Irresistible Pioneer Woman White Chocolate Bread Pudding Recipe

White chocolate bread pudding emerges as a culinary marvel that turns everyday ingredients into pure bliss.

Velvety custard embraces tender croissant pieces, creating a dessert that whispers luxury in every bite.

Smooth white chocolate weaves its magic through layers of soft, pillowy bread, transforming a humble dish into a sophisticated indulgence.

Fragrant hints of orange zest and crushed almonds dance playfully across the palate, adding unexpected depth and intrigue.

Each spoonful promises a journey of rich, creamy sensations that comfort and excite simultaneously.

The dessert’s delicate balance of textures and flavors guarantees a symphony of pure gastronomic pleasure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 8

White Chocolate Bread Pudding Ingredients

• White Chocolate Chips: Select high-quality chips with smooth texture and rich cocoa butter content.
• Half-and-Half: Choose fresh, full-fat version for maximum richness and velvety consistency.

• Eggs: Pick large, fresh eggs with bright yellow yolks for best flavor and texture.
• Sugar: Use fine granulated sugar for smooth incorporation and balanced sweetness.
• Orange Zest: Select firm, bright-colored oranges with vibrant, fragrant skin.
• Salt: Opt for fine sea salt to enhance overall dessert depth.
• Vanilla Extract: Choose pure, high-quality extract with complex aromatic profile.

• Croissant Pieces: Select day-old, buttery croissants for optimal absorption and tender structure.
• Mixed Berries: Pick ripe, seasonal berries with deep color and firm texture.
• Sliced Almonds: Choose raw, whole almonds with golden-brown hue and crisp quality.
• Powdered Sugar: Select fine-ground sugar for elegant, delicate dusting.
• Sweetened Whipped Cream: Use heavy cream with high fat content for stable, fluffy consistency.

What You’ll Use to Bake White Chocolate Bread Pudding

• Large Saucepan: Perfect for heating half-and-half smoothly and evenly.
• Large Heatproof Bowl: Essential for melting white chocolate chips without burning.
• 13-by-9-inch Baking Dish: Provides ideal space for layering croissants and creating pudding.
• Whisk: Great for blending chocolate mixture and creating silky egg mixture.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps accurately measure ingredients for consistent results.
• Aluminum Foil: Covers pudding during initial baking to prevent excessive browning.
• Zester: Helps create fine orange zest for adding bright citrus flavor.
• Cutting Board: Useful for preparing croissant pieces and slicing berries.
• Sharp Knife: Allows precise cutting of croissants and berries.

Baking Steps for White Chocolate Bread Pudding

• Preheat and Prepare Baking Space

Warm up your oven to a cozy 325°F and spray a 13-by-9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray, creating the perfect canvas for your delectable dessert.

• Craft Silky Chocolate Base

Heat half-and-half in a saucepan until steaming, then pour over white chocolate chips. Let the mixture sit for a moment, then whisk until a luxurious, smooth chocolate blend emerges.

• Whip Together Creamy Egg Mixture

Combine eggs, sugar, bright orange zest, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Slowly fold in the warm chocolate mixture, whisking until the texture becomes beautifully silky. Stir in a splash of vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor.

• Assemble and Bake Decadent Pudding

Layer croissant pieces in the prepared dish, sprinkle with colorful mixed berries, and gently pour the chocolate mixture over the top. Scatter sliced almonds across the surface. Let the pudding rest at room temperature for half an hour, then cover with foil and bake for 40-45 minutes until the edges set but the center remains slightly jiggly.

• Final Touch and Serve

Remove the foil and continue baking for 15-20 minutes until the pudding turns a gorgeous golden brown and slightly puffs up. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes, then top with the remaining berries and dust with a delicate sprinkle of powdered sugar. Serve warm with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream for a truly indulgent dessert experience.

