If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than Caramel Bread Pudding: The Ultimate Decadent Dessert Recipe. This luscious dish combines soft, custardy bread infused with rich spices and a heavenly caramel swirl, creating a harmony of flavors that comfort and delight every time. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or a special treat any day of the week, this recipe brings classic warmth and irresistible sweetness all in one satisfying bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, yet they are simple staples you likely have on hand. Together, they blend to create the perfect balance of texture, rich flavor, and that golden color which makes this dessert irresistible.
- Day-old challah, brioche, or French bread: The foundation that soaks up all the creamy custard and caramel without getting soggy.
- Large eggs: They bind the pudding and give it structure while keeping it tender.
- Whole milk and heavy cream: Add richness and creaminess for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Granulated and light brown sugar: Sweeten naturally with a touch of molasses from the brown sugar for depth.
- Vanilla extract: Invokes warm, aromatic notes to elevate every bite.
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Classic spices that add warmth and subtle complexity.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Caramel sauce: The star ingredient that delivers that ultimate decadent finish.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): Add a delightful crunch and nutty contrast.
- Unsalted butter: For greasing the pan and helping develop a luscious crust on the pudding.
How to Make Caramel Bread Pudding: The Ultimate Decadent Dessert Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Begin by spreading your day-old bread cubes on a baking sheet and toasting them gently in the oven. This step helps dry out the bread so it soaks up the custard perfectly without becoming mushy. Toast until they’re just golden and firm to the touch.
Step 2: Whisk the Eggs and Custard Mixture
Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This velvety custard will infuse the bread with rich, comforting flavor and ensure the pudding bakes up tender but sturdy.
Step 3: Combine Bread with Custard
Place the toasted bread cubes into a large bowl and pour the custard over them. Press gently so every piece absorbs the creamy liquid. Giving it at least 30 minutes to soak (an hour is even better) is key to creating that luscious texture that defines a great bread pudding.
Step 4: Add Caramel and Nuts
Gently fold in the caramel sauce and optional nuts, spreading sweet pockets and crunchy texture throughout. This step transforms the pudding from simple to spectacular, marrying gooey caramel with tender bread.
Step 5: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly with melted butter. This helps the pudding form a beautiful golden crust while preventing sticking.
Step 6: Pour the Mixture into the Dish
Pour the soaked bread and custard into your prepared dish, spreading it evenly to ensure consistent baking and that gorgeous top browning.
Step 7: Bake in a Water Bath
Place the baking dish inside a larger pan and pour hot water halfway up the sides. This bain-marie technique gently and evenly cooks the pudding, preventing cracks and promoting a creamy consistency.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 45 to 60 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the center is just set with a slight jiggle. This ensures the pudding is cooked through but still deeply moist.
Step 9: Cool Before Serving
Let the bread pudding cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. Cooling lets it firm up, making slicing easier and allowing the flavors to deepen.
Step 10: Slice and Serve
Cut into squares, serve warm, and prepare to delight in each bite of this marvelous creation.
Step 11: Optional Toppings for Extra Decadence
Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the slices, sprinkle additional chopped nuts, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream for an indulgent finish that’ll wow your guests.
How to Serve Caramel Bread Pudding: The Ultimate Decadent Dessert Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a glossy drizzle of caramel sauce elevates the puddings’ appeal visually and flavor-wise. Finish with a scattering of toasted nuts for texture and a fresh hint of crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy base.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs beautifully with a simple cup of rich coffee or a glass of dessert wine. For a lighter balance, serve alongside fresh berries or a citrus sorbet, which cuts through the sweetness with refreshing brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve the pudding in individual ramekins topped with whipped cream and a cherry or fresh mint sprig. You can also turn it into a dramatic trifle layered with whipped cream and nuts, making it a stunning centerpiece for holiday gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors only get better, and the pudding stays moist and comforting.
Freezing
You can freeze portions in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to enjoy that fresh-baked goodness anytime you want.
Reheating
Warm individual slices in the microwave for about 30 seconds or wrap and reheat in a 350°F oven until heated through. A quick caramel drizzle after reheating will enhance the fresh-from-the-oven experience.
FAQs
Can I use any type of bread for this pudding?
While challah, brioche, or French bread are ideal for their texture and flavor, you can use other sturdy bread like sourdough or even a good-quality sandwich bread. The key is to use day-old bread so it soaks up the custard without falling apart.
Is homemade caramel sauce necessary?
Store-bought caramel sauce works beautifully and saves time, but making your own can add a fresh, buttery flavor. Either way, the caramel is essential for that rich, decadent touch.
Can I make this dessert vegan or dairy-free?
Traditionally, this pudding relies on eggs and dairy for its texture and richness. However, you can experiment with plant-based milks, vegan eggs substitutes, and dairy-free caramel sauces—just expect a slightly different texture and flavor.
What is the purpose of the water bath during baking?
The water bath ensures gentle, even heat around the pudding, preventing the custard from curdling or cracking and resulting in a smooth, creamy texture instead of a dry or rubbery dessert.
Can I prepare this dessert in advance for a party?
Absolutely! This recipe lends itself perfectly to make-ahead preparation. Assemble the pudding ahead of time, refrigerate while it soaks, and bake just before serving for maximum freshness.
Final Thoughts
Caramel Bread Pudding: The Ultimate Decadent Dessert Recipe is a heartwarming and show-stopping treat that deserves a place in your dessert repertoire. Its combination of tender bread, spiced custard, and rich caramel is pure bliss. Whether for a cozy night in or a festive celebration, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles and happy sighs with every bite. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort dessert.
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Caramel Bread Pudding: The Ultimate Decadent Dessert Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Caramel Bread Pudding is a rich, comforting dessert featuring cubes of toasted challah or brioche soaked in a cinnamon and nutmeg-spiced custard, folded with luscious caramel sauce and optional toasted nuts, then baked in a water bath for a perfectly tender, golden finish. Ideal for cozy gatherings, this decadent treat pairs beautifully with extra caramel drizzle or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 loaf (about 1 pound) day-old challah, brioche, or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
Custard Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup caramel sauce, store-bought or homemade (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, for greasing the pan
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is lightly toasted and dried out. Remove from the oven and let the toasted bread cubes cool slightly.
- Whisk the Eggs: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Combine Bread and Custard: Place the toasted bread cubes in a large bowl. Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, making sure all the bread is evenly saturated. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the liquid. Let the bread soak in the custard for at least 30 minutes, or even better, for an hour.
- Add Caramel and Nuts (Optional): Gently fold in the caramel sauce and chopped pecans or walnuts (if using) into the bread and custard mixture.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with the melted butter.
- Pour into Baking Dish: Pour the bread pudding mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in a Water Bath (Bain-Marie): Place the baking dish inside a larger baking pan. Carefully pour hot water into the larger pan, filling it halfway up the sides of the baking dish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until the bread pudding is set and golden brown on top. The center should be slightly jiggly but not liquid.
- Cool: Carefully remove the baking dish from the water bath and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Slice and Serve: Once the bread pudding has cooled slightly, slice it into squares and serve warm.
- Optional Toppings: Drizzle with extra caramel sauce, sprinkle with more chopped nuts, or top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for the best texture as it absorbs the custard well without becoming too soggy.
- Soaking the bread for at least an hour will ensure it is fully infused with the custard flavors.
- The water bath helps bake the pudding gently, preventing cracking and ensuring creamy custard texture.
- Feel free to substitute pecans or walnuts with your favorite nuts or omit them for a nut-free version.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and gently reheat before serving.
