Chocolate Brioche Bread Pudding With Warm Vanilla Sauce

• eggs↗4
• sugar↗1 cup
• pure vanilla extract↗1 teaspoon
• cocoa powder↗2 tablespoons
• half-and-half cream↗2 1⁄2 cups
• semi-sweet chocolate chips↗6 ounces
• thick slices brioche bread, crusts removed (or other good white bread such as challah)6 -8
• butter (1/2 stick)↗1⁄4 cup
• Warm Vanilla Sauce Ingredients
• sugar↗1 cup
• half-and-half cream↗1⁄2 cup
• Bourbon (optional)↗1 tablespoon

  optional

• vanilla bean, split and scraped (or 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract)↗1⁄2
• butter (1 stick)↗1⁄2 cup

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350F degrees .

2. 2

   Melt 1/2 stick butter in a 9 x 13-inch glass baking dish.

3. 3

   Cut brioche bread into 2-inch cubes, and press into the buttered dish.

4. 4

   In a medium bowl, stir together all other ingredients (except chocolate chips), stirring to combine well, and pour evenly over the cubed Brioche.

5. 5

   Sprinkle chocolate chips on top.

6. 6

   Bake the pudding for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

7. 7

   Meanwhile, place all vanilla sauce ingredients in sauce pan.

8. 8

   Heat gently and stir often. Don't overcook, only about 5 minutes. Remove vanilla pod just before serving.

9. 9

   Scoop bread pudding into twelve individual serving dishes, drizzle 2 spoonfuls of warm vanilla sauce over top of each serving. Heaven!