Caramelized Bread Pudding

Caramelized Bread Pudding Recipe - A Classic American Dessert

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Caramelized Bread Pudding is a classic dessert that combines the rich flavors of caramel with the comforting texture of bread pudding. This indulgent treat is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and impressing guests with its decadent taste.

History

Bread pudding has been a popular dessert for centuries, with variations found in many different cultures around the world. The addition of caramel to this traditional dish adds a modern twist and elevates the flavors to a whole new level.

Ingredients

3 slices of Texas toast, buttered
0.67 cup of golden raisins
1 beaten egg
1 cup of milk
1 cup of white granulated sugar
1 cup of dark brown sugar
1 tsp of vanilla extract

How to prepare

Cut the buttered bread into cubes. Mix the raisins with the bread.
In a separate bowl, stir together the milk, egg, and vanilla.
Place the white and brown sugars in the top of a double boiler. Stir to mix.
Place the bread and raisin mixture on top of the sugar. Pour the milk mixture over the bread. Cover.
Place the pan over boiling water (which is in the bottom half of the double boiler).
Cook on the stove top for approximately 1 hour or until the mixture is set.
DO NOT STIR. Turn out of the pan onto a dish with sides.
The sugars will form a caramel syrup over the bread pudding. It is best if served warm.

Variations

Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the bread pudding mixture for a warm and spicy flavor profile. You can also experiment with different types of bread, such as brioche or challah, for a unique twist on this classic dessert.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure that your Caramelized Bread Pudding turns out perfectly every time, be sure to use stale bread for the best texture. Additionally, make sure to cook the pudding slowly over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together and the sugars to caramelize properly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a perfect Caramelized Bread Pudding is to cook it slowly over low heat to allow the sugars to caramelize and the flavors to develop. Be patient and resist the urge to stir the mixture while it cooks.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have Texas toast on hand, you can use any type of stale bread for this recipe. You can also swap out the golden raisins for dried cranberries or chopped nuts for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the bread pudding mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight before baking. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes for an even more delicious dessert.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Caramelized Bread Pudding in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation, or slice it into squares and serve on a platter for a more casual dessert option.

Pairing Recommendations

This rich and decadent dessert pairs well with a cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine. The sweet flavors of the pudding complement the bold flavors of the coffee or wine perfectly.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Caramelized Bread Pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual servings for 30-60 seconds or until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 320 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 56g per serving

Fats

Fats: 6g per serving

Proteins

Proteins: 4g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dessert is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Contains: dairy, gluten

Summary

While Caramelized Bread Pudding is a delicious treat, it is best enjoyed in moderation due to its high sugar and calorie content.

Summary

Caramelized Bread Pudding is a delicious and indulgent dessert that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With its rich flavors and comforting texture, this classic dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Caramelized Bread Pudding. It was a cold winter evening, and I had just returned home from a long day of work. As I entered the kitchen, I noticed a faint aroma of cinnamon and sugar wafting through the air. Curious, I followed the scent to the countertop where a worn, stained recipe card lay waiting for me.

The handwriting on the card was elegant and flowing, a stark contrast to my own messy scrawl. It read:

"Caramelized Bread Pudding

Ingredients:

- 6 slices of day-old bread

- 2 cups of milk

- 1 cup of sugar

- 1/2 cup of butter

- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon

- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

- 3 eggs

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Cut the bread into small cubes and place them in a greased baking dish.

3. In a saucepan, heat the milk, sugar, and butter over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved.

4. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cinnamon and vanilla extract.

5. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and slowly add the milk mixture, stirring constantly.

6. Pour the mixture over the bread cubes and let it sit for 10 minutes.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

8. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream."

I was intrigued by the simplicity of the ingredients and the detailed instructions. This was a recipe unlike any I had encountered before, and I couldn't wait to give it a try. As I gathered the necessary items from my pantry and fridge, memories of my grandmother flooded back to me.

My grandmother was a formidable cook, known far and wide for her delicious dishes and mouthwatering desserts. She had a knack for taking simple ingredients and turning them into culinary masterpieces. I spent many hours by her side in the kitchen, watching and learning as she worked her magic.

One particularly vivid memory stood out to me - the day she taught me how to make her famous apple pie. It was a crisp autumn afternoon, and the scent of cinnamon and apples filled the air as we peeled, sliced, and rolled out the dough together. As we waited for the pie to bake, my grandmother regaled me with stories of her own culinary adventures and the recipes she had collected over the years.

It was during these moments that I realized the true power of food. It has the ability to bring people together, to create memories, and to nourish both body and soul. I made a vow to myself that day to carry on my grandmother's legacy, to continue learning and experimenting in the kitchen, and to pass on my knowledge to future generations.

As I placed the Caramelized Bread Pudding in the oven and set the timer, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. The aroma of cinnamon and sugar filled the kitchen, wrapping me in a warm and comforting embrace. I knew that this recipe would be a hit, not just with my own family, but with anyone lucky enough to taste it.

When the timer finally dinged, I carefully removed the baking dish from the oven and marveled at the golden-brown top of the pudding. It looked and smelled absolutely divine. I couldn't wait to dig in and savor the flavors that had been lovingly crafted by my own hands.

As I took my first bite, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. The flavors were rich and decadent, the texture creamy and luscious. It was as if my grandmother's spirit was there with me in the kitchen, guiding my hand and whispering words of encouragement.

And in that moment, I knew that I had truly mastered the art of Caramelized Bread Pudding. This recipe would become a staple in my own collection, a reminder of the joy and love that can be found in the simple act of cooking. And as I shared the pudding with my family and friends, I knew that my grandmother would be proud of the legacy I was carrying on in her honor.