Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding is a decadent dessert that transforms buttery croissants into a rich and indulgent bread pudding, studded with chocolate chips and baked in a creamy custard. This delightful dish is perfect for brunch or as a sweet ending to any meal.

Ingredients

• 6 large croissants (preferably day-old, cut into chunks)
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• Pinch of salt
• Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Timing

Making the Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 45-50 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Croissants

1. Cut Croissants: Cut the croissants into bite-sized chunks and place them in the prepared baking dish.
2. Add Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the croissant pieces.

Step 3: Make the Custard Mixture

1. Whisk Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt until well combined.
2. Pour Custard: Pour the custard mixture over the croissant chunks, ensuring they are all soaked. Gently press down the croissants to help them absorb the custard.

Step 4: Bake the Bread Pudding

1. Let Sit: Allow the mixture to sit for about 15 minutes to soak up the custard.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Serve

1. Cool Slightly: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
2. Dust with Powdered Sugar: If desired, dust the top with powdered sugar before serving.
3. Enjoy: Serve warm, either plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of the Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding (per serving, based on 9 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	350
Protein	7g
Fat	22g
Carbohydrates	36g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	15g

Tips for Customization

• Add Fruits: Incorporate fresh berries or sliced bananas for added flavor and texture.
• Nutty Twist: Add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts for a crunchy element.
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark or white chocolate.

Conclusion

Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding is a luxurious and comforting dessert that combines the flaky, buttery goodness of croissants with rich chocolate and a creamy custard. Perfect for brunch or as a delightful dessert, this recipe is sure to impress! Enjoy this delightful recipe!