Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Spread the cubed bread evenly in the prepared dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and optional cinnamon.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread, ensuring that every piece is soaked. Let it sit for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.
- For the caramel sauce, melt the granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns amber.
- Whisk in the butter until melted, then slowly add the heavy cream and a pinch of salt, stirring until smooth.
- Allow the caramel sauce to cool slightly before drizzling it over the warm bread pudding. Serve with vanilla ice cream if desired.
Best ways to enjoy it
There are endless ways to serve caramel bread pudding. For an elevated presentation, plate the warm pudding with a generous drizzle of caramel sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You might also consider adding fresh berries, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt over the top for an extra burst of flavor. For a brunch twist, pair it with hot coffee or a creamy latte.
Keeping leftovers fresh
To store any leftovers, cover the bread pudding tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for a quick dessert fix. If you’d like to freeze it, slice the pudding and place pieces in a freezer-safe container, layering between parchment paper. It can be frozen for up to a month—just thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Helpful cooking tips
- If you prefer a stronger flavor, let the bread soak in the custard mixture longer—up to 30 minutes or even overnight in the fridge.
- Using slightly stale bread, like day-old brioche or challah, is key to achieving that custardy, soft texture.
- If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute with half-and-half, but the richness will be slightly less.
Creative twists
Feel free to get creative with caramel bread pudding! You can add in favorite flavors like chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture. For a seasonal twist, try incorporating pumpkin spice or apple-cinnamon flavors during the fall. You can even experiment with flavored extracts like almond or coconut. Try serving it with various sauces, such as chocolate or butterscotch, instead of caramel for a different approach.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bread pudding the night before and bake it just before serving.
What can I substitute for eggs?
For a vegan option, you can use flax eggs or aquafaba, but the texture may differ slightly.
How long does this take to prepare?
The entire process—prep, baking, and making the caramel sauce—takes about 1.5 hours, with a little bit of hands-on time!
By making this delightful caramel bread pudding at home, you’re sure to impress friends and family with both your culinary skills and your thoughtful approach to baking. Happy cooking!
