CHOCOLATE BREAD PUDDING WITH WALNUTS AND CHOCOLATE CHIPS

Chocolate Bread Pudding with Walnuts and Chocolate Chips image

Provided by Carolynn Angle

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

4 cups 1-inch cubes egg bread with crust (about 6 ounces)
1 1/4 cups semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips, divided
1/2 cup walnuts, toasted, broken into 1/2-inch pieces
1 cup heavy whipping cream, divided
1 cup half and half, divided
5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
4 large eggs
1 large egg yolk
1/2 cup sugar
Lightly sweetened whipped cream

Steps:

Toss bread cubes, 1/2 cup chocolate chips, and toasted walnuts in large bowl to blend.
Whisk 1/2 cup cream, 1/2 cup half and half, and cocoa in heavy medium saucepan to blend. Add remaining 3/4 cup chocolate chips; stir over low heat until melted and smooth. Gradually whisk in remaining 1/2 cup cream and 1/2 cup half and half. Whisk eggs, egg yolk, and sugar in medium bowl to blend. Whisk in chocolate-cream mixture. Stir into bread mixture. Let stand 1 hour for bread to absorb some of custard.
Preheat oven to 325°F. Butter six (1- to 1 1/4-cup) ramekins. Divide pudding mixture among ramekins. Bake puddings until set in centers, about 40 minutes.
Top warm puddings with whipped cream and serve.