Step-by-step instructions
Prepare the Bread Pudding: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and evenly spread the cubed bread within.
Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Pour this custard mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring that everything is well soaked. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes to absorb the liquid.
Add Butterscotch Chips: Sprinkle the butterscotch chips evenly across the soaked bread mixture to ensure every bite is sweet and delicious.
Bake the Pudding: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the pudding is set and the top shines golden.
Prepare the Butterscotch Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle boil while continuously stirring. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
Serve: Once cooled slightly, drizzle the warm butterscotch sauce generously over each serving of bread pudding.
How to plate and pair
To take your Butterscotch Bread Pudding to the next level, serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Fresh berries can add a burst of color and a hint of tartness that pairs beautifully with the pudding’s sweetness. For an extra touch, consider sprinkling some chopped nuts on top for that delightful crunch.
Keeping leftovers fresh
To ensure your delicious bread pudding lasts as long as possible, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be safely kept for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or oven. If you’d like to freeze it, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Pro chef tips
- Use stale or day-old bread for the best texture. Fresh bread tends to become too mushy.
- Consider adding a splash of bourbon or rum to the custard for a delightful warmth.
- Feel free to customize the flavors by incorporating your favorite spices, or even add dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for a different spin.
Creative twists
- Chocolate Lovers: Substitute butterscotch chips with chocolate chips for a rich variation.
- Nutty Delight: Add toasted pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch and depth of flavor.
- Seasonal Spices: Experiment with pumpkin spice in the fall or peppermint extract during the holidays to give this classic dish a seasonal flair.
FAQ
What is the prep time for Butterscotch Bread Pudding?
The total prep time is about 15 minutes, with an additional bake time of approximately 55-60 minutes.
Can I substitute the bread?
Absolutely! You can use any type of bread you have on hand, such as sourdough, wheat, or even cinnamon raisin for an interesting twist.
How should I store the leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months wrapped tightly to maintain freshness.
