Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This Cinnamon Bun Bread Pudding transforms leftover cinnamon rolls into a decadent, delicious treat that's perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion. It's one of those easy recipes that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but requires minimal effort. Get ready to enjoy this homemade cooking masterpiece!
Ingredients:
- 6-8 cinnamon rolls (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup raisins or chopped pecans for added texture and flavor
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Prepare the bread: Cut the cinnamon rolls into bite-sized pieces. If using store-bought rolls, you might want to separate the layers slightly for even baking.
Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved.
Combine and bake: Gently add the cinnamon roll pieces to the custard mixture, ensuring they're evenly coated. If adding raisins or pecans, stir them in now. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Bake to perfection: Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the pudding is set and golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Cool and serve: Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar (optional) for an extra touch of sweetness. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Bun Bread Pudding:
- Stale bread works best: If you don't have leftover cinnamon rolls, you can use slightly stale bread for a better texture. The bread will absorb the custard more evenly.
- Don't overbake: Overbaking can result in a dry bread pudding. Start checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark.
- Customize your spices: Feel free to experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom to enhance the flavor profile.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the custard mixture for a decadent twist.
- Apple Cinnamon: Incorporate diced apples into the bread pudding for a fruity variation.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Spread a layer of softened cream cheese on the bottom of the baking dish before adding the bread and custard for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used but a general estimate for one serving (assuming 8 servings) might be:
- Calories: 300-350
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Protein: 5-7g
This easy recipe for cinnamon bun bread pudding is a delicious and satisfying way to use up leftover cinnamon rolls or simply enjoy a delightful dessert. It's perfect for a quick dinner dessert, a special occasion, or just a cozy night in. Enjoy this healthy twist on a classic comfort food! This quick dinner idea is a great way to add some homemade cooking to your week. It's one of the best recipes for easy dessert.