Description

This grown-up bread pudding is wonderfully packed with bittersweet flavors: dark chocolate, porter beer, strong coffee, and cinnamon. It’s baked until just set, with a scattering of chopped chocolate tucked underneath and on top.

Ingredients

Butter, for greasing baking dish

1 cup strong brewed coffee (or cold brew concentrate)

1 (12 oz) bottle porter or stout

1 1/4 cups heavy cream

3/4 cup brown sugar, plus 1 tablespoon for topping

1 1/4 cups dark chocolate (70%), chopped, divided

6 large eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Pinch of sea salt

6 cups white sourdough bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (preferably 1-2 days old)

Whipped cream, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a medium-large baking dish (9×13-inch or equivalent).
In a medium saucepan, combine porter, coffee, cream, and ¾ cup brown sugar. Bring just to a simmer over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
Remove from heat and stir in ¾ cup of the chopped chocolate, whisking until fully melted. Let cool slightly.
In a large bowl, whisk eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually whisk in the cooled chocolate–porter mixture to form the custard base.
Place bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Pour the custard over the bread, stir gently to coat, and let soak for 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through to ensure even absorption.
Scatter the remaining ½ cup chopped chocolate into the bottom of the greased baking dish. Pour the soaked bread mixture into the pan and smooth out the top.
Sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon brown sugar.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is set and slightly crisp, but the center is still custardy.
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with whipped cream, if desired.

Notes

Use a bold porter or stout—not a sweet one like milk stout—for a better balance.

Bread should be slightly stale for best absorption.

Strong coffee or espresso concentrate works best to hold up to the richness of the chocolate and beer.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 45 min
Category: Baking, Chocolate, Dessert

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 385
Sugar: 24g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 39g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 135mg