Brioche Bread Pudding Recipe

Introduction

Brioche Bread Pudding is a rich, decadent dessert that combines the buttery, slightly sweet flavor of brioche bread with a custard-like filling. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or any special occasion, this dish is a true comfort food. The airy, tender brioche soaks up the custard, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to resist. Whether served warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce, a scoop of ice cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar, Brioche Bread Pudding makes a fantastic treat that will leave your guests coming back for more.

Bread pudding itself is a classic dessert, but using brioche makes it extra indulgent. The light, buttery crumb of the brioche gives the pudding a luxurious texture and flavor that’s elevated compared to traditional bread pudding made with regular bread. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through making the perfect Brioche Bread Pudding, complete with tips, variations, and serving suggestions to suit any occasion.

Why You’ll Love Brioche Bread Pudding

• Rich and Buttery Flavor: The use of brioche, a soft, slightly sweet bread, adds a rich flavor to the pudding, making it more indulgent than a typical bread pudding. The combination of butter, eggs, and cream gives the dessert a smooth, custardy texture.
• Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: The sweetness of the brioche bread and the custard filling come together perfectly. It’s not too sweet, but just enough to satisfy your sweet tooth.
• Versatile: Brioche Bread Pudding is easily customizable. You can add fruit, chocolate, or nuts to make it your own. You can even serve it as a brunch dish with a drizzle of maple syrup or a side of whipped cream.
• Easy to Make: While this dessert sounds fancy, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare. With just a few simple steps, you can have a beautiful, comforting dessert on the table in no time.
• Great for Leftover Brioche: If you have leftover brioche from a previous breakfast or brunch, this recipe is an excellent way to use it up, transforming the bread into a deliciously rich pudding.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 22-25g
• Carbohydrates: 35-40g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 20-25g

Ingredients

For the Brioche Bread Pudding:

• 1 loaf of brioche bread (about 12 cups, cut into cubes)
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Optional: 1/2 cup raisins or currants (for added texture and sweetness)
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

For the Caramel Sauce (Optional):

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Brioche Bread

Begin by cutting the brioche into cubes, about 1-inch in size. You can leave the crust on for added texture, or remove it if you prefer a softer pudding. If your brioche is very fresh, you may want to let the cubes sit out for a few hours or overnight to dry out slightly. This will help the bread absorb the custard mixture more effectively. If you’re using leftover or slightly stale brioche, it’s already perfect for the pudding.

2. Make the Custard Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until fully combined and the sugar has dissolved. The eggs will give the custard a smooth, creamy texture, while the milk and cream will add richness. The cinnamon and nutmeg provide warm, aromatic flavors that complement the sweetness of the brioche.

3. Soak the Brioche in the Custard

Place the cubed brioche into a large mixing bowl. Pour the custard mixture over the brioche cubes and gently toss to coat the bread. Allow the brioche to soak for about 10-15 minutes, pressing down occasionally to ensure the bread absorbs as much custard as possible. If you’re adding raisins or currants, fold them in at this stage. If you’re using nuts, you can also add them now, or sprinkle them on top before baking.

4. Transfer to the Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of butter or non-stick spray. Once the brioche has soaked in the custard, pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading the bread cubes out evenly. Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the pudding for added flavor and richness.

5. Bake the Brioche Bread Pudding

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The custard should be set, and the bread cubes should have absorbed the custard, creating a rich, custardy interior. If the top is browning too quickly, cover the dish with aluminum foil and continue baking until done.

6. Cool and Serve

Once the Brioche Bread Pudding is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. This gives the pudding a chance to set further and makes it easier to slice. Serve warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce (recipe below), a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Caramel Sauce (Optional)

While the bread pudding is baking, you can prepare the caramel sauce to serve alongside it for extra sweetness and richness.

• In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the brown sugar and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved, about 2-3 minutes.
• Slowly pour in the heavy cream, continuing to stir, and allow the sauce to bubble for another 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
• Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool slightly before serving over the bread pudding.

Tips for Perfect Brioche Bread Pudding

• Use Stale Brioche: If you can, use slightly stale or day-old brioche. Fresh bread can become too soggy and won’t hold up as well to the custard. If your brioche is fresh, letting it sit out for a few hours or overnight will help it absorb the custard better.
• Let the Bread Soak: Don’t rush the soaking process. Allow the bread cubes to fully soak in the custard for at least 10-15 minutes. This step ensures that the pudding is rich and custardy throughout, rather than dry in the center.
• Experiment with Flavors: Brioche Bread Pudding is incredibly versatile. You can customize the flavor by adding spices like cardamom, ginger, or allspice to the custard mixture. Adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or fresh berries can make it even more decadent.
• Make It Ahead: You can prepare the bread pudding the night before and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and the bread to soak up the custard. The next day, simply bake it until golden and bubbly.
• Check for Doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so be sure to check the pudding for doneness by inserting a knife or toothpick into the center. It should come out clean, but the pudding will continue to set as it cools.

Variations of Brioche Bread Pudding

• Chocolate Brioche Bread Pudding: Add a handful of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the bread pudding for a rich, indulgent twist. The chocolate melts into the custard, creating gooey pockets of sweetness throughout the pudding.
• Cinnamon Roll Brioche Bread Pudding: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the custard and sprinkle some cinnamon sugar over the top before baking. This creates a cinnamon roll-inspired bread pudding that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch.
• Berry Brioche Bread Pudding: Fold in fresh berries, such as raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries, into the custard before baking. The berries add a fresh, tart contrast to the rich, sweet custard.
• Maple Pecan Brioche Bread Pudding: Add toasted pecans and a drizzle of maple syrup to the custard mixture for a fall-inspired flavor. The nuts provide crunch, and the maple syrup adds a delightful sweetness.
• Rum Raisin Brioche Bread Pudding: Soak the raisins in dark rum for a few hours before adding them to the bread pudding mixture. This will add a deep, rich flavor to the pudding. The rum-soaked raisins create an extra layer of complexity and flavor.

Storage and Shelf Life

Brioche Bread Pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow it to cool completely before covering and refrigerating. When you’re ready to serve, reheat individual portions in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

If you want to store the pudding for longer, you can freeze it. Once fully cooled, wrap the bread pudding tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes until heated through.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Brioche Bread Pudding

Pair this indulgent dessert with complementary sides to create a balanced meal:

• Fresh Fruit: A side of fresh fruit, such as berries, citrus, or sliced apples, adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the bread pudding.
• Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream provides a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, rich bread pudding.
• Coffee or Hot Chocolate: A hot cup of coffee or a rich mug of hot chocolate pairs wonderfully with this dessert, balancing the sweetness and adding a bit of warmth.
• Caramelized Nuts: Serve with a handful of caramelized nuts like pecans or almonds to add a crunchy, sweet contrast to the soft pudding.

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Conclusion

Brioche Bread Pudding is a decadent, comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The buttery brioche soaks up the custard, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s both rich and satisfying. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this dish can be customized in countless ways to suit your tastes. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering, a weekend brunch, or just as a cozy dessert, Brioche Bread Pudding is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.