Decadent Brioche Bread Pudding with Warm Caramel Sauce Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
