Decadent Almond Bread Pudding: A Luxurious Dessert

This Almond Bread Pudding is a rich, comforting dessert that combines the sweetness of brioche rolls with a creamy almond custard. Topped with slivered almonds and a hint of caramelized sugar, each bite is a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in, this dessert is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This: The combination of brioche and almond custard creates a soft, creamy texture that melts in your mouth. The almond butter adds a nutty richness, while the slivered almonds and sugar on top provide a satisfying crunch. It’s an easy-to-make dessert that looks and tastes gourmet, perfect for treating yourself or your loved ones.

Perfect Occasion: Ideal for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or any special event where you want to serve a show-stopping dessert. It’s also a wonderful choice for a luxurious weekend brunch or a comforting after-dinner treat. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of vanilla glaze for an extra indulgent experience.

Decoration Tips:

1. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for a classic, elegant look.
2. Drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for added sweetness and shine.
3. Garnish with a few whole almonds or a sprig of mint for a pop of color.
4. Serve on a decorative platter to elevate its presentation and make it the centerpiece of your dessert table.

Ingredients:

• Bread:
  • 12 brioche rolls, Hawaiian rolls, or 12 thick-cut slices of brioche bread, preferably dried out overnight
• Almond Custard:
  • 1 cup milk of choice
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup + 3 tbsp granulated sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 vanilla bean, scraped (or 1 tsp vanilla extract or paste)
  • 1 tsp almond extract
  • 4 eggs, room temperature
• Filling & Topping:
  • 1/2 cup smooth almond butter (or salted caramel almond butter)
  • 3 tbsp granulated or turbinado sugar
  • 1/3 cup slivered almonds

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pan:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9-inch round springform pan or 8×11-inch baking dish with cooking spray, then line with parchment paper. Place on a baking sheet.
2. Prepare the Bread:
   • Cut the rolls or bread into 1-inch cubes. Set aside.
3. Make the Almond Custard:
   • In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine milk, heavy cream, butter, sugar, salt, vanilla, and almond extract. Whisk until the butter is melted.
   • Add the eggs and whisk until fully incorporated. Remove from heat.
4. Assemble the Bread Pudding:
   • Place 1/3 of the bread cubes in the bottom of the prepared pan. Press down to compress.
   • Drizzle and spread 1/4 cup of almond butter on top. Add another 1/3 of the bread cubes, press down, and drizzle/spread the remaining almond butter. Top with the rest of the bread cubes.
   • Pour the almond custard over the bread, ensuring all pieces are well-soaked. Press down gently to eliminate dry spots.
5. Add Toppings and Bake:
   • Sprinkle the top with granulated sugar and slivered almonds.
   • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, until the top is golden and set but still slightly wobbly when shaken.
6. Serve:
   • Let stand for a few minutes, then remove from the pan.
   • Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of vanilla glaze, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.

Enjoy this Decadent Almond Bread Pudding, where the rich flavors of almond and creamy custard meet the sweetness of brioche for a truly luxurious dessert experience!