Chocolate Babka Bread Pudding

Chocolate Babka Bread Pudding Recipe with Dulce de Leche

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 25 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Chocolate Babka Bread Pudding is a decadent and delicious dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate Babka with a creamy custard base. This indulgent treat is perfect for special occasions or as a comforting dessert on a cold winter night.

History

Babka is a traditional Eastern European sweet bread that is typically filled with chocolate or cinnamon. The bread pudding version of this classic treat adds a new twist to the traditional recipe, creating a dessert that is both familiar and unique.

Ingredients

Bread pudding

1 loaf of chocolate Babka, torn into 1-inch pieces (or 8 cups loosely packed cubes)
2.5 cups of milk
2 cups of heavy cream
9 large eggs
0.5 cup of sugar
0.75 cup of light brown sugar
2 tsp of cinnamon
1 tbsp of vanilla extract
1 tsp of salt
1 can (12.3 oz or 349 g) of dulce de leche

Topping

2 cups of heavy cream or whipping cream
0.25 cup of confectioners' sugar
1 tsp of vanilla

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and place the rack in the center of the oven.
Line a sheet pan with foil and set it aside.
Place the bread in a 9" x 13" baking dish and set it aside.
In a bowl, mix the milk, cream, eggs, sugars, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt until well combined.
Slowly pour the mixture over the bread.
Set it aside for 15 minutes.
Heat the dulce de leche in the microwave for 1 minute to soften it; then stir half of it into the pudding mixture.
Place the baking dish on the prepared sheet pan.
Bake for 1 hour and 25 minutes (the custard should still wobble when done).
Remove it from the oven and swirl the remaining dulce de leche on top. Allow it to set.
Serve the pudding warm with whipped cream.

Variations

Try using different flavors of Babka, such as cinnamon or raspberry, for a unique twist on this classic dessert.
Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the pudding mixture for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to tear the Babka into small pieces to ensure that the custard mixture is evenly distributed throughout the pudding.

- Allow the pudding to sit for 15 minutes before baking to allow the bread to soak up the custard mixture.

- Swirling the dulce de leche on top of the pudding adds a beautiful and delicious finishing touch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chocolate Babka Bread Pudding warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent treat.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the pudding in a water bath can help prevent the edges from becoming dry and overcooked.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find chocolate Babka, you can use any type of sweet bread or brioche as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the pudding mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight before baking for a quick and easy dessert option.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the pudding in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation, or top with a sprinkle of cocoa powder for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chocolate Babka Bread Pudding with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of milk for a comforting and satisfying dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chocolate Babka Bread Pudding contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chocolate Babka Bread Pudding contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chocolate Babka Bread Pudding contains approximately 25 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Chocolate Babka Bread Pudding contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Chocolate Babka Bread Pudding is a rich source of calcium, iron, and vitamin A.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs, milk, and wheat, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Chocolate Babka Bread Pudding is a rich and indulgent dessert that is high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provides a good source of proteins and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chocolate Babka Bread Pudding is a rich and indulgent dessert that combines the flavors of chocolate Babka with a creamy custard base. This decadent treat is perfect for special occasions or as a comforting dessert on a cold winter night.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy memory that I hold dear to my heart. It all started years ago when I was visiting my dear friend Sylvia in her cozy little cottage by the sea. Sylvia was a wonderful cook and always had a new recipe up her sleeve to share with me.

One chilly afternoon, as the rain pitter-pattered against the window panes, Sylvia invited me into her warm kitchen to sample a new creation she had been working on. The scent of chocolate and cinnamon wafted through the air, tantalizing my senses. As she placed a slice of her Chocolate Babka Bread Pudding in front of me, my mouth watered in anticipation.

The first bite was pure bliss. The rich, chocolatey bread pudding melted in my mouth, the swirls of cinnamon adding a warm and comforting touch. I couldn't believe how delicious it was, and I begged Sylvia to share the recipe with me. With a twinkle in her eye, she handed me a worn piece of parchment with her handwritten notes scrawled across it.

As I read through the recipe, my heart swelled with gratitude. Sylvia had inherited the recipe from her own grandmother, who had learned it from a dear friend who had immigrated from Eastern Europe. The history and tradition behind this dish made it all the more special to me.

I couldn't wait to recreate this delectable dessert in my own kitchen. The next day, I gathered all the ingredients and set to work. The process was labor-intensive, but the love and care put into each step made it all worthwhile. From making the chocolate babka bread to soaking it in a luscious custard mixture, every moment was a labor of love.

As the bread pudding baked in the oven, the sweet aroma filled my home, bringing back memories of that rainy afternoon with Sylvia. When it was finally done, I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into a warm, gooey slice. And as I took my first bite, I knew that this recipe would become a cherished tradition in my own family for years to come.

Over the years, I have made this Chocolate Babka Bread Pudding for countless family gatherings and special occasions. Each time, I am transported back to that rainy afternoon with Sylvia, and I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

Now, as I pass this recipe down to my grandchildren, I hope that they will treasure it as much as I have. May they always remember the joy and love that went into creating this decadent dessert, and may it continue to bring warmth and comfort to their hearts for generations to come.