Chocolate Cherry Bread Pudding
There’s something about bread pudding that feels both nostalgic and elevated. This version leans into that balance—crusty sourdough soaked in a silky brown sugar custard, studded with pockets of melted chocolate and bursts of cherry. It’s the kind of dessert you can assemble ahead, bake while guests linger, and serve warm straight from the dish.
Ingredients
1 loaf sourdough bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (I picked up a loaf from my favorite local spot, Seylou Bakery)
1 quart heavy cream
1 ¼ cups packed brown sugar
Pinch of kosher salt
3 large eggs
6 egg yolks
1 cup frozen cherries, halved
1 bar Ghirardelli semi-sweet chocolate, cut into chunks
Instructions
1. Prep the oven and base: preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a deep 9x13 baking dish. Place the cubed sourdough in a large bowl.
2. Make the custard: in a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, brown sugar, and salt. Heat until the mixture just begins to simmer and the sugar is fully dissolved.
3. Temper the eggs: in a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs and egg yolks. Slowly pour about half of the warm cream mixture into the eggs, whisking constantly to gently raise their temperature (this prevents scrambling).
4. Finish the custard: pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture. Stir to combine, then remove from heat. Strain through a fine mesh sieve for a smooth custard.
5. Soak the bread: pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes. Let sit for about 10 minutes so the bread fully absorbs the mixture.
6. Add the mix-ins: gently fold in the cherries and chocolate chunks, distributing evenly.
7. Bake: transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 40 minutes, until mostly set. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the center is set and a knife inserted comes out clean.
End on a warm note—literally. This chocolate cherry bread pudding is best served fresh from the oven, when the chocolate is still melted and the custard is perfectly soft in the center. It’s the kind of dessert that invites everyone to slow down, linger a little longer, and go back for just one more bite. Whether you’re hosting a full table or keeping things cozy, this is a sweet finish that always feels like a little celebration.
