Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of this classic bread pudding, made with rich brioche or challah bread, a creamy vanilla custard, and a hint of warm spices. Topped with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a dollop of whipped cream, this dessert is perfect for cozy evenings, family gatherings, or special occasions. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, this recipe brings a nostalgic taste of traditional comfort food to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Bread Pudding
This bread pudding is more than just a dessert; it’s a warm, comforting experience that everyone will enjoy. Here’s why it stands out:
- Rich, Custardy Texture: The combination of milk, heavy cream, and eggs creates a perfectly soft, custardy base.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: A hint of cinnamon and nutmeg adds warmth, while vanilla enhances the sweetness of the brioche.
- Easy to Prepare: Made with simple ingredients, this dessert requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.
- Endlessly Customizable: Add a splash of bourbon, some chocolate chips, or dried fruits to make it your own.
Why This Recipe Works
This bread pudding recipe is crafted to give you a soft, moist, and richly flavored dessert. The bread cubes soak up the custard mixture, ensuring every bite is infused with creamy vanilla and spice. Using day-old brioche or challah bread is key, as it helps the bread maintain its shape without becoming mushy. By baking at a moderate temperature, the custard sets beautifully, and finishing with caramel and whipped cream provides the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess. Optional walnuts add a pleasant crunch, creating a delightful mix of textures.
Ingredients
To make this comforting bread pudding, gather the following ingredients:
- 5 cups cubed brioche or challah bread: Day-old bread works best for soaking up the custard.
- 2 cups milk: Provides the base for a creamy custard.
- 3/4 cup heavy cream: Adds richness to the pudding.
- 3/4 cup sugar: Sweetens the custard just right.
- 3 large eggs: Helps set the custard.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a touch of spice.
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg: Complements the cinnamon with a deeper flavor.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional): Adds a bit of crunch (optional).
- Caramel sauce and whipped cream (for serving): The perfect finishing touch.
How to Make Classic Bread Pudding
Follow these easy steps to make this comforting dessert:
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Bread and Walnuts
Spread the cubed brioche or challah in the greased baking dish. If you’re using walnuts, sprinkle them evenly throughout the bread for added crunch.
3. Make the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups milk, 3/4 cup heavy cream, 3/4 cup sugar, 3 large eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp nutmeg until well combined.
4. Soak the Bread
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing gently to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to fully soak.
5. Bake
Bake the pudding in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
6. Serve Warm
Serve the bread pudding warm, topped with a generous drizzle of caramel sauce and a dollop of whipped cream for a truly indulgent experience.
Tips for the Best Bread Pudding
- Choose the Right Bread: Brioche and challah work best for their soft, buttery texture, but you can also use French bread or croissants for variation.
- Add Extra Flavor: For more depth, try adding a dash of bourbon or maple syrup to the custard mixture.
- Achieve the Perfect Texture: For a crispier top, bake uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Raisins, chocolate chips, or pecans can add extra layers of flavor and texture to your bread pudding.
Serving Suggestions
Bread pudding is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and toppings:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of ice cream makes this warm dessert even more decadent.
- Fruit Compote: Top with a spoonful of fresh berry or apple compote for a fruity twist.
- Hot Coffee or Tea: Enjoy this dessert with a warm beverage for a comforting treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this bread pudding ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the bread pudding and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, bake as directed.
Q: Can I use a different type of bread?
A: Absolutely! French bread, croissants, or even a hearty white bread will work well.
Q: How should I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Q: Can I freeze bread pudding?
A: Yes, you can freeze baked bread pudding for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
Q: How can I make it dairy-free?
A: Substitute the milk and cream with almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
Q: What if I don’t have caramel sauce?
A: You can drizzle maple syrup, honey, or chocolate sauce as an alternative topping.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, simply use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version.
Q: Can I make this recipe with lower sugar?
A: Yes, reduce the sugar by half, or use a sugar alternative if you prefer a less sweet pudding.
Q: Can I add fruit to the bread pudding?
A: Absolutely! Diced apples, raisins, or dried cranberries work well and add a lovely sweetness.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Bread Pudding with Caramel and Whipped Cream is a timeless dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any table. With its rich custard, fluffy brioche, and sweet caramel topping, it’s a dessert that’s easy to prepare yet full of flavor. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or cozy nights at home, this bread pudding is sure to become a beloved favorite. Serve it warm, and enjoy the nostalgic flavors of this comforting treat!
Print
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6
Description
A warm and comforting dessert, this classic bread pudding features soft brioche soaked in a creamy vanilla custard, with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. Finished with a drizzle of caramel sauce and whipped cream, it’s perfect for cozy evenings and special gatherings alike.
Ingredients
- – 5 cups cubed brioche or challah bread (day-old works best) – 2 cups milk – 3/4 cup heavy cream – 3/4 cup sugar – 3 large eggs – 1 tsp vanilla extract – 1 tsp ground cinnamon – 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg – 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional) *For Serving:* – Caramel sauce – Whipped cream
Instructions
. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
2. Spread the cubed bread in the baking dish, adding walnuts throughout if using.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, heavy cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
4. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing gently to ensure the bread absorbs the custard.
5. Let sit for 10-15 minutes to fully soak, then bake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden and set.
6. Serve warm, topped with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
Tip: Add a dash of bourbon or maple syrup to the custard mixture for extra depth.
Chef’s Tip: For a crispier texture, bake uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45