Decadent Brioche Bread Pudding with Warm Caramel Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Bread pudding is a warm, comforting dessert that transforms simple bread into a rich, custardy delight. This classic recipe combines brioche bread with a spiced milk mixture and a luscious caramel sauce, perfect for cozy gatherings or a special treat.

Ingredients

• 8 cups brioche bread (cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
• 5 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup raisins (optional)
• ½ cup pecans (chopped)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup brown sugar (for sauce, packed)
• ¼ cup heavy cream (for sauce)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for sauce)
• 1 pinch salt (for sauce)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Step 2: Place the brioche bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish. If using raisins, sprinkle them over the bread. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
4. Step 4: Pour the milk mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring all bread is soaked. If using pecans, sprinkle them on top. Let soak for about 15 minutes, pressing down occasionally to help absorption.
5. Step 5: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool slightly while preparing the sauce.
6. Step 6: To make the sauce, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar and stir until dissolved. Slowly whisk in heavy cream and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.
7. Step 7: Cut the bread pudding into squares and drizzle with the warm sauce to serve.

Tips & Variations

• Use day-old brioche for better soaking and texture. Fresh bread can become too soggy.
• Swap raisins for dried cranberries or omit nuts to suit your preference.
• Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the custard for an adult twist.
• Serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Storage

Store leftover bread pudding covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm in a 325°F (160°C) oven until heated through. The sauce can be refrigerated separately and reheated gently before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use another type of bread instead of brioche?

Yes, sturdy breads like challah, French bread, or even a good-quality white bread work well. Avoid very soft or thin bread as they may become too mushy.

Can I prepare bread pudding ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the pudding and refrigerate it, covered, overnight before baking. This also allows the bread to soak up the custard more thoroughly for a richer flavor.

Decadent Brioche Bread Pudding with Warm Caramel Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 123 reviews

Deliciously rich and creamy bread pudding made with pillowy brioche bread soaked in a spiced custard, baked to golden perfection, and served with a warm buttery brown sugar sauce. This comforting dessert is perfect for cozy gatherings or a special treat any time of year.

• Author: Amaya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 8 cups brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 5 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup raisins (optional)
• ½ cup pecans, chopped

Sauce Ingredients

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Arrange Bread Cubes: Place the brioche bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish. If using raisins, sprinkle them evenly over the bread cubes. Set aside while preparing the custard.
3. Make Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined and smooth.
4. Soak Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are well soaked. Sprinkle the chopped pecans on top if using. Let the bread soak for about 15 minutes, pressing down occasionally to help absorb the liquid.
5. Bake the Pudding: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
6. Prepare Sauce: While the pudding cools, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar and stir until dissolved. Slowly whisk in heavy cream and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
7. Serve: Cut the bread pudding into squares and drizzle generously with the warm brown sugar sauce. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

• Using brioche bread enhances the richness and texture of the pudding.
• You can substitute raisins with other dried fruits such as cranberries or cherries if preferred.
• For a nut-free version, omit the pecans.
• Letting the bread soak for 15 minutes is key to achieving a moist and tender pudding.
• The sauce can be prepared ahead of time and reheated gently before serving.

Keywords: bread pudding, brioche bread pudding, baked dessert, custard dessert, warm sauce, holiday dessert, comfort food