Description
Rich and creamy Million Dollar Bread Pudding showcases classic Southern dessert magic. Caramel sauce and buttery custard create an irresistible indulgence you cannot resist savoring to the last delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 loaf (14 oz / 400 g) brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) whole milk
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
- ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
- ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream
- 2 tsps vanilla extract
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
- ¼ tsp salt
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Preparation: Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and liberally grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Base Layer: Evenly spread bread cubes across the prepared dish, creating a uniform foundation for the custard mixture.
- Custard Creation: Whisk eggs, heavy cream, milk, granulated and brown sugars, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl until smooth and thoroughly combined.
- Soaking Process: Pour custard over bread cubes, gently pressing to ensure complete absorption. Let the mixture rest for 15-20 minutes, allowing bread to fully soak up the rich custard.
- Initial Baking: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, establishing the cooking foundation.
- Finishing Bake: Remove foil and continue baking for 20-25 minutes until the surface turns golden brown and the custard sets completely.
- Topping Preparation: In a small saucepan, combine melted butter, granulated and brown sugars, and heavy cream over medium heat. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Final Touch: Remove topping from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and drizzle generously over the freshly baked pudding, allowing it to penetrate the layers.
- Serving: Present the bread pudding warm, optionally adorning with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a cloud of whipped cream and fresh berries for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Choose Stale Bread: Use day-old or slightly stale bread for optimal texture absorption and a more structured pudding that holds its shape perfectly.
- Prevent Soggy Bottom: Press bread cubes gently into the custard mixture to ensure even soaking without creating a wet, mushy base that compromises the pudding’s structure.
- Temperature Control: Allow the bread pudding to rest for 15-20 minutes before baking, helping ingredients meld together and creating a more consistent, creamy texture throughout the dish.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Easily substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk, use gluten-free bread for celiac-friendly version, and replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a lighter, lactose-free alternative.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 43 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg