Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This bread pudding recipe, elevated with a homemade salted caramel sauce, is the perfect answer. It's a delicious dish that's both satisfying and impressive, ideal for a cozy night in or a special occasion. This recipe offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors, making it a truly unforgettable treat. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade bread pudding!
Ingredients:
For the Bread Pudding:
- 6 cups cubed stale bread (challah, brioche, or a hearty white bread work best)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions:
Preparing the Bread Pudding:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This step ensures easy removal and a beautiful presentation.
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Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, nutmeg, eggs, and salt until well combined.
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Prepare the bread: Gently toss the cubed bread with the raisins and nuts (if using) to distribute them evenly. Using stale bread is key; it absorbs the custard better.
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Soak the bread: Pour the wet ingredients over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are moistened. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes to allow the bread to fully absorb the liquid. This step helps create a wonderfully moist and rich pudding.
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Bake: Pour the bread mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly set.
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Cool and serve: Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving. This allows it to set further and makes it easier to slice.
Making the Salted Caramel Sauce:
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Make the caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and water. Do not stir. Cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and turns a deep amber color. This requires patience and careful monitoring to avoid burning the sugar.
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Add the cream (carefully!): Remove the pan from the heat. Slowly pour in the heavy cream (it will bubble vigorously!), whisking constantly to prevent splattering. Be cautious; the mixture will be very hot.
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Stir in butter and salt: Return the pan to low heat and stir in the butter and salt until smooth and combined.
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Serve: Drizzle the warm salted caramel sauce generously over the slices of bread pudding.
Tips and Variations:
- Bread choice: Experiment with different types of bread for varied flavors and textures. Brioche makes a particularly rich and decadent pudding.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the custard for extra warmth.
- Fruit additions: Incorporate other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped apples for added sweetness and texture.
- Chocolate lovers: Add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the bread pudding mixture for a delightful twist.
- Make it ahead: The bread pudding can be assembled a day ahead and baked when ready. The caramel sauce can also be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 18-22g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Protein: 8-10g
Please note that nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This bread pudding with salted caramel sauce is a wonderful example of easy recipes transforming into delicious dishes. Whether you're a beginner cook or an experienced chef, this recipe provides a satisfying and impressive dessert perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!