Name: Caramel Bread Pudding Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup water; 6 cups cubed day-old bread (such as brioche or challah); 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 4 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; pinch of salt; Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)

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If you’re looking for a dessert that’s equal parts comforting and decadent, this Caramel Bread Pudding is about to become your new go-to. Imagine plush cubes of brioche or challah, soaking up a silky vanilla custard, all sitting atop a pool of golden, house-made caramel. When baked together, these simple ingredients transform into a lusciously rich pudding with a gently crisped top and a swoon-worthy caramel base. Whether you serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or chilled with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, every bite of Caramel Bread Pudding wraps you in cozy nostalgia with a modern, irresistible twist.

Caramel Bread Pudding Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of classic pantry staples, you can create bakery-level Caramel Bread Pudding at home. Each ingredient has a starring role, from building a beautiful caramel to crafting custardy magic in every bite.

Day-old bread (6 cups, cubed): Choose a slightly stale, sturdy bread like brioche or challah—it soaks up the custard perfectly without turning mushy.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): This is transformed into the deep amber caramel that lines your baking dish and forms the pudding’s signature topping.
Water (1/4 cup): Helps the sugar melt evenly, yielding a smoother caramel.
Whole milk (2 cups): Adds body and creaminess to the custard without making it too heavy.
Heavy cream (1 cup): For an extra-luxurious texture and richness in every spoonful.
Eggs (4 large): Binds everything together, giving the pudding its signature custardy set.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors with a warm, fragrant note.
Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a gentle spice that melds beautifully with the caramel.
Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and tempers the sweetness just right.
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional): For serving—these cool, creamy toppings make each bite even more indulgent!

How to Make Caramel Bread Pudding

Step 1: Prepare the Caramel

Start your Caramel Bread Pudding adventure by making the caramel base. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat, stirring only until the sugar dissolves. After that, resist the urge to stir as it bubbles—it will turn a deep, amber gold in about 8–10 minutes. As soon as you hit that caramel color, pour it into your greased baking dish, swirling to coat the bottom evenly. This caramel will become a molten, sweet surprise at the bottom of every serving.

Step 2: Layer the Bread

Once your caramel is ready, scatter the cubed bread generously over the caramel in an even layer. Opt for thick, pillowy cubes so they soak up the custard but still maintain texture. Gaps are good—they let the custard soak in from every angle!

Step 3: Make the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, cream, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until thoroughly blended. This is the backbone of your Caramel Bread Pudding, so make sure there aren’t any streaks of egg left behind. Pour this creamy custard evenly over the bread cubes, gently pressing down on the bread to help it absorb the mixture. Let it rest for about 10 minutes for maximum soakage.

Step 4: Bake in a Water Bath

To ensure silky-smooth pudding, place your baking dish inside a larger roasting pan. Pour hot water into the outer pan until it comes halfway up the sides of your pudding dish (this is your homemade water bath, or “bain-marie”). Bake at 350°F for 45–50 minutes, until the custard is set and the top is just turning golden and puffed.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Carefully remove the baking dish from its water bath and let it cool slightly. This rest period allows the caramel bread pudding to set up perfectly and makes serving easier. Spoon into bowls while still warm, and watch the caramel cascade over each serving. Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an unbeatable finish.

How to Serve Caramel Bread Pudding

Garnishes

For an easy wow-factor, scatter a handful of toasted pecans or a dusting of powdered sugar over each slice. A dollop of softly whipped cream or a scoop of cool vanilla ice cream is the classic finish and brings a playful contrast to the warm, gooey pudding. Caramel drizzle, of course, is always welcome.

Side Dishes

Pair your Caramel Bread Pudding with a coffee or espresso to cut the richness, or balance it out with a simple fruit salad—the brightness of fresh berries or citrus makes for a delightful palate cleanser. If you’re serving this for brunch, try it alongside crispy bacon or candied nuts for a sweet-savory combo.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to take things up a notch, bake the pudding in individual ramekins for an effortlessly elegant dinner party dessert. Or, use it as the base for a trifle, layering spoonfuls with whipped cream and sliced bananas. Picnic-friendly? Caramel Bread Pudding is delicious chilled and packed into jars for an on-the-go treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Caramel Bread Pudding tasting its best, store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s dessert even more irresistible!

Freezing

Yes, Caramel Bread Pudding freezes remarkably well! Slice cooled pudding into portions, wrap each one tightly, and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Caramel Bread Pudding in a 300°F oven, covered loosely with foil, until just warmed through—this helps preserve its velvety texture. You can also microwave individual servings for 30-60 seconds, but an oven brings back that just-baked magic.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Dessert

Absolutely! While brioche or challah is my favorite for its richness, sturdy white bread, baguette, or even croissants will work in a pinch. Just avoid breads that are too soft or airy, as they can become mushy.

Why is a water bath necessary for baking?

A water bath helps the custard bake gently and evenly, preventing the eggs from curdling and keeping everything silky-smooth. It’s the secret to an ultra-creamy Caramel Bread Pudding.

Can I make Caramel Bread Pudding ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the unbaked pudding up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Then simply bake when you’re ready to serve for the freshest flavor and texture.

How do I know when the pudding is set?

You’ll know your Caramel Bread Pudding is done when the center barely jiggles when shaken and the top is golden. A knife inserted in the center should come out mostly clean, with just a little custard clinging.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Definitely. Substitute the milk and cream with your favorite unsweetened non-dairy alternatives (like oat or almond milk) and use a dairy-free bread. The final texture might be a bit different, but it will still be delicious!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something nostalgic yet undeniably special, it’s time to invite Caramel Bread Pudding into your kitchen. With its foolproof method and melt-in-your-mouth results, this dessert transforms everyday ingredients into pure comfort. Go ahead—give it a try, and prepare for rave reviews!

Caramel Bread Pudding Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this decadent Caramel Bread Pudding, a luscious dessert that combines rich caramel with creamy custard-soaked bread. Baked to golden perfection, this sweet treat is perfect for satisfying your dessert cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

Caramel:

1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup water

Bread Pudding:

6 cups cubed day-old bread (such as brioche or challah)
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
pinch of salt
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Prepare Caramel: In a saucepan, cook sugar and water until caramelized.
Coat Baking Dish: Pour caramel into a greased baking dish.
Layer Bread: Arrange bread cubes over caramel.
Make Custard: Whisk together milk, cream, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
Pour Custard: Pour custard over bread, let sit, then bake in a water bath.
Bake: Bake until set and golden.
Serve: Cool slightly before serving with whipped cream or ice cream.