Description
Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding
Ingredients:
6 large croissants, cut in half
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
4 large eggs
½ cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup dark chocolate chips
½ cup melted dark chocolate (for drizzling)
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Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dish:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Arrange the croissant halves in a greased baking dish, slightly overlapping.
2. Make the Custard:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, cream, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Assemble the Pudding:
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissants, ensuring they are well soaked. Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb.
4. Bake the Pudding:
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
5. Finish with Chocolate:
Drizzle the melted dark chocolate over the baked pudding while warm. Serve immediately.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect results every time. First, ensure your croissants are a day or two old for the best texture. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the croissant halves in the dish, tearing some pieces to fill gaps and create a slightly overlapping, even layer. In a large bowl, vigorously whisk the eggs and sugar until slightly pale and frothy. This step is key for a light custard. Slowly whisk in the milk, cream, and vanilla until the mixture is completely smooth and homogenous. Carefully pour the custard over the croissants. Use a spatula to gently press the croissants down to ensure they are fully submerged. Evenly sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top. Allow the dish to rest for a full 15 minutes so the bread absorbs the custard.
Serving Suggestions
This rich dessert is versatile. Serve it warm from the oven for the ultimate comfort food experience. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream provides a lovely temperature and flavor contrast. For a touch of elegance, garnish with a few fresh raspberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar. It also makes a spectacular brunch dish when served alongside fresh fruit and coffee.
How-to Summary
- Grease a baking dish and arrange day-old croissant halves inside.
- Whisk eggs, sugar, milk, cream, and vanilla into a smooth custard.
- Pour custard over croissants, press down, and top with chocolate chips. Let soak for 15 minutes.
- Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 30-35 minutes until golden and set.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate and serve warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this bread pudding ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble the pudding (up to the soaking step), cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking.
What can I use instead of croissants? Stale brioche, challah, or plain French bread are excellent substitutes. Adjust the soak time slightly as these breads may absorb liquid differently.
How do I know when the pudding is fully set? The center should be firm to a gentle touch, not jiggly. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean of custard (melted chocolate on the knife is fine).
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate? Yes, but dark chocolate balances the sweetness of the custard and croissants better. Milk chocolate will make the overall dish much sweeter.
My pudding is browning too quickly. What should I do? Tent the dish loosely with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time to prevent the top from burning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using fresh, soft croissants: They will turn to mush. Stale, slightly dry croissants hold their structure and absorb custard perfectly.
- Not letting the mixture soak: Skipping the 15-minute rest results in a dry, uneven texture.
- Overbaking: This leads to a rubbery custard. Remove the pudding as soon as the center is set.
- Pouring the custard unevenly: Take your time to ensure every piece of bread gets coated for a consistent final product.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding transforms simple, leftover pastries into a show-stopping dessert that is decadent, comforting, and surprisingly simple to master. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll achieve a perfectly set, rich, and chocolatey pudding every time. It’s the perfect treat to impress guests or indulge your family, proving that the most luxurious dishes often come from humble beginnings.