Fall in love with the rich flavors and comforting texture of this Classic Bread Pudding, enhanced with a homemade caramel sauce that transforms it into a sublime dessert. Made with simple ingredients and infused with the zest of lemon or orange, this bread pudding is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. Perfect for any time you crave a sweet and hearty treat.
Why You'll Love This: This bread pudding recipe is filled with irresistible qualities:
- Comforting and Cozy: The warm, soft texture of the pudding coupled with the rich caramel sauce offers a comforting experience with each bite.
- Versatile Flavors: Choose between lemon or orange zest to add a subtle yet refreshing citrus note that complements the vanilla and caramel beautifully.
- Perfect for All Occasions: Whether it's a family gathering, holiday, or a simple weekday dessert, this bread pudding is sure to please everyone.
Perfect Occasion: This bread pudding is ideal for various settings:
- Holiday Feasts: A wonderful addition to your holiday dessert spread.
- Potluck Dinners: Easy to prepare in large quantities and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Casual Dessert Nights: Enjoy it as a comforting end to any meal with family and friends.
Decoration Tips:
- Garnish with Fresh Citrus: Add a twist of lemon or orange zest on top before serving for a fresh, aromatic touch.
- Serve with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes the perfect companion to the warm pudding.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving adds a sweet, finishing touch.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 kilo of bread, any type
- 1.5 liters of milk
- Zest of 1/2 lemon or orange
- 5 eggs
- 300 g of sugar
- 2 tbsp of vanilla extract
- 200 ml of cream
- For the Caramel:
- 200 g of sugar
- 1 tbsp of honey
- 1/2 cup of water
- Prepare the Bread Mixture:
- In a large bowl, soak the bread with 1 liter of milk and the citrus zest until soft. Break apart with hands.
- Add the remaining 0.5 liter of milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and eggs. Blend well with an immersion blender until smooth.
- Make the Caramel:
- In a saucepan, combine 200 g of sugar with 1 tbsp of honey over low heat. Allow it to turn amber in color before stirring to prevent crystallization.
- Carefully add 1/2 cup of water to the caramel; this will turn it into a sauce upon serving.
- Pour the caramel into a 20 cm x 30 cm baking dish, covering the base and sides. Let it cool and set.
- Bake the Pudding:
- Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F).
- Pour the bread mixture over the set caramel in the baking dish.
- Place the dish in a larger baking tray and add hot water to create a water bath.
- Bake for 70 minutes at 170°C (338°F), ensuring there is always water in the bath.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the pudding cool in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- To unmold, dip the bottom of the mold in boiling water to loosen the caramel, then invert onto a serving platter.
Enjoy this luscious Classic Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce, a dessert that combines simple ingredients into a wonderfully rich and satisfying treat!