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Caramelized Butterscotch and Bourbon Easter Bread Pudding

  • Author: Lana
  • Total Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Description

Caramelized Butterscotch and Bourbon Easter Bread Pudding is a rich, indulgent dessert perfect for celebrating the festive season. This decadent bread pudding is the ideal blend of warm, caramelized butterscotch, and a hint of bourbon (non-alcoholic substitutes are available) combined with soft, toasted bread soaked in a sweet custard base. The pudding is baked until golden and served with a drizzle of sweet butterscotch sauce, creating a memorable dessert that will leave everyone at your table asking for more.

Ingredients

Scale

To make this irresistible Caramelized Butterscotch and Bourbon Easter Bread Pudding, gather the following ingredients:

Bread Pudding:

  • 10 cups of day-old brioche or challah bread (cubed)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon (or bourbon extract for a non-alcoholic version)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for greasing the pan)

Caramelized Butterscotch Sauce:

  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon (or bourbon extract)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Day-Old Bread: Using day-old bread gives the pudding its signature custardy texture, allowing the bread to absorb the liquid mixture without falling apart.
  • Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds richness and depth to the bread pudding, and when caramelized, it contributes a warm, toasty flavor.
  • Bourbon: The bourbon adds a touch of warmth and sophistication to the pudding. However, if you’d prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can use bourbon extract or simply skip it altogether.
  • Heavy Cream and Milk: The combination of these two ingredients creates the creamy custard that binds the bread pieces, making the pudding deliciously smooth and rich.

Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Bread Pudding Batter:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter, or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

  2. Prepare the Bread: Cube the day-old brioche or challah bread into bite-sized pieces. Spread the bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish.

  3. Make the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is well combined and smooth. Stir in the bourbon, making sure to incorporate it evenly.

  4. Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture over the cubed bread. Gently press the bread down with a spatula or spoon to ensure all the bread pieces are soaked. Let the mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the bread to absorb the custard.

Bake the Bread Pudding:

  1. Bake the Pudding: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set in the center. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

  2. Cool Slightly: Allow the bread pudding to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This will help it set and make it easier to slice into portions.

Make the Caramelized Butterscotch Sauce:

  1. Prepare the Butterscotch Sauce: While the bread pudding is baking, make the caramelized butterscotch sauce. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir constantly to prevent the sugar from burning.

  2. Simmer and Thicken: After the butter and sugar have melted and the mixture starts to simmer, cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the cream, vanilla extract, salt, and bourbon, and continue simmering for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is smooth and thickened.

  3. Remove from Heat: Once the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly before serving.

Serve the Bread Pudding:

  1. Serve and Drizzle: Cut the bread pudding into squares or rectangles and plate each serving. Drizzle the warm caramelized butterscotch sauce generously over the top.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 10-12
  • Calories: 350-400 kcal
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Protein: 6g

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Find it online: https://epicuremeals.com/caramelized-butterscotch-and-bourbon-easter-bread-pudding/