Creating this Easy Chocolate Bread Pudding with Vanilla Custard Sauce is straightforward. Follow these easy steps to achieve dessert perfection:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking dish by greasing it lightly.

2. Prepare the Bread: In a large bowl, place the cubed stale bread. You can use any bread you have on hand, such as French bread or brioche.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, sugar, cocoa powder, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

4. Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients over the cubed bread. Allow it to soak for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure all the bread is well-coated.

5. Add Chocolate Chips: If you’re using chocolate chips, fold them into the mixture gently to distribute evenly.

6. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the bread mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

7. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. The pudding should be set and slightly firm to the touch.

8. Cool Slightly: Once baked, remove the pudding from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.