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    Home » Desserts

    Dark Chocolate and Cherry Bread Pudding

    Published: Jan 3, 2023 · Modified: Mar 9, 2023 by Caitlin from CC's Table · This post may contain affiliate links · 8 Comments

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    Make-Ahead Dark Chocolate and Cherry Bread Pudding | CC's Table

    This Dark Chocolate and Cherry Bread Pudding is the perfect easy, make-ahead recipe for serving friends and family. The rich chocolate, chewy cherries, and sweet bread make for the perfect combination.

    How can I prepare Chocolate and Cherry Bread Pudding in advance?

    This is a great recipe to prepare in advance for company! You can make the unbaked bread pudding a couple of hours before dinner and keep it covered in the refrigerator. An hour before serving dessert, pop it in the oven!

    Alternatively, you can fully bake the bread pudding, allow it to cool completely, and then store it covered in the refrigerator. It should last in there for up to 5 days but is best within the first few days. To reheat, pop it in the 350F oven for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can reheat single-serving leftovers in the oven or slice by slice in the microwave.

    Make-Ahead Dark Chocolate and Cherry Bread Pudding

    What type of bread should I use for chocolate and cherry bread pudding?

    I like using brioche bread for this recipe. You can try using other types of bread, however since brioche already has a little sweetness to it, the sweetness level may vary depending on the bread you use.

    When making bread pudding, you want to use stale bread so that it soaks up all the liquid. To make the bread stale, you can leave the cubed bread out on the counter overnight uncovered. Alternatively, spread fresh cubed brioche on two sheet pans and bake at 350F for 7-10 minutes, or until slightly hard on the outside.

    Make-Ahead Dark Chocolate and Cherry Bread Pudding

    What substitutions can I make?

    The dark chocolate and cherries pair so well together! However, you are welcome to use whatever your favorite type of chocolate is. Not a cherry fan? Feel free to leave them out or swap in your favorite dried fruit. To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute in your favorite gluten-free bread.

    What are other make-ahead dessert ideas?

    Check out these other dessert recipes that are perfect for entertaining:

    • Silver Platter Chocolate Chip Cookies
    • Strawberry Corn Flake Crisp
    • Brownies with Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

    If you make this Dark Chocolate and Cherry Bread Pudding, I'd love to know what you think in the comments below!

    Make-Ahead Dark Chocolate and Cherry Bread Pudding

    Make-Ahead Dark Chocolate and Cherry Bread Pudding | CC's Table

    Dark Chocolate and Cherry Bread Pudding

    Recipe for simple make-ahead dark chocolate and dried cherry bread pudding. A decedent dessert to serve friends and family.
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    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: chocolate, make-ahead, oven-baked
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
    Servings: 8 people
    Author: Caitlin from CC's Table

    Ingredients

    • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature
    • 1 lb stale brioche loaf, cut into 1 inch cubes see notes
    • ¾ cup dark chocolate chips
    • 1 cup pitted dried cherries
    • 5 eggs
    • 1 qt whole milk
    • ¾ cup sugar
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 350F. Use the butter to butter the inside of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
    • Add half the brioche to the baking dish in an even layer. Sprinkle evenly with half the chocolate chips and half the dried cherries. Repeat with the remaining half of the bread, chocolate, and cherries. Set aside.
    • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and salt until well incorporated. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread, chocolate, and cherries. Allow the unbaked bread pudding to rest for 30 minutes (see note).
    • Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until a knife comes out clean when inserted into the middle. Allow the bread pudding to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.

    Notes

    • To make your brioche stale, cut it the night before and leave it uncovered on the counter. Alternatively, spread fresh cubed brioche on two sheet pans and bake at 350F for 7-10 minutes, or until slightly hard on the outside.
    • The unbaked bread pudding can rest at room temperature. If your kitchen is hot or sunny, rest the bread pudding in the refrigerator.

    More Desserts

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    • Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake
    • Brownies with Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
    • Mediterranean Inspired Chicken with White Bean Purée

    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Jeff the Chef

      January 06, 2023 at 6:48 am

      Cherries and chocolate: what a classic combo. I haven't had a good bread pudding in years, so thanks for the recipe. I especially love knowing that it can be prepped in advance.

      Reply
      • Caitlin from CC's Table

        January 10, 2023 at 9:17 pm

        Thanks so much, Jeff! The rich chocolate and tart cherries make for such a yummy combo. I hope you try it out and love it! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Kelly Burns

      January 10, 2023 at 8:53 am

      What a great combination of chocolate and dried cherries! I will definitely add this to my deserts

      Reply
      • Caitlin from CC's Table

        January 10, 2023 at 9:16 pm

        Thank you so much! I hope you try it and love it! 🙂

        Reply
    3. David @ Spiced

      January 13, 2023 at 4:48 am

      Oh, you nailed it with the dark chocolate and cherries combination here! (On a side note, have you tried dark chocolate with dried pineapples? So good! I bet you could use a similar concept with fresh pineapples in this recipe.) Either way, bread puddings are a favorite here, although I rarely ever make them. Good call on the brioche, too!

      Reply
      • Caitlin from CC's Table

        January 16, 2023 at 11:36 am

        Oh I love the idea of chocolate and pineapple! I'm totally going to try it out 🙂

        Reply
    4. Jeff the Chef

      January 15, 2023 at 11:12 am

      I tried to make something like this once, and didn't get it right. I'm glad to see your recipe. I'm eager to give it another try.

      Reply
      • Caitlin from CC's Table

        January 16, 2023 at 11:35 am

        Thank you so much! I hope you give it a try 🙂

        Reply

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