Tips for Extra Creaminess and Texture

• Elevate Your Chocolate Berry Croissant Pudding
• Bread Selection Magic: Swap croissants with brioche, challah, or day-old French bread for unique textures and flavor profiles. Stale bread works best because it absorbs the creamy chocolate mixture more effectively.
• Berry Burst Customization: Replace mixed berries with seasonal fruits like peaches, cherries, or tropical mango chunks. Frozen berries can work wonderfully if fresh aren't available, just pat them dry before adding.
• Nutty Crunch Upgrade: Experiment with different nuts like pecans, walnuts, or pistachios instead of almonds. Toasting nuts beforehand intensifies their flavor and adds extra depth to the dessert.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: Assemble the pudding up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking. This technique allows flavors to meld and makes entertaining much smoother. Simply remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to reach room temperature.

Ways to Serve White Chocolate Bread Pudding

• Brunch Centerpiece: Wow your guests with this decadent white chocolate bread pudding as a stunning brunch showstopper that transforms ordinary morning gatherings into memorable culinary experiences.
• Berry Burst Garnish: Enhance the dessert's visual appeal and flavor by sprinkling fresh mixed berries on top, creating a vibrant contrast against the golden-brown pudding and adding a burst of natural sweetness.
• Cream Dream Companion: Serve a dollop of freshly whipped sweetened cream alongside the warm pudding, allowing guests to drizzle or spoon the creamy topping for an extra luxurious touch that elevates the dessert's richness.
• Zesty Orange Accent: Highlight the subtle orange zest in the recipe by garnishing with a few thin orange twists or a light sprinkle of fresh orange zest, which complements the white chocolate and adds a bright, citrusy note to the dessert.

White Chocolate Pudding Storage and Prep Tips

• Preserve Pudding Perfection: Store leftover white chocolate berry bread pudding in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Reheat with Care: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or place the entire dish in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through and edges become crispy again.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in the freezer for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
• Prep-Ahead Strategy: Assemble the entire pudding up to 24 hours in advance, covering and refrigerating before baking. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes prior to baking to allow ingredients to reach room temperature for even cooking.

Indulgent Pioneer Woman White Chocolate Bread Pudding Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

White chocolate bread pudding emerges as a luxurious Southern dessert blending rich custard with tender bread cubes. Creamy vanilla sauce and delicate white chocolate create an irresistible sweet finale you won’t want to miss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 large croissants (about 18 oz/510 g), cut into thirds
• 4 cups (960 ml/32 fl oz) half-and-half
• 6 large eggs
• 1 ⅓ cups (226 g) white chocolate chips
• 12 oz (340 g) fresh berries (raspberries and blueberries), divided
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (30 g) sliced almonds
• 2 tsp fresh orange zest
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• Nonstick cooking spray
• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Sweetened whipped cream, for serving

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and lightly grease a 13-by-9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Chocolate Infusion: Melt white chocolate chips by pouring steaming half-and-half over them, allowing two minutes of resting before whisking into a silky smooth mixture.
3. Flavor Blending: Whisk eggs, sugar, orange zest, and salt together, gradually incorporating the warm chocolate mixture while continuously stirring. Fold in vanilla extract to enhance the overall flavor profile.
4. Layering: Distribute croissant pieces across the prepared baking dish, scatter half the mixed berries, then pour the chocolate-egg custard evenly, ensuring complete bread coverage. Sprinkle sliced almonds on top for textural contrast.
5. Baking Process: Let the pudding rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow bread absorption. Bake covered with foil for 40-45 minutes until edges set but center remains slightly wobbly. Remove foil and continue baking 15-20 minutes until golden-brown and slightly puffy.
6. Finishing Touch: Allow pudding to rest 5 minutes after removing from oven. Garnish with remaining berries and dust generously with powdered sugar. Serve warm alongside sweetened whipped cream for a decadent dessert experience.

Notes

• Prevent Bread Sogginess: Let croissants sit out for a few hours or overnight to slightly dry out, ensuring a better texture and absorption of the custard mixture.
• Achieve Smooth Chocolate Base: Stir chocolate and half-and-half gently and consistently to prevent seizing and create a silky, uniform consistency.
• Control Baking Precision: Check pudding at 40-minute mark; slight wobble in center indicates perfect custard set without overcooking.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Zest orange directly into sugar to release essential oils, intensifying citrus notes throughout the dessert.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 40 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg