Name: Magical Chocolate Babka Bread Pudding: Delicious Leftovers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups cubed chocolate babka (about 1 lb loaf); 2 cups milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Jump to Recipe

There’s something truly special about turning something old into something new, especially in the kitchen. My grandmother always said no ingredient should go to waste. She’d find ways to make even the last crumb feel like a treasure. That’s how I feel about this Chocolate Babka Bread Pudding. It’s my go-to when we have a little leftover chocolate babka from the weekend. It’s like a warm hug in a dish. It reminds me of cozy family gatherings. This recipe is super easy. It brings that comforting, familiar feeling to any table. It’s a perfect way to enjoy that rich babka flavor again.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Babka Bread Pudding

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons! You’ll absolutely love it because:

It’s a fantastic way to repurpose leftover chocolate babka.
It’s incredibly quick and easy to whip up.
You get a rich, comforting dessert experience.
Its crowd-pleasing flavor is a guaranteed hit.

Ingredients for Chocolate Babka Bread Pudding

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to baking this amazing Chocolate Babka Bread Pudding. You’ll need:

4 cups cubed chocolate babka (from about a 1 lb loaf). Using babka that’s a day or two old is perfect.
2 cups milk. Whole milk gives the best richness.
1/2 cup heavy cream. This adds a lovely velvety texture.
2 large eggs, lightly beaten. They bind everything together.
1/2 cup granulated sugar, packed. Adjust to your sweetness preference.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract. It adds that classic comforting aroma.
1/4 teaspoon salt. It balances all the sweet flavors.
1/2 cup chocolate chips, optional. Because more chocolate is always a good idea!

How to Prepare Chocolate Babka Bread Pudding

Let’s get this delicious Chocolate Babka Bread Pudding ready! It’s really straightforward. You’ll have a wonderful dessert in no time. Just follow these simple steps.

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Babka

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish. Lightly grease it so nothing sticks. Arrange your cubed chocolate babka pieces evenly inside. If you’re feeling extra decadent, sprinkle those optional chocolate chips over the babka now. Make sure to spread them out.

Step 2: Mix the Custard Base

In a large bowl, it’s time to mix the magic. Whisk together the milk and heavy cream until they are combined. Add the two large eggs. Then, mix in the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk everything until it’s smooth. You want it all nicely blended together. No lumps allowed!

Step 3: Soak the Babka

Now, gently pour the milk mixture over the babka cubes. Make sure every piece gets some liquid love. You might see some pieces floating. Gently press them down. This helps them soak up all that creamy goodness. Let the dish sit for about 15 to 20 minutes. This soaking time is key. It lets the babka absorb the custard fully.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Time to bake! Pop the dish into your preheated oven. Bake for about 35 to 45 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown top. The pudding should look set. To check, insert a knife near the center. It should come out mostly clean. If it’s still wet, give it a few more minutes.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Once it’s baked, take it out of the oven. Let the Chocolate Babka Bread Pudding cool a bit. About 10 minutes is usually good. This helps it set up even more. Then, it’s ready to serve! Enjoy that warm, comforting goodness.

Tips for the Best Chocolate Babka Bread Pudding

Want your Chocolate Babka Bread Pudding to be absolutely perfect? I’ve learned a few tricks over the years. Using babka that’s a day or two old really helps. It soaks up the custard better than super-fresh bread. Don’t be afraid to add extras! Chopped nuts like candied pecans or pecans add a lovely crunch. Fresh or frozen berries, like raspberries or blueberries, bring a burst of tartness. Make sure you press down any babka that floats during soaking. This ensures every bite is custardy and delicious. Achieving that even soak is the secret to the best texture.

Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Babka Bread Pudding

This Chocolate Babka Bread Pudding is wonderful on its own. But a few simple additions make it even more special! Try serving it warm. A dollop of fluffy whipped cream is always a winner. For extra indulgence, a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts beautifully into the warm pudding. A drizzle of rich chocolate sauce takes it over the top. These simple touches really elevate this cozy dessert. They make for a truly memorable treat.

Storage and Reheating Your Chocolate Babka Bread Pudding

Got some leftover Chocolate Babka Bread Pudding? No worries! Store it well. Keep it in an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready for more, reheating is easy. For the best texture, gently reheat it in the oven. Use a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Just heat it in short bursts. Stir halfway through. This keeps it from getting too hot in spots. Enjoy that leftover deliciousness!

Frequently Asked Questions about Chocolate Babka Bread Pudding

Got questions about making this delicious Chocolate Babka Bread Pudding? I’ve got answers!

Can I use fresh babka for this Chocolate Babka Bread Pudding? Yes, you can! If your babka is very fresh, it might need a little extra soaking time. Let it sit in the custard for closer to 25-30 minutes. This helps it absorb the liquid properly.

What kind of milk is best for this babka bread pudding recipe? I find that whole milk gives the richest, most luxurious texture. But you can use 2% milk too. Just know it might be slightly less creamy. Avoid skim milk if possible.

How long can I store leftover chocolate babka bread pudding? You can store leftover chocolate babka bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s still wonderfully tasty the next day!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble the whole dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the babka to soak even longer. Just bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

Nutritional Information for Chocolate Babka Bread Pudding

This Chocolate Babka Bread Pudding is an estimate. Nutritional values vary based on specific ingredients, brands, and portion sizes. My family’s favorite way to enjoy it is with a bit of whipped cream, which adds to the overall deliciousness!

Share Your Chocolate Babka Bread Pudding Creations

I love hearing from you! Did you make this Chocolate Babka Bread Pudding? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Please rate this recipe too! If you share photos on social media, tag us. Seeing your delicious creations makes my day!