Challah bread has long been a beloved staple in many kitchens, known for its rich, buttery taste and soft, airy texture. Often associated with traditional Jewish cuisine, challah bread has a golden crust and a delicate crumb that make it perfect for a variety of uses beyond its classic role at the dinner table.
While it’s a treat on its own, challah bread’s unique flavor and structure make it an exceptional base for indulgent desserts.
In this collection, we explore 25+ creative, mouth-watering dessert recipes that elevate challah bread into the realm of decadent sweets. From comforting bread puddings to luscious French toasts, and everything in between, these recipes celebrate the versatility of challah bread and add an exciting twist to your dessert repertoire.
Each recipe in this list has been crafted to bring out the best in challah’s texture and flavor, whether you’re looking for something fruity, chocolatey, or completely unique.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for a way to use up leftover challah, or simply craving something sweet, these challah bread desserts are sure to satisfy.
Let’s dive into the delicious world of challah-based treats and find your next favorite dessert recipe!
25+ Irresistible Challah Bread Desserts Recipes You’ll Love to Make
Challah bread desserts are the perfect way to enjoy this beloved bread in a new and delicious light. With its fluffy texture, slightly sweet taste, and golden crust, challah brings something special to any dessert.
Whether you’re transforming it into a warm bread pudding, turning it into a unique French toast creation, or layering it in a decadent trifle, these recipes prove that challah is more than just a dinner table staple—it’s a dessert superstar.
These 25+ recipes give you endless ways to enjoy challah bread while showcasing its incredible versatility. Each dessert is crafted to bring out the best in challah, making it ideal for gatherings, special occasions, or a delightful family treat.
So the next time you find yourself with an extra loaf of challah, remember there’s a world of sweet possibilities waiting.
Enjoy exploring these recipes, and let challah bread take your desserts to the next level!
Cinnamon Raisin Challah Bread Pudding
This Cinnamon Raisin Challah Bread Pudding is a delicious dessert that combines the richness of challah bread with the warmth of cinnamon and the sweetness of raisins. The challah absorbs the custard mixture beautifully, creating a creamy, indulgent texture that’s perfect for any gathering. With a caramelized top and a moist center, this bread pudding is a comforting treat that’s hard to resist.
- Ingredients:
- 6 cups challah bread, cubed
- 1 cup raisins
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pinch of salt
- Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the challah bread cubes evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle raisins on top.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down to soak all pieces.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
This Cinnamon Raisin Challah Bread Pudding is best enjoyed warm, with a drizzle of caramel or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of rich challah bread and cinnamon-raisin flavors makes it a memorable dessert that’s sure to bring warmth to any table.
Chocolate and Almond Challah Bread French Toast Casserole
This decadent Chocolate and Almond Challah Bread French Toast Casserole is a dessert dream come true. Combining the tender texture of challah with rich chocolate and nutty almonds, this recipe elevates traditional French toast into a dessert fit for any occasion. Prepared as a casserole, it’s easy to assemble and ideal for sharing with a crowd.
- Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- 6 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for garnish
- Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Layer half of the challah cubes in the dish, sprinkle half of the chocolate chips and almonds, then add the remaining challah, chocolate, and almonds.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the mixture over the challah, pressing down to ensure it’s fully soaked. Let sit for 15 minutes.
- Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, until the top is golden.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
This Chocolate and Almond Challah Bread French Toast Casserole is a crowd-pleasing dessert that feels luxurious yet easy to make. Each bite is filled with gooey chocolate and crunchy almonds, making it a satisfying and unique dessert experience.
Apple Cinnamon Challah Bread Cobbler
Apple Cinnamon Challah Bread Cobbler is a delightful twist on traditional cobbler, adding challah bread for extra richness and texture. The warm spiced apples blend beautifully with soft, custard-like challah, creating a layered dessert with a unique depth of flavor. Perfect for autumn or holiday dinners, this cobbler is both comforting and impressive.
- Ingredients:
- 4 cups challah bread, cut into cubes
- 4 large apples, peeled and sliced
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a medium baking dish.
- Arrange the apple slices evenly in the dish and sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Spread the challah cubes over the apples.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, cream, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter.
- Pour the mixture over the challah cubes, pressing down gently to absorb.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the apples are tender.
- Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
This Apple Cinnamon Challah Bread Cobbler is the perfect blend of fruit and pastry, offering layers of flavors and textures that make each bite delightful. It’s an easy-to-make dessert that’s sure to become a seasonal favorite, adding a cozy touch to any gathering.
Berry and Mascarpone Challah Bread Tart
The Berry and Mascarpone Challah Bread Tart is a delightful, fruity dessert that combines the rich creaminess of mascarpone cheese with the delicate flavors of fresh berries and challah. This dessert is as visually appealing as it is delicious, perfect for summer gatherings or brunches. The challah base soaks up the mascarpone filling, creating a custardy tart that pairs perfectly with the tangy, sweet berries.
- Ingredients:
- 5 cups challah bread, cubed
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Powdered sugar, for garnish
- Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch tart pan.
- Arrange the challah cubes evenly in the tart pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together the mascarpone, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour the mascarpone mixture over the challah, pressing down to soak.
- Arrange the berries on top of the tart and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the custard is set.
- Allow to cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
This Berry and Mascarpone Challah Bread Tart is a show-stopping dessert that balances creamy, sweet, and fruity flavors. The combination of mascarpone and fresh berries over challah makes it a light yet satisfying treat that’s perfect for special occasions.
Maple Pecan Challah Bread Muffins
Maple Pecan Challah Bread Muffins offer a unique, portable dessert that combines the heartiness of challah with the warmth of maple syrup and crunch of pecans. These muffins are perfect for fall or winter, and they make a fantastic dessert or snack for any time of day. The challah bread absorbs the maple flavor beautifully, creating a moist, cake-like texture in every bite.
- Ingredients:
- 4 cups challah bread, cubed
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin.
- Divide the challah cubes evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and melted butter until well combined.
- Pour the mixture over the challah cubes, pressing down to absorb. Top with pecans.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until muffins are golden and set.
- Allow to cool slightly, then drizzle with extra maple syrup if desired.
These Maple Pecan Challah Bread Muffins are a delicious, grab-and-go version of a classic bread pudding, with a cozy blend of flavors that’s perfect for cold weather. They make a great addition to breakfast spreads, dessert tables, or just as a comforting snack.
Caramel Apple Challah Bread Parfaits
Caramel Apple Challah Bread Parfaits are an easy-to-assemble, layered dessert that combines caramel-drenched challah, spiced apples, and creamy whipped topping for a delicious fall treat. The challah absorbs the caramel beautifully, adding a rich and buttery layer to the parfait that complements the tart apples. This dessert is a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of fall in a unique and elegant presentation.
- Ingredients:
- 4 cups challah bread, cubed
- 3 large apples, peeled and diced
- ½ cup caramel sauce
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 ½ cups whipped cream or vanilla yogurt
- Instructions:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then add diced apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Cook until apples are tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a large bowl, drizzle caramel sauce over challah bread cubes and toss to coat.
- In individual parfait glasses, layer caramel-soaked challah, spiced apples, and whipped cream or yogurt.
- Repeat layers, finishing with a dollop of whipped cream on top.
- Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top before serving.
These Caramel Apple Challah Bread Parfaits are a simple yet elegant dessert that brings out the best of fall flavors. The combination of creamy, crunchy, and spiced layers makes this parfait a delightful treat that’s perfect for dinner parties, holiday gatherings, or even a special after-dinner indulgence.
Vanilla Bean Challah Bread Custard
This Vanilla Bean Challah Bread Custard is a silky, smooth dessert that’s both decadent and comforting. The challah soaks up a rich vanilla-infused custard mixture, creating a creamy, custardy texture with a delicate sweetness and warm vanilla flavor. This dessert is perfect for those looking to indulge in something rich and elegant, yet easy to prepare.
- Ingredients:
- 5 cups challah bread, cubed
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 vanilla bean (or 1 tbsp vanilla extract)
- A pinch of salt
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Arrange challah cubes evenly in the baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, and salt. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean into the mixture and whisk until smooth.
- Pour the custard mixture over the challah cubes, pressing down to ensure the bread is fully soaked.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden.
- Serve warm, topped with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
This Vanilla Bean Challah Bread Custard is a simple yet refined dessert, with a luscious custard base that showcases the soft, buttery texture of challah. It’s perfect for any special occasion or as a comforting treat to enjoy at home, and the fragrance of vanilla makes every bite memorable.
