Che Nom's Delicious Caramel Bread Pudding Recipe

by Alex Braham 49 views

Let's dive into making a seriously delicious dessert: Che Nom's Caramel Bread Pudding! This recipe is a total crowd-pleaser and relatively easy to whip up. Bread pudding, with its rich, custardy base and sweet caramel topping, is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe will guide you through each step to create a dessert that's sure to impress.

Why This Recipe Rocks

Guys, this isn't just any bread pudding recipe; it's Che Nom's! That means it's been tried, tested, and perfected for maximum flavor and texture. The caramel sauce is rich and buttery, the custard is creamy and decadent, and the bread soaks it all up perfectly. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover bread you have lying around. Talk about reducing food waste while creating something amazing! Who doesn't love a recipe that's both delicious and practical? Plus, this recipe is super versatile. You can customize it with your favorite flavors and add-ins, making it your own signature dessert.

Ingredients You'll Need

Before we get started, let’s gather all the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make Che Nom's Caramel Bread Pudding:

  • For the Caramel:
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 1/4 cup water
    • 2 tablespoons butter
    • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • For the Bread Pudding:
    • 6-8 slices of bread (day-old is best), cubed
    • 2 cups milk
    • 1/2 cup heavy cream
    • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
    • 3 large eggs
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • Pinch of salt
  • Optional Add-ins:
    • Raisins
    • Chocolate chips
    • Chopped nuts

Make sure you have everything measured out and ready to go. This will make the whole process smoother and more enjoyable.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own delicious caramel bread pudding. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think!

Making the Caramel

  1. Combine Sugar and Water: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Stir gently to moisten the sugar.
  2. Cook the Caramel: Cook over medium heat without stirring. Let the mixture bubble and turn into a golden amber color. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Keep a close eye on it, as it can burn easily.
  3. Add Butter: Once the caramel is the right color, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the butter. Be careful, as it may splatter.
  4. Add Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. The caramel will bubble up again. Continue stirring until the caramel is smooth.
  5. Pour into Baking Dish: Pour the caramel into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Make sure it’s evenly distributed.

Preparing the Bread Pudding

  1. Prepare the Bread: Cut the bread into cubes and place them in a large bowl. Day-old bread works best because it soaks up the custard better without becoming too mushy. If your bread is fresh, you can lightly toast it in the oven to dry it out a bit.
  2. Whisk the Custard: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved.
  3. Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, making sure all the bread is submerged. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the custard. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes, or even better, for an hour. This soaking time is crucial for a moist and delicious bread pudding.
  4. Add Optional Ingredients: If you’re using any add-ins like raisins, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts, now is the time to mix them in with the bread and custard.
  5. Pour into Baking Dish: Pour the bread and custard mixture over the caramel in the baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking dish in a larger baking pan and fill the outer pan with hot water, creating a water bath. This helps the bread pudding cook evenly and prevents it from drying out.
  7. Bake Time: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the bread pudding is set and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
  8. Cool: Remove the baking dish from the water bath and let it cool slightly before serving. The caramel will be very hot, so be careful!

Tips for the Perfect Bread Pudding

Want to take your bread pudding to the next level? Here are some tips to help you achieve perfection:

  • Use Day-Old Bread: As mentioned earlier, day-old bread is ideal for bread pudding. It’s drier and absorbs the custard better without becoming mushy. If you only have fresh bread, you can toast it lightly in the oven.
  • Don’t Skip the Soaking Time: Soaking the bread in the custard is crucial for a moist and flavorful bread pudding. The longer it soaks, the better the texture will be.
  • Use a Water Bath: Baking the bread pudding in a water bath helps it cook evenly and prevents it from drying out. This is especially important for a creamy and custardy texture.
  • Customize with Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different flavors and add-ins. You can add chocolate chips, raisins, nuts, or even a splash of your favorite liquor for an extra kick.
  • Let it Cool: Letting the bread pudding cool slightly before serving allows the caramel to set and the flavors to meld together. It also makes it easier to slice and serve.

Variations and Add-ins

The beauty of bread pudding is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences. Here are some popular variations and add-ins to try:

  • Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding: Add chocolate chips to the bread and custard mixture for a decadent chocolatey treat.
  • Raisin Bread Pudding: Mix in raisins for a classic and comforting flavor.
  • Nutty Bread Pudding: Add chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
  • Spiced Bread Pudding: Add spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger for a warm and aromatic flavor.
  • Boozy Bread Pudding: Add a splash of your favorite liquor, such as bourbon, rum, or brandy, for an extra kick of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Caramel bread pudding is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dessert:

  • Whipped Cream: Top with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a light and airy contrast to the rich bread pudding.
  • Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic and comforting combination.
  • Fruit Compote: Pair with a fruit compote, such as berries or peaches, for a burst of fresh flavor.
  • Caramel Sauce: Drizzle with extra caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.
  • Dusting of Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness.

Storage Instructions

If you have any leftover bread pudding (though it’s unlikely!), here’s how to store it:

  • Refrigerate: Store the bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Reheat the bread pudding in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short intervals until heated through, but be careful not to overheat it.

Conclusion

There you have it, guys! Che Nom's Caramel Bread Pudding recipe is a surefire way to impress your friends and family. With its rich caramel sauce, creamy custard, and perfectly soaked bread, this dessert is a guaranteed hit. Don't be afraid to get creative with your add-ins and flavors to make it your own. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite!

So, what are you waiting for? Get into the kitchen and start baking this incredible bread pudding! You won't regret it!