White Chocolate Bread Pudding

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If you’ve got a stash of bread that’s nearing its last leg, don’t throw it out, make – White Chocolate Bread Pudding (or Puddin’ if you’re Southern!)! Take that crusty ol’ bread and mix it with cream, milk, eggs, and a dash of vanilla. Pop your white chocolate bread pudding in the oven and let it bake till golden and fabulous. Then, drizzle that baby with a rich, creamy white chocolate sauce. It seriously doesn’t get any better than that.

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Closeup of a serving spoon lifting a generous piece of white chocolate bread pudding out of a white baking dish. In the background, there is a bowl of mixed berries and black forks

Y’all know I can go on and on about bread pudding, and I’m not one bit shy to admit that this white chocolate bread pudding could just be my regular indulgence! I remixed the classic bread pudding adding my twist per usual. Down here in the South, we whip it up for any occasion and get down on it whenever we want—brunch, lunch, dinner, or that sly midnight snack. And why not? It’s just too scrumptious to pass up! Now, I hold a special place in my heart for the classic bread pudding, but let me tell you, this White Chocolate Bread Pudding has made its way to the top of my favorites list. And y’all know that list is hard to crack!

Table of Contents

The Heart & Soul Of White Chocolate Bread Pudding

Cuisine Inspiration: Southern American
Primary Cooking Method: Baking
Dietary Info: Vegetarian
Key Flavor: Sweet and custardy with creamy white chocolate
Skill Level: Beginner

Sweet Spots

Addicting And Flavorful: The blend of custardy bread with the sweetness of white chocolate plus the hint of vanilla. ADDICTIVE y’all!
Waste Not, Want Not: Bread pudding is the perfect way to use up leftover stale bread. We don’t believe in wasting food around these parts!
Beginner-Friendly: If you’re new to baking, this white chocolate bread pudding is great for getting started. It looks and tastes like you’ve slaved away for hours, but in reality, it’s simple to make and forgiving for first-timers.
Bake And Take Dessert: This easy bread pudding with white chocolate sauce is a busy baker’s BFF! You can easily prep it in advance, let it soak, and then pop it in the oven when you’re ready. Plus, leftovers (if you have any!) reheat amazingly!

Ingredients To Make White Chocolate Bread Pudding

For the Bread Pudding

Cubed Stale Bread: Now, y’all, this is where it all begins. A good quality, crusty bread like French, brioche, or challah will do wonders. Aim for that 1-2 day-old bread to avoid any sogginess.
Milk & Heavy Cream: I use a mix of both to make the custard super rich. If you’re looking to lighten it up, half-and-half can stand in for the cream, but for the full experience, stick with the original.
White Chocolate: Regular white chocolate tastes more like cocoa butter than anything else, so pick a good quality one for melting purposes! That’s how you’ll get a nice white chocolate flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Just the right amount to sweeten the mixture without overshadowing the white chocolate’s charm.
Kosher Salt: A pinch helps to balance the sweetness.
Vanilla Extract: For that warm aroma and flavor.
Whole Eggs & Yolks: These guys are what bind our pudding together, giving it that lovely, custardy texture. In a pinch, 1/2 cup of egg substitute can be used for each whole egg, but the real deal is best for texture and flavor.

For the White Chocolate Sauce:

Heavy Cream & Milk: To create a velvety sauce that’ll have you licking the spoon.
White Chocolate: Because you can never have too much of a good thing, right?

Overhead shot of ingredients to make white chocolate bread pudding on the table before mixing

How To Make White Chocolate Bread Pudding

Step 1: Prep The Bread

Prep a baking dish with nonstick baking spray. Place cubed bread in the pan, and set aside.

Overhead shot of cubed bread in a baking dish for white chocolate bread pudding

Step 2: Make The White Chocolate and Vanilla Mixture

Combine milk and heavy cream in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat until hot, but not boiling.
Pour milk and heavy cream over white chocolate.
Mix until melted and creamy.
Add sugar, salt, and vanilla. Cool until room temperature.
Pour the cooled mixture over eggs and yolks.
Mix until well combined.

Collage of steps to make white chocolate bread pudding with heating milk and heavy cream, mixing them with white chocolate, and mixing the rest of ingredients

Step 3: Pour Mixture Over Bread And Bake

Pour the white chocolate and vanilla mixture over the bread, covering most of it. Press on the bread lightly, and let it sit to allow it to soak up the mixture.
Cover the baking dish with foil.
Bake until the center is just set.
Remove the foil and continue baking until the top is lightly browned.

Collage of steps to make white chocolate bread pudding with pouring the white chocolate mixture over the bread, covering the bread with foil, and baking it

Step 4: Make The White Chocolate Sauce And Pour Over Bread

Heat cream and milk in a medium saucepan until hot.
Pour over white chocolate.
Mix the sauce until melted and smooth.
Pour sauce over bread pudding and serve with fresh berries.