Lemon Blueberry Challah Bread Bake
The Lemon Blueberry Challah Bread Bake is a refreshing, zesty dessert that brings a bright and fruity twist to classic bread pudding. With the tartness of fresh blueberries and the zing of lemon zest, this challah bread bake is a light yet satisfying dessert. It’s perfect for spring and summer gatherings or as a brunch treat that feels both indulgent and fresh.
- Ingredients:
- 6 cups challah bread, cubed
- 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar, for garnish
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the challah cubes evenly in the dish, then scatter the blueberries and lemon zest over the top.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the mixture over the bread and berries, pressing down to soak all the bread pieces.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
This Lemon Blueberry Challah Bread Bake is a refreshing twist on traditional bread pudding, with a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. The combination of blueberries and lemon zest adds a burst of flavor that complements the tender challah, making it an ideal dessert for any warm-weather occasion.
Chocolate Hazelnut Challah Bread Rolls
These Chocolate Hazelnut Challah Bread Rolls are an irresistible, hand-held dessert that brings together the richness of challah with the indulgence of chocolate and hazelnut spread. Each roll is filled with gooey, melted chocolate and sprinkled with chopped hazelnuts, creating a perfect combination of textures and flavors. Ideal for any dessert spread, these rolls are a crowd-pleaser and simple to make.
- Ingredients:
- 1 loaf challah bread, cut into thick slices
- 1 cup chocolate hazelnut spread
- ½ cup chopped hazelnuts
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- Powdered sugar, for garnish
- Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread a generous amount of chocolate hazelnut spread on each challah slice, then roll each slice up tightly.
- Brush the rolls with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar.
- Arrange the rolls on the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts and powdered sugar before serving.
These Chocolate Hazelnut Challah Bread Rolls are a delicious, fun-to-make dessert that combines the soft texture of challah with the indulgent taste of chocolate hazelnut. Perfectly portable and incredibly flavorful, they’re a wonderful addition to any dessert table and make for a sweet treat everyone will enjoy.
Spiced Pumpkin Challah Bread Pudding
This Spiced Pumpkin Challah Bread Pudding brings together the warmth of pumpkin spice with the rich, buttery texture of challah bread. It’s a cozy and festive dessert, perfect for fall gatherings or holiday celebrations. The flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove complement the pumpkin, creating a bread pudding that’s comforting and deeply flavorful, with a moist and custardy texture that will please any crowd.
- Ingredients:
- 5 cups challah bread, cubed
- 1 ½ cups pumpkin puree
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp clove
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Whipped cream or caramel sauce, for serving
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, spices, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add challah cubes to the mixture, stirring to coat, and let sit for 10 minutes to soak.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, pressing down to ensure even distribution.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the pudding is set and golden.
- Serve warm with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
This Spiced Pumpkin Challah Bread Pudding is a seasonal favorite that’s perfect for warming up on chilly autumn days. The soft, custardy challah infused with pumpkin spice flavors creates a dessert that’s cozy, satisfying, and perfect for sharing during the holidays.
Salted Caramel and Almond Challah Bread Cups
Salted Caramel and Almond Challah Bread Cups are a delightful, bite-sized treat that combines the richness of challah bread with the decadent flavors of salted caramel and crunchy almonds. Each cup is filled with gooey caramel and topped with a sprinkle of sea salt and sliced almonds, making it a dessert that’s both elegant and easy to enjoy. This dessert is perfect for entertaining or as a unique, flavorful treat at any event.
- Ingredients:
- 5 cups challah bread, cubed
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Sea salt, for garnish
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla.
- Add challah cubes to the mixture, stirring to coat, and let sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Spoon the soaked challah mixture into each muffin cup, filling halfway, and drizzle with caramel sauce.
- Top each cup with sliced almonds and a pinch of sea salt.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and set.
- Let cool slightly before removing from the tin. Serve warm or at room temperature.
These Salted Caramel and Almond Challah Bread Cups are a delicious, portable treat that combines sweet and savory flavors in every bite. The balance of caramel, salt, and almonds over the soft challah makes these cups an indulgent yet sophisticated dessert that’s perfect for entertaining or treating yourself.
