Chocolate Bread Pudding

Cube bread into 1-inch pieces and place in a buttered 9×13 glass baking dish. Mix milk, heavy cream, chocolate syrup, and vanilla; set aside. In a separate bowl, mix dry ingredients and add to the milk mixture. Add beaten eggs and chocolate chips. Pour mixture evenly over the bread cubes and mix, making sure to cover completely. Let sit 20–30 minutes then place in a 350ºF oven. Bake uncovered for 60 minutes. A knife inserted should come out clean (except for a bit of melted chocolate). Let sit 10 minutes out of the oven. Serve warm with sweetened whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.