If you’re anything like me and have a sweet tooth that loves a twist on classic comfort foods, wait until you try this Tres Leches Bread Pudding with Chocolate Chips Recipe. It’s like the best of both worlds – that rich, custardy bread pudding soaked in luscious three milks, but with a delightful surprise of melty chocolate chips throughout. Trust me, once you dig into this, you’ll want to make it again and again. Keep reading because I’ll share all my tips so you nail it perfectly every single time!

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Bread Choice: Using brioche gives the pudding a rich, buttery texture that soaks up the milk mixture beautifully without falling apart.
Balanced Sweetness: Combining evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk creates that iconic creamy sweetness without being overpowering.
Chocolate Chip Surprise: Adding chocolate chips elevates classic tres leches by adding pockets of melted indulgence in every bite.
Simple Yet Showstopping: It’s easy to make for any occasion, doesn’t require fancy skills, but looks and tastes like you put in hours.

Tres Leches Bread Pudding with Chocolate Chips, Tres Leches Bread Pudding, Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding, Milky Bread Pudding, Easy Tres Leches Dessert - 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

This Tres Leches Bread Pudding with Chocolate Chips Recipe really shines because each ingredient plays its role perfectly. From the custard base that soaks the bread to the chocolate chips adding texture and richness, these ingredients blend harmoniously. When shopping, I always recommend fresh eggs and quality brioche for the best results.

Egg Yolks: They add richness and help thicken the custard so your bread pudding sets beautifully without turning rubbery.
Whole Milk: Adds creaminess and helps balance the thickness of the condensed milks.
Evaporated Milk: Gives the authentic “tres leches” flavor while not being too sweet.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: The star of tres leches, providing sweetness and lusciousness.
Granulated Sugar: Enhances sweetness and helps caramelize the top slightly when baked.
Vanilla Extract: A little goes a long way for warming flavor and aroma.
Sea Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Brioche Bread (cubed): Its buttery texture soaks up the milk mixture without becoming mushy, making it ideal.
Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips: I love how these melt just right in the oven, adding a decadent surprise.

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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.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Tres Leches Bread Pudding with Chocolate Chips Recipe is how customizable it is. I often tweak it depending on the mood or ingredients I have on hand, and it always turns out amazing. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Variation: Sometimes I substitute part of the brioche with day-old croissants for an extra flaky texture — it’s heavenly!
Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut milk and a dairy-free condensed milk alternative, plus dairy-free chocolate chips for a friendly twist.
Seasonal Twists: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon and chopped toasted pecans for autumn vibes — perfect for cozy nights.

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

Step 1: Whisk Together the Milky Custard Magic

I start by combining the egg yolks, whole milk, evaporated milk, ¾ of the sweetened condensed milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and sea salt in a large bowl. Whisk everything gently but thoroughly until it’s silky smooth with no streaks. This mix is the heart of your bread pudding — it’s what makes it rich, creamy, and perfectly sweet.

Step 2: Let the Brioche Soak Up All That Goodness

Once your custard base is ready, toss in the brioche cubes. Now, here’s my trick: fold gently, don’t stir aggressively. You want every piece saturated without breaking down the bread. The brioche’s buttery texture soaks up all that custardy goodness, prepping it to bake into a perfectly tender pudding.

Step 3: Chocolate Chip Time and Baking Bliss

After folding in the bread, spread the mixture evenly into a greased baking dish. Then sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips right on top. That way, they melt beautifully during baking, sending little pockets of chocolate throughout the pudding. Bake it at 375°F for about 50 to 60 minutes until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set—you’ll know it’s done when it doesn’t jiggle in the center.

Step 4: Finish With a Sweet Drizzle and Serve Warm

As soon as it’s out of the oven, drizzle the remaining condensed milk on top. This last touch gives it that authentic tres leches shine and moistness. Serve the pudding warm—you’ll love the way the chocolate chips are still gooey and melty.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Bread Freshness Matters: Day-old brioche works best—it absorbs the custard without becoming mushy like fresh bread might.
Don’t Skip the Salt: A teaspoon of sea salt balances sweetness and enhances flavor, making every bite pop.
Gentle Folding Technique: I learned the hard way that stirring too harshly breaks the bread apart, so be kind to those cubes!
Watch the Bake Time: Overbaking dries it out. Start checking at 50 minutes with a gentle jiggle test.

How to Serve Tres Leches Bread Pudding with Chocolate Chips Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon for warmth. Fresh berries also add a nice pop of color and freshness to the rich dessert. Sometimes, a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes gives a lovely crunch and subtle nuttiness that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate.

Side Dishes

This bread pudding is so rich that I like to serve it alongside simple sides like a lightly brewed coffee or an espresso to cut through the sweetness. For a brunch twist, a fresh fruit salad or citrusy sorbet works beautifully on the side, balancing out the creamy sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered this bread pudding in a clear trifle bowl so you can see all the beautiful layers of bread and melted chocolate. I also like to serve individual portions in ramekins topped with a drizzle of chocolate sauce and a mint leaf for a fancy touch that always impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled to room temperature, cover the bread pudding tightly with plastic wrap or foil and pop it in the fridge. It actually tastes even better the next day since the flavors have had more time to meld. Just remember to store the drizzle separately if you want to keep it fresh longer.

Freezing

Freezing this bread pudding works great if you want to prep ahead. I slice it into portions, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and then store them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend warming individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute—just enough to get the chocolate chips glossy again without drying out the custard. Alternatively, reheat covered in a low oven (around 300°F) until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread instead of brioche?

Yes! While brioche is ideal for its richness and texture, you can use challah, croissants, or even French bread that’s a day or two old. Just avoid very dense breads as they won’t soak up the custard as well.
Do I have to add chocolate chips?

Not at all! The chocolate chips add a delightful melty surprise, but if you prefer classic tres leches flavor, feel free to skip them or substitute with nuts, dried fruit, or even white chocolate chips.
How can I tell when the bread pudding is fully cooked?

Look for a golden-brown top and a pudding that’s set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Insert a toothpick or knife—if it comes out mostly clean with only a few moist crumbs, it’s perfect!
Can I prepare the bread pudding the night before?

Absolutely! You can assemble it the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Bring it to room temperature slightly before baking to ensure even cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Tres Leches Bread Pudding with Chocolate Chips Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it captures that perfect balance of comforting and indulgent. Whenever I make it, the chocolate chips bring a joyful grin to anyone’s face who tastes it. I can’t recommend this enough if you want a dessert that feels like a big warm hug with a little chocolatey wink. Go ahead, try it out—your kitchen (and taste buds) will thank you!

Tres Leches Bread Pudding with Chocolate Chips Recipe