped cream. These simple extras instantly elevate your bread pudding into a restaurant-worthy dessert without adding extra work.
Want something just as cozy but savory? Try this quick and easy homemade butter chicken for a comforting dinner before dessert.
Simple Variations (Still Easy)
These recipe variations keep things fun without making anything more complicated. You can adjust the flavor with what you already have in your kitchen.
5.1 Cinnamon Swirl Twist
Add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the custard for a warm, spiced flavor. You can also sprinkle a little on top before baking for extra aroma.
Easy Tip: A dash of nutmeg works too if you have it.
5.2 White Chocolate Chip Version
Switch out the semisweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips to give the pudding a sweeter, creamier taste. Pair it with a drizzle of caramel for a rich flavor combination that feels indulgent yet effortless.
Optional Add-On: Add ¼ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch if you have them on hand. Just stir them in with the chocolate chips.
5.3 Fruity Add-Ins (Optional and Easy)
Toss in a handful of dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots for a fruity twist. These ingredients don’t need soaking, which keeps the recipe quick.
Note: Stick to just one add-in at a time to keep the recipe simple and balanced.
These simple tweaks let you change the flavor without changing the ease of the recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common mistakes when making bread pudding?
One of the biggest mistakes is using bread that’s too fresh. Fresh bread won’t absorb the custard well and can result in a soggy texture. Another mistake is overbaking, which makes the pudding dry. Stick to day-old bread, follow the bake time closely, and check doneness with a butter knife.
For another simple, foolproof dessert that avoids common beginner mistakes, try this single-serving chocolate chip cookie recipe.
How to make a quick and easy bread pudding?
This recipe is your answer. No soaking overnight, no fancy ingredients. Just cube the bread, mix a basic custard, stir in chocolate chips, and bake. It’s truly one of the easiest desserts to make at home with just a few ingredients and one bowl.
If you like fast and easy recipes, you might enjoy our homemade butter chicken that’s also beginner-friendly and packed with flavor.
What is a fun fact about bread pudding?
Bread pudding actually started as a way to reduce food waste. In the 11th century, it was called “poor man’s pudding” and was made with stale bread to avoid tossing it. Today, it’s a beloved comfort dessert in homes and restaurants around the world.
What are the four types of pudding?
Puddings can be classified as baked, steamed, chilled, or stovetop. Bread pudding falls into the baked category, while others like chocolate pudding are typically cooked on the stove. There are also savory versions like Yorkshire pudding that pair well with meats and gravies.
Conclusion
If you’ve been searching for a chocolate chip bread pudding easy recipe, this is the one to bookmark. It uses simple ingredients, takes under an hour, and delivers warm, rich comfort every time. With no advanced prep or complicated steps, it’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned home bakers.
Give it a try and see just how easy and satisfying homemade bread pudding can be. You may also enjoy exploring:
- This chocolate chip cookie for one for a quick dessert fix
- Or our butter chicken dinner recipe to pair with it for a full comfort meal
Follow me on Pinterest for more easy chocolate desserts, quick baking ideas, and cozy treats you can whip up in no time.
