The Ultimate Bread Pudding Recipe with a Decadent Sauce

This isn't just any bread pudding recipe; it's a journey to bread pudding perfection, culminating in a truly decadent dessert experience. We'll cover everything from selecting the perfect bread to creating a sauce that will elevate this classic comfort food to new heights. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this irresistible recipe!

Choosing Your Bread: The Foundation of Flavor

The success of your bread pudding hinges on the quality of your bread. Don't use day-old bread that's already hard as a rock! Instead, opt for slightly stale bread, ideally a day or two old. This prevents the pudding from becoming soggy. Good choices include:

• Brioche: Offers a rich, buttery flavor that complements the custard beautifully.
• Challah: Provides a slightly sweet and eggy base.
• French bread: Adds a rustic charm and slightly chewy texture.

Avoid overly sweet breads, as they might overpower the other flavors in the pudding. Cut your bread into 1-inch cubes.

The Custard: Creamy Perfection

The custard is the heart of the bread pudding. This recipe focuses on a rich and creamy texture.

Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups whole milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 6 cups cubed bread

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. Whisk together the eggs, sugars, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl until well combined.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until fully incorporated.
4. Add the cubed bread to the custard mixture, gently stirring to ensure all the bread is coated. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
5. Pour the bread pudding mixture into the prepared baking dish.
6. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly firm.

The Decadent Sauce: Taking it to the Next Level

A simple sauce can elevate your bread pudding from good to extraordinary. We recommend a luscious butterscotch sauce or a classic whiskey sauce.

Butterscotch Sauce:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Combine the sugar and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Do not stir.
2. Cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and turns a deep amber color.
3. Carefully whisk in the heavy cream (it will bubble up!). Continue whisking until smooth.
4. Remove from heat and whisk in the butter and salt.

Whiskey Sauce:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup bourbon or whiskey
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly and the sugar dissolves.

Serving Suggestions

Once your bread pudding is baked and cooled slightly, generously drizzle your chosen sauce over the top. Serve warm, and enjoy this comforting and delicious dessert! Consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.

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