Are you craving a dessert that’s both incredibly comforting and surprisingly elegant? Look no further than this bread pudding with caramel recipe! This isn't your grandma's bread pudding (though she'd probably love it too!). We're elevating this classic comfort food with a luscious homemade caramel sauce that takes it to the next level. It's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a weeknight treat or a special occasion dessert. This recipe offers a delightful blend of sweet and creamy textures, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
For the Bread Pudding:
- 6 cups cubed stale bread (challah, brioche, or a crusty loaf work wonderfully)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions:
Making the Caramel Sauce:
- Prepare the Caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and water. Do not stir. Let the sugar melt and turn into a light amber color. This takes patience; avoid stirring as it may crystallize.
- Add the Cream Carefully: Once the caramel is a deep amber, slowly whisk in the heavy cream (it will bubble up!). Be extremely careful as the hot caramel can cause serious burns.
- Stir in Butter and Salt: Remove from heat and stir in the butter and salt until smooth and glossy. Set aside to cool slightly.
Assembling and Baking the Bread Pudding:
- Prepare the Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange the cubed bread evenly in the prepared dish.
- Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, sugar, eggs, egg yolks, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Pour and Soak: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring all pieces are moistened. Let it sit for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard fully. This step is crucial for a moist and tender pudding.
- Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the pudding is set and golden brown on top. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving. Drizzle generously with the homemade caramel sauce and enjoy warm!
Tips for the Best Bread Pudding:
- Use Stale Bread: Stale bread is ideal for bread pudding as it absorbs the custard better than fresh bread.
- Don't Overbake: Overbaking can result in a dry pudding. Start checking for doneness around 45 minutes.
- Get Creative with Spices: Feel free to experiment with different spices like cardamom, allspice, or ginger.
- Add-ins: Elevate your bread pudding with additions like raisins, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries.
Variations:
- Apple Bread Pudding: Add diced apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a delicious autumnal twist.
- Chocolate Bread Pudding: Stir in melted chocolate into the custard mixture for a rich chocolate flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Fat: 20-25g Protein: 8-10g Carbohydrates: 40-45g
This delicious bread pudding with caramel is a perfect dessert for any occasion. The easy-to-follow recipe and helpful tips make it achievable for home cooks of all levels. Enjoy this delightful treat – a heartwarming experience in every bite!