If you love cozy, comforting desserts that feel like a warm hug, then you are absolutely going to adore this Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Bread Pudding Recipe. It’s a wonderfully rich and tender bread pudding that combines the inviting warmth of cinnamon with pockets of melted chocolate chips, creating a dessert that’s both nostalgic and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re making it for a special family gathering or a weekend treat, this recipe never fails to deliver that perfect balance of creamy custard-soaked bread and crunchy, golden cinnamon-sugar topping.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A metal mixing bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with several ingredients before being stirred. Inside the bowl, three bright yellow egg yolks float next to a white liquid, likely milk or cream. On one side, a pile of brown cinnamon powder contrasts against the creamy liquid, while a lighter beige powder, perhaps flour or sugar, is spread beside it. The colors form a swirling pattern, with the ingredients mostly separate but gently blending at the edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What’s fantastic about this Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Bread Pudding Recipe is how simple, accessible, and essential the ingredients are. Each one plays a crucial role in building the classic flavor and texture that makes bread pudding so beloved.

Butter (3 Tbsp, divided): Adds richness and helps bind everything together while providing a luscious finish.
Day-old bread (8 cups, torn into 1″ pieces): Perfect for soaking up the custard while maintaining some structure to avoid mushiness.
Large eggs (3): Create the custard base and provide structure and fluffiness.
Half and half (2 cups): Enhances the creaminess and depth of flavor without being too heavy.
Sugar (2/3 cup plus 1 Tbsp): Sweetens the custard and adds a crunchy, caramelized topping.
Cinnamon (2 tsp plus 1/2 tsp): Brings warmth and aromatic spice, the signature flavor of this dish.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Elevates the overall flavor with its sweet, floral notes.
Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances the sweetness and intensifies all the other flavors.
Chocolate chips (1/4 cup): Melts into gooey pockets throughout the pudding, providing irresistible chocolate surprises.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Bread Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Start by tearing your day-old bread into 1-inch pieces and spreading them evenly over a parchment-lined baking sheet. This step helps remove any excess moisture by drying the bread just enough so it soaks up the custard without turning too soggy.

Step 2: Grease and Melt Butter

Grease your baking dish liberally with about half a tablespoon of butter to ensure the pudding doesn’t stick. Melt the remaining butter, then let it cool slightly so when it’s mixed in later, it blends smoothly with the custard ingredients without cooking the eggs.

Step 3: Make the Custard Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, vanilla, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually drizzle in the melted butter while whisking to combine everything evenly. This step builds the silky custard that will transform the bread into tender, flavorful bites.

Step 4: Soak the Bread

Add the bread pieces to the custard a few handfuls at a time, gently tossing to coat each piece thoroughly. Allow the mixture to sit for 1 to 2 minutes so the bread fully absorbs the custard, soaking up all that rich flavor.

Step 5: Assemble the Pudding

Transfer half of the soaked bread into your greased baking dish, then sprinkle the chocolate chips all over. Cover with the remaining soaked bread and pour any leftover custard on top. This layering ensures that every bite lets you enjoy warm melted chocolate mingling with cinnamon-spiced custard.

Step 6: Let it Rest

Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or up to two hours. Alternatively, refrigerate it overnight. This rest time allows the flavors to meld spectacularly and the bread to soak fully.

Step 7: Preheat and Prepare to Bake

When ready, preheat your oven to 375°F. If your pudding has been refrigerated, allow it to warm slightly before baking so the transition to the hot oven is gentle, especially if you’re using a glass dish.

Step 8: First Bake and Create the Topping

Bake the bread pudding covered for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, mix the remaining sugar and cinnamon to create the crunchy topping that will finish off the dish beautifully.

Step 9: Finish Baking Until Golden

Remove the foil and evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar topping over the pudding. Continue to bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy, adding that perfect contrast to the creamy interior.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Bread Pudding Recipe

The image shows a white bowl with black edges filled with torn pieces of light brown bread soaked in a creamy mixture. On top, there are scattered dark brown chocolate chips spread evenly. A woman's hand is holding a small white bowl tilted toward the larger bowl, pouring additional chocolate chips onto the bread mixture. The whole setup is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your serving, dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or add a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream. A scoop of vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over warm slices, turning this into a truly indulgent dessert.

Side Dishes

This bread pudding pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a tangy raspberry compote. For brunch, serve it alongside crisp bacon or a side of scrambled eggs for a delightful sweet-savory balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Instead of baking in one large dish, try making individual ramekins for personalized servings—perfect for dinner parties. You can also drizzle caramel or chocolate sauce artistically on top for added flavor and visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Bread Pudding Recipe covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled to maintain its custardy texture and prevent it from drying out.

Freezing

This bread pudding freezes beautifully! Wrap individual portions or the whole dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to enjoy the same delicious flavors.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in the microwave or in a 325°F oven until warmed through. To keep the topping crisp, you might want to re-toast it under the broiler for a minute or two, watching carefully to avoid burning.

FAQs

Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?

While fresh bread can work in a pinch, day-old bread is preferred because it’s drier and better at soaking up the custard without becoming mushy. If you only have fresh bread, consider toasting it lightly first.

What type of bread is best for this recipe?

Sturdy breads like French bread, brioche, or challah work best because they absorb the custard well while holding their shape throughout baking.

Can I substitute the half and half with milk?

Yes, whole milk can be used, but half and half gives the pudding a richer, creamier texture. For a lighter version, you can use milk with a bit of cream mixed in.

Is it possible to add nuts or other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even dried fruits like raisins or cranberries make wonderful additions that add texture and additional bursts of flavor.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

With some substitutions like plant-based milk, vegan butter, and egg replacers, this dish can be adapted to suit dairy-free or vegan diets, though the texture and flavor will vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Bread Pudding Recipe is truly one of those timeless desserts that feels like a warm, delicious celebration in every bite. It’s simple to make yet impressive enough to serve guests or spoil yourself. I honestly can’t recommend it enough—once you try it, this comforting classic will have a permanent spot in your recipe rotation!