Craving something indulgent and comforting for breakfast or dessert? Look no further than these delightful Chocolate Bread Pudding Muffins. They are a perfect blend of rich chocolate flavor and the cozy warmth of bread pudding, all packed into a convenient muffin form. These tasty treats are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire and are ideal for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a special treat just for yourself.
**Chocolate Bread Pudding Muffins**
**Ingredients:**
– 6 cups of cubed stale bread (such as French or brioche)
– 1 ½ cups of whole milk
– 1 cup of heavy cream
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup of granulated sugar
– ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– 1 cup of chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
– Butter or cooking spray for greasing the muffin tin
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and generously grease a 12-cup muffin tin with butter or cooking spray.
2. **Prepare the Bread:** In a large bowl, place the cubed stale bread and set aside.
3. **Make the Chocolate Custard:** In a medium saucepan, heat the whole milk and heavy cream over medium heat until just simmering. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
4. **Combine the Mixture:** Pour the chocolate custard over the cubed bread and gently stir until all the bread cubes are coated. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
5. **Add the Chocolate Chips:** Gently fold in the chocolate chips into the bread mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
6. **Fill the Muffin Tins:** Divide the bread pudding mixture evenly among the prepared muffin cups, pressing down gently to pack the mixture in.
7. **Bake the Muffins:** Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the muffins are set and the tops are crispy.
8. **Cool and Serve:** Allow the muffins to cool slightly in the tin before carefully removing them. Serve the Chocolate Bread Pudding Muffins warm for the best taste and texture.
These Chocolate Bread Pudding Muffins are a delightful twist on a classic dessert that is sure to impress everyone at the table. With their rich chocolate flavor, soft bread pudding texture, and convenient individual portions, they are perfect for any occasion, from brunch gatherings to cozy nights in. Enjoy the simplicity of baking these muffins and savor every delicious bite. Give this recipe a try and elevate your baking game with a touch of chocolatey goodness!