Leftover bread has never looked so appealing! Made from a custard base that has both cocoa and chopped chocolate, the final texture of this bread pudding is creamy and rich in chocolate flavor. The soaked bread cubes become cake-like when baked, surrounded by chunks of melty chocolate. This is comfort food at its finest.
Lightly butter the bottom and sides of a 2-quart baking dish, 9" x 13" pan, or equivalent.
Toss the bread cubes with 1 cup (170g) of the chopped semisweet chocolate, and place in the prepared pan.
Combine the remaining 1/2 cup (85g) chopped chocolate with the sugar, cocoa, and 1 1/2 cups (340g) of the milk or half & half in a saucepan set over low heat.
Cook, stirring, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is thickened and smooth.
Transfer to a large bowl, and whisk in the remaining 1 1/2 cups (340g) milk or half & half. Whisk in the eggs, salt, and vanilla.
Pour the mixture over the bread cubes and let rest for 30 minutes or so at room temperature, until the chocolate custard has been absorbed by the bread.
Preheat the oven to 325°F.
Bake the pudding for 45 to 50 minutes, until it's set. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes to allow the custard to fully set before serving.
Serve warm with whipped cream, ice cream, or dusted with confectioners' sugar.
Store, refrigerated, for up to 5 days.
A 1-pound loaf of bread or brioche should yield about 6 1/2 cups bread cubes. Otherwise use 10 to 12 slices of bread, cut into 1/2" cubes.