Mocha Chocolate Chip Challah Bread Pudding
This Mocha Chocolate Chip Challah Bread Pudding is a chocolate lover’s dream, with the flavors of mocha and chocolate chips throughout. The challah bread soaks up a coffee-infused custard, creating a rich, velvety dessert that’s perfect for any special occasion. Each bite has the deep, comforting taste of coffee combined with melted chocolate, making it an ideal treat for coffee and chocolate enthusiasts.
- Ingredients:
- 6 cups challah bread, cubed
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup brewed coffee (cooled)
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Whipped cream, for serving
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the challah cubes evenly in the baking dish, then sprinkle chocolate chips over the bread.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, coffee, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour the mixture over the challah and chocolate chips, pressing down gently to soak.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden.
- Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream.
The Mocha Chocolate Chip Challah Bread Pudding is a rich, comforting dessert that combines the flavors of coffee and chocolate in a custard-like texture. This indulgent pudding is ideal for gatherings or a special after-dinner treat, bringing warmth and satisfaction to any dessert table.
Honey Apple Challah Bread Bake
The Honey Apple Challah Bread Bake is a deliciously sweet, autumn-inspired dessert that brings together the warm flavors of honey and apples with the soft texture of challah bread. This dish is perfect for cozy gatherings, as it combines classic comfort flavors that everyone loves. Each bite has the perfect balance of sweetness from the honey and a hint of tartness from fresh apples, making it an ideal treat for fall or winter.
- Ingredients:
- 5 cups challah bread, cubed
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar, for garnish
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the challah cubes and diced apples evenly in the dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour the mixture over the challah and apples, pressing down gently to ensure even soaking.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
This Honey Apple Challah Bread Bake is a cozy, heartwarming dessert that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones. With its fragrant blend of honey and apples, it’s an ideal dessert for holiday gatherings or any occasion when you want a comforting, homemade treat.
Coconut Lime Challah Bread Pudding
Coconut Lime Challah Bread Pudding is a tropical-inspired dessert that brings together the creamy, rich texture of coconut milk with the zesty brightness of lime. This pudding is a refreshing twist on traditional bread pudding, making it light yet flavorful. With its balance of sweetness and tanginess, this dessert is great for warmer weather or whenever you crave a unique and exotic treat.
- Ingredients:
- 5 cups challah bread, cubed
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup sugar
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup shredded coconut, toasted
- Whipped cream or lime zest, for garnish
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the challah cubes evenly in the dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together coconut milk, eggs, sugar, lime zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the mixture over the challah, pressing down gently to soak all pieces.
- Sprinkle the top with toasted shredded coconut.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the custard is set and golden brown.
- Garnish with whipped cream or additional lime zest if desired.
The Coconut Lime Challah Bread Pudding is a delightful tropical twist on traditional bread pudding. With its creamy coconut and fresh lime flavors, this dessert is a refreshing and flavorful choice for any occasion, especially if you’re looking to bring a bit of sunshine to your dessert table.
Dark Chocolate Orange Challah Bread Pudding
This Dark Chocolate Orange Challah Bread Pudding is a luxurious, decadent dessert that marries the rich flavors of dark chocolate with the bright zest of orange. The challah bread soaks up a creamy custard infused with dark chocolate and orange zest, creating a moist and rich dessert. Perfect for a winter night or special occasion, this bread pudding is sure to satisfy chocolate lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike.
- Ingredients:
- 5 cups challah bread, cubed
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup dark chocolate, chopped
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup sugar
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Whipped cream or chocolate shavings, for garnish
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine milk and cream until warm, then add chopped chocolate and stir until melted and smooth.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, orange zest, and vanilla, then gradually whisk in the chocolate mixture until fully combined.
- Arrange challah cubes in the baking dish and pour the chocolate mixture over, pressing down gently to soak all pieces.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is set and slightly crisp.
- Serve with whipped cream or chocolate shavings on top.
The Dark Chocolate Orange Challah Bread Pudding is a rich and flavorful dessert, combining the deep notes of dark chocolate with the bright, citrusy pop of orange zest. Each bite is decadent and memorable, making this dessert perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in with something sweet and satisfying.
Note: More recipes are coming soon!