Caramel Bread Pudding

This Caramel Bread Pudding is a warm and dessert made with day-old bread soaked in a rich custard flavored with browned butter, vanilla, rum extract, orange zest, and cinnamon. Baked until golden and finished with a buttery homemade caramel sauce, it’s the perfect dessert for holidays, gatherings, or whenever we want an easy comfort food treat.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 20

Servings Servings

Calories 617kcal

Equipment

Small saucepan or skillet
medium saucepan
large mixing bowl
Whisk
Rubber spatula or large spoon
Measuring Cups and Spoons
zester or microplane
9x13-inch baking dish
Nonstick Cooking Spray
Oven

Ingredients

Bread Pudding

5-6 cups day-old bread cubed
4 tablespoons butter
2 cups whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
3 eggs
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon rum extract
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt

Caramel Sauce

¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup water
½ cup heavy cream warmed
2 tablespoons butter
¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Make the Bread Pudding

In a small pan over medium heat, melt the butter and cook until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, heavy cream, vanilla, rum extract, orange zest, cinnamon, and salt.

Stir in the browned butter.

Add the bread cubes and gently toss until well coated. Let sit for 20–30 minutes so the bread can soak up the custard.
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Pour the bread mixture into the dish and spread into an even layer.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, until puffed and golden on top but still slightly custardy in the center.

Make the Caramel Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and water. Cook without stirring until the mixture turns amber in color.
Remove from the heat and carefully whisk in the warmed heavy cream. The mixture will bubble vigorously.
Add the butter and salt, then stir until smooth.

Serve

Let the bread pudding cool slightly, then serve warm with caramel sauce spooned over the top.

Nutrition