This Creamy Dulce de Leche Bread Pudding recipe is a heartfelt homage to the timeless love affair with dulce de leche, a staple in many of our favorite desserts. This version of the classic bread pudding elevates the simple comfort food to an indulgent treat by incorporating the rich, caramel-like flavors of dulce de leche, paired with the option to add raisins, chocolate chips, or your preferred mix-ins for added texture and flavor. It's a versatile and forgiving recipe that promises creaminess and depth in every bite.
Why You'll Love This: The combination of dulce de leche with the soft, custardy texture of bread pudding creates a dessert that's both rich in flavor and comforting in texture. It's an easy-to-make recipe that's forgiving and flexible, allowing for personalization with your favorite additions. The result is a dessert that feels both gourmet and homey, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Perfect Occasion: This bread pudding is ideal for any occasion where comfort food is in order—be it a casual family dinner, a festive gathering, or as a special treat to enjoy on a cozy night in. It's a dessert that's meant to be shared, making it perfect for celebrations or simply as a way to bring a sweet end to any meal.
Decoration Tips: Serve this bread pudding with a drizzle of dulce de leche on top for added decadence. Garnishing with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can also elevate its presentation and add a cool contrast to the warm pudding. Fresh berries or a mint leaf can add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Ingredients:
- 10 slices of any bread, cut into small pieces (700g)
- 1.5 liters of milk
- Zest of 1/2 a lemon or orange
For the Custard:
- 5 eggs
- 300g of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract
- 200ml of heavy cream
For the Caramel:
- 200g of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of honey (for flavor and to prevent crystallization)
Instructions:
- Prep the Bread: In a large bowl, soak the bread pieces in milk with the citrus zest until soft.
- Make the Custard: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and heavy cream. Combine this mixture with the softened bread, add vanilla extract, and blend until smooth using a hand blender or food processor.
- Prepare the Caramel: In a saucepan, gently melt the sugar with honey over low heat until it achieves an amber color. Carefully pour this caramel into your baking dish, ensuring both the base and sides are covered. Let it cool.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F). Pour the bread mixture into the caramel-lined dish. Place this dish in a larger baking tray filled with hot water to create a water bath. Bake at 170°C (338°F) for 70 minutes, ensuring the water bath doesn't run dry.
- Cool and Serve: Chill the pudding in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. To unmold, briefly dip the bottom of the dish in boiling water to loosen the caramel, then invert onto a serving plate.
Enjoy this creamy, comforting Dulce de Leche Bread Pudding, a dessert that not only celebrates the rich flavors we adore but also brings a touch of elegance and satisfaction to any occasion.