If you’re looking to wow your friends and family with a dessert that’s creamy, indulgent, and just a little bit unexpected, this Tres Leches Bread Pudding with Chocolate Chips Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine the classic charm of bread pudding soaked to perfection in a luscious tres leches mixture—then studded with melty chocolate chips. I first tried this combo on a whim, and I promise you, it’s fan-freaking-tastic. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through every step so you nail it at home.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Moisture Balance: The classic tres leches soak makes the bread pudding incredibly tender without turning mushy.
Brioche Bread Advantage: Using brioche adds a rich, buttery flavor and sturdy texture that holds up well to soaking.
Chocolate Chips Surprise: Melting pockets of semi-sweet chocolate add a delicious contrast that makes each bite special.
Easy Prep & Baking: Minimal steps and bake-it-and-forget-it style means you can focus on other things while it works its magic.

Tres Leches Bread Pudding with Chocolate Chips, tres leches bread pudding, bread pudding with chocolate chips, creamy tres leches dessert, indulgent bread pudding recipe - A white oval dish holds a baked bread pudding with layers of golden brown, toasted bread pieces that have a slightly crunchy texture, scattered generously with dark chocolate chips that add a rich contrast. The pudding is topped with a light drizzle of white glaze, giving a shiny and smooth finish. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with part of a soft white cloth in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Tres Leches Bread Pudding with Chocolate Chips Recipe lies in the balance of creamy milks, rich eggs, and buttery brioche. Each ingredient plays its own role in creating that perfect custardy texture with a sweet, comforting flavor. Shopping tip? Look for a good-quality brioche loaf — fresh or day-old, it’ll soak up the milk mixture beautifully without falling apart.

Egg yolks: They provide richness and help set the custard for that silky texture.
Whole milk: Adds creaminess and ensures the custard isn’t too thick or too watery.
Evaporated milk: Concentrated milk adds that signature smooth, creamy base for the soak.
Sweetened condensed milk: Divided use here—mostly in the custard, with some drizzled on top for an extra sweet kick.
Granulated sugar: Just enough to enhance sweetness without overpowering the milks.
Vanilla extract: The perfect subtle flavor enhancer to give warmth to the entire dish.
Sea salt: Balances sweetness and deepens the flavor.
Brioche bread: Soft, rich, and buttery bread that absorbs the milks flawlessly while retaining structure.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: My personal favorite for adding bursts of melty chocolate goodness throughout the pudding.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how flexible this Tres Leches Bread Pudding with Chocolate Chips Recipe is. Over time, I’ve adjusted it depending on mood and occasion—sometimes swapping the chocolate chips for fresh berries or even adding a pinch of cinnamon. Don’t be shy to make it your own!

Variation: I once swapped the semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chunks, which made the pudding sweeter and creamier—great for those who love mild sweetness.
Dairy-Free Swap: For a dairy-free twist, try canned coconut milk in place of evaporated milk—just expect a slight tropical note.
Spiced Version: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg added to the custard makes it cozy and perfect for chilly nights.
Extra Texture: Toasted nuts sprinkled on top before baking give a satisfying crunch contrast.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Tres Leches Bread Pudding with Chocolate Chips Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Your Custard Base

Start by cracking your egg yolks into a large bowl. Add the whole milk, evaporated milk, three-quarters of the sweetened condensed milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Whisk together until perfectly smooth and all sugar granules dissolve. This mix is the heart and soul of your pudding—getting it smooth means a silky custard texture without any lumps.

Step 2: Fold in the Brioche

Tear or cut your brioche bread into cubes—aim for about 1-inch pieces so they soak evenly but hold some texture. Gently fold the bread cubes into the custard mixture, allowing every piece to soak up the liquid. This step is key—be patient and careful, so you don’t mush the bread. Let it sit for a few minutes if your bread is a bit dry; it soaks up the milk like a champ.

Step 3: Bake and Add Chocolate Chips

Transfer your soaked bread mixture into a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips on top—they’ll melt and create those irresistible pockets of gooey chocolate. Pop it into a 375°F (190°C) preheated oven and bake for about 50 to 60 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set but still tender inside.

Step 4: Drizzle and Serve Warm

When it’s out of the oven, immediately drizzle the remaining sweetened condensed milk over the top for that final touch of indulgence. Let it sit for a few minutes so the sauce gets absorbed slightly, then serve warm—this dessert is best enjoyed fresh from the oven when the chocolate is still melty and the custard is perfectly creamy.

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Pro Tips for Making Tres Leches Bread Pudding with Chocolate Chips Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temp eggs and milk helps the custard mix smoothly without clumping.
Don’t Skimp on Soaking Time: Let the bread soak for at least 10 minutes before baking if it seems dry; dry bread won’t absorb the flavors well.
Tent with Foil If Needed: If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil halfway through baking to prevent burning.
Use a Water Bath Optionally: For extra custard creaminess, bake your dish in a water bath, but it’s not required—your pudding will still be delicious!

How to Serve Tres Leches Bread Pudding with Chocolate Chips Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish this dessert with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of fresh whipped cream for that classic touch. Sometimes I chop some toasted almonds and sprinkle on top for a bit of crunch. If you’re feeling fancy, a few fresh mint leaves add a refreshing pop of color and flavor.

Side Dishes

This bread pudding shines on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, try pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of strong coffee or espresso. The bitterness beautifully contrasts the sweetness and richness of the dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, for a party, I served this in mini ramekins with individual drizzle of condensed milk and a few chocolate chips on top. It was a hit and looked super cute. You could also layer it with fresh berries in a clear trifle bowl for an elegant presentation that shows off all the creamy layers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge. The pudding tastes just as good the next day after resting overnight—the flavors actually deepen! Just make sure it stays chilled to keep the custard fresh.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftover bread pudding in an airtight container a few times, and it freezes well for up to a month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The texture stays pretty consistent, though the chocolate chips might harden slightly.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm slices in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or in a low oven (around 300°F) covered with foil to prevent drying. This keeps the custard creamy and the chocolate melty again, just like fresh-baked.

FAQs

Can I use another type of bread instead of brioche for this recipe?

Absolutely! Brioche is ideal because of its buttery richness and sturdy texture, but you can use challah, French bread, or even sturdy white sandwich bread. Just make sure the bread isn’t too fresh and soft, or it might get too soggy.
How do I know when the Tres Leches Bread Pudding is fully baked?

Look for a golden brown top and a custard that’s set but still slightly jiggly in the center when gently shaken. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter.
Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it a few hours ahead and refrigerate before baking, but the bread will soak up more liquid, resulting in a more custardy, pudding-like texture. Adjust baking time accordingly and watch the top so it doesn’t overbrown.
Why add chocolate chips to Tres Leches Bread Pudding?

Adding chocolate chips brings a delightful surprise of melty richness that balances the sweet and creamy custard. It elevates the classic recipe by adding texture and flavor contrast I guarantee you’ll love!

Final Thoughts

This Tres Leches Bread Pudding with Chocolate Chips Recipe is one of those desserts that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I keep coming back to it whenever I want something comforting, impressive, and just a bit different from the usual sweets. I hope you give it a try and find as much joy in every bite as I do. If you do, don’t forget to let me know how it turns out—I’m always here to chat more about all things yum!