Collage of steps to make white chocolate bread pudding with making the white chocolate sauce, and pouring the sauce over the bread

Tips For Making The Best White Chocolate Bread Pudding

Don’t Rush the Soaking: Patience is key when it comes to soaking that bread. Give it a good 30 minutes to really soak everything up. Rushing this step might leave you with dry spots, and no one wants a dry pudding boo.
Toast the Bread: If your bread is still on the fresh side, spread those cubes on a sheet pan and toast in the oven at 350F for about 10 minutes. You’re aiming for lightly toasted, not too brown. This helps give the texture of day-old bread so it won’t be soggy.
Avoid Boiling the Cream and Milk: To make the best white chocolate sauce for your bread pudding, remember – we’re warmin’, not boilin’. Keep a close eye and a gentle flame. Boiling can cause the mixture to separate, and that’s a no-go for the pudding.
Evenly Distribute the Mixture: After pouring the mixture over your bread, take a moment to gently press down with a spoon or spatula. This ensures every cube gets its a soaking, and you don’t end up with any dry, sad pieces.

Popular Substitutions & Additions

Spice It Up: A hint of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a warm, spicy note to your bread pudding, making the flavors even better. Just sprinkle a little into your cream mixture before pouring it over the bread.
Top With Berries: Before baking, scatter a handful of your fave berries (like blueberries or raspberries) over the top of your white chocolate bread pudding. They’ll bake up nice and juicy. It adds a nice tart contrast to the creamy pudding.
Add Nuts: Love a bit of crunch? Toss in some toasted pecans or walnuts for a texture switch up with nutty flavor. Sprinkle them over the bread before you pour the cream mixture on top.
Swap the Chocolate: If white chocolate isn’t ya cup of tea, feel free to switch it up with milk or dark chocolate. It’ll give your bread pudding a whole new depth and flavor.

Overhead shot of white chocolate bread pudding with strawberries, blueberries and black kitchen utensils next to it

What To Serve With This White Chocolate Bread Pudding Recipe

Fresh Fruit or Berry Compote: Nothing complements the rich, creamy texture of this white chocolate bread pudding recipe quite like the tartness and freshness of fruit. Serve it with a side of fresh berries or strawberry sauce, a tangy cranberry sauce, or even a dollop of apple butter for a flavor contrast.
Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: If you’re looking to indulge, a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream, or a generous swirl of wh i pped cream on top of your warm bread pudding is the way to go. It is sooo good y’all!
Warm Beverages: Pair your pudding with a warm beverage to keep it cozy boos! A cup of coffee or a rich French hot chocolate complements the sweetness and makes the whole experience so comforting.

How To Store & Reheat White Chocolate Bread Pudding

Wrap your white chocolate bread pudding tightly with plastic wrap, or keep it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. Remember, it’s best to pop it in the fridge before adding the sauce! Store the sauce separately in the fridge and give it a quick warm-up before drizzling over your serving.

To reheat, just pop it in the microwave for a few minutes until it’s warm. If you’ve got a bit more time, you can also reheat it in the oven at 350F for about 10 minutes or until it’s nicely warmed through.

How Long Will White Chocolate Bread Pudding Last In The Fridge?

This bread pudding will stay good to go in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days.

Can I Freeze This Easy Bread Pudding With White Chocolate Sauce?

Yep, you can definitely freeze it! Wrap it up tight or stash it in a freezer-safe container. It’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. When you wanna get down on some again, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat it gently to bring back that just-baked warmth.

Closeup of white chocolate bread pudding in a baking dish with strawberries and blueberries in small bowls next to it

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this bread pudding ahead?

Just assemble the bread and the cream mixture, then cover and let it soak in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, simply take it out, let it come to room temperature while you preheat the oven, and then bake as directed. It’s a real time-saver for busy days or when you’re planning a gathering!

Is it okay if the bread pudding puffs up in the oven?

Yep that’s completely normal! As the bread soaks up the custard mixture and bakes, it’ll puff up a bit. It’ll settle back down once you take it out of the oven and let it cool for a bit.

Can I use different types of bread?

For sure! While French, brioche, and challah are my top picks for their texture, you can definitely try other breads. Just make sure whatever you pick is a bit dense and not too airy. Day-old croissants or even a sturdy sourdough are good options.

A white plate with a serving of white chocolate bread pudding with a black fork and berries next to it. In the background, there's a baking dish with more bread pudding, and a small bowl filled with an assortment of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries

This White Chocolate Bread Puddin’ is definitely a hit for my white chocolate lovers. You don’t have to be a seasoned baker to nail this recipe, either. It’s straightforward, fun, and a perfect way to dip your toes into baking.

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White Chocolate Bread Pudding