🛒 Ingredients
For the Bread Pudding:
- 🍞 6 cups of day-old bread, cubed (French bread or brioche works best)
- 🥛 2 cups whole milk
- 🍦 1 cup heavy cream
- 🥚 3 large eggs
- 🧂 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 🥄 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 🌿 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 🧈 2 tbsp melted butter
- 🍇 Optional: 1/4 cup raisins or chopped nuts
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 🧈 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 🍬 1 cup brown sugar
- 🥛 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 🌿 Optional: 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
🍳 Instructions
Prepare the Bread Pudding
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Prepare the Bread Base:
- Place the cubed bread in the prepared baking dish. If using raisins or nuts, sprinkle them evenly over the bread.
- Mix the Custard:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and melted butter until well combined.
- Soak the Bread:
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to ensure all the bread is soaked. Let it sit for 10 minutes to absorb.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set.
Prepare the Caramel Sauce
- Make the Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar and cream, whisking constantly until smooth. Bring to a gentle boil and cook for 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
🍮 Serve the Bread Pudding
- Finish and Serve:
- Drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the baked bread pudding. Serve immediately, either warm or at room temperature.
💡 Tips and Variations
- 🥐 Use Different Bread: Substitute croissants, challah, or cinnamon raisin bread for added flavor.
- 🧂 Salted Caramel: Add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel sauce for a sweet-salty twist.
- 🍫 Chocolate Version: Add chocolate chips to the bread mixture before baking.
- 🍏 Fruity Twist: Include diced apples or pears for added texture.
🍹 Serving Suggestions
Pair this classic dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. A cup of hot coffee or tea makes the perfect accompaniment.
What Makes This Recipe Special
Classic Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce is the epitome of comfort food. Its warm, custardy texture and rich caramel drizzle make it a nostalgic and satisfying dessert. Perfect for family dinners, holiday celebrations, or as a sweet way to end any meal, this dish is a timeless favorite.
