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Salted Caramel Bread Pudding Recipe

5 from 273 reviews

This Salted Caramel Bread Pudding is a deliciously comforting dessert that combines soft, custard-soaked bread with a rich salted caramel sauce. Perfectly baked until golden and topped with a decadent caramel drizzle, it’s a satisfying treat ideal for cozy gatherings or a sweet indulgence any time of year.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Bread Pudding Custard

  • 6 cups of day-old bread, cut into cubes (about 12 slices, preferably brioche or challah)
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Salted Caramel Sauce

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined and smooth. This custard mixture will soak into the bread to create a creamy texture.
  2. Assemble the Bread Pudding: Place the cubed bread evenly in a greased baking dish. Pour the custard mixture over the bread, pressing down gently with a spatula or your hands to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to fully soak.
  3. Bake the Pudding: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the soaked bread pudding uncovered in the oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
  4. Make the Salted Caramel Sauce: While the pudding bakes, heat the granulated sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat, swirling the pan occasionally until the sugar melts into an amber-colored liquid. Carefully add the butter and stir until melted and combined. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously to create a smooth sauce. Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt. Let it cool slightly.
  5. Serve: Once the bread pudding is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the warm salted caramel sauce generously over the pudding before serving for a luscious finish.

Notes

  • Day-old or slightly stale bread works best for bread pudding as it absorbs the custard better.
  • You can prepare the custard and assemble the pudding a day ahead and refrigerate before baking to enhance flavors.
  • Adjust the salt in the caramel sauce to your taste preference for a sweeter or more salted caramel.
  • For a richer pudding, substitute half of the milk with heavy cream in the custard.
  • Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Keywords: Salted caramel, bread pudding, custard dessert, baked dessert, caramel sauce