How To Make Dessert With Leftover Bread (Caramel Bread Pudding)

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of making a delicious Caramel Bread Pudding using leftover bread, with a twist of Irish soda bread. This dessert is not only easy to prepare but also a great way to utilize stale bread. Let’s get started with the ingredients and steps!

Step 1: Prepare the Irish Soda Bread

1. Gather Ingredients:

   • 2 cups (300 grams) all-purpose flour
   • 1 cup (145 grams) whole wheat flour
   • 1 teaspoon (6 grams) baking soda
   • 1 teaspoon (3 grams) kosher salt
   • 1.5 cups (355 milliliters) buttermilk

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

   • In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, and kosher salt.

3. Add Wet Ingredients:

   • Gradually mix in the buttermilk until a rough dough forms.

4. Knead the Dough:

   • Lightly knead the dough until homogeneous.

5. Shape and Score:

   • Shape the dough into a ball and place it on a floured baking sheet. Score the top with a sharp knife in a tic-tac-toe pattern (no deeper than half an inch).

6. Bake:

   • Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 45 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread Pudding Mixture

1. Gather Bread:

   • Use 1.5 loaves of stale bread (Irish soda bread, croissants, and challah work well). Cut into 1.5-inch cubes.

2. Toast Bread:

   • Place the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast until slightly crispy.

3. Prepare Egg Mixture:

   • In a pot, combine:
     • 3/4 cup (160 grams) granulated sugar
     • 1/2 teaspoon (3 grams) salt
     • 1/2 teaspoon (2 grams) cinnamon
     • 2 cups (480 milliliters) milk
   • Heat over medium, whisking until dissolved.

4. Add Flavorings:

   • Stir in 1 tablespoon (12 grams) vanilla extract and 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) Irish whiskey.

5. Cool Mixture:

   • Place the mixture in an ice bath until it’s cold.

6. Combine with Eggs:

   • Whisk in 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) heavy cream, fresh grated nutmeg, and 2 beaten eggs.

7. Combine with Bread:

   • Pour the egg mixture over the toasted bread cubes, making sure to coat evenly.

Step 3: Bake the Bread Pudding

1. Prepare Baking Dish:

   • Grease an 11x7 inch baking dish with butter.

2. Add Optional Ingredients:

   • You can add crushed pistachios, a drizzle of honey, or raisins for extra flavor and texture.

3. Bake:

   • Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 35 minutes until the top is golden brown.

Step 4: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients:

   • In a saucepan, combine:
     • 1 cup (215 grams) granulated sugar.
   • Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until melted and amber in color.

2. Add Butter:

   • Stir in 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter and mix until emulsified.

3. Add Cream:

   • Slowly stream in 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream while stirring continuously.

4. Finish the Sauce:

   • Let it simmer for 20 seconds, then stir in 1 teaspoon (3 grams) kosher salt.

Conclusion

You’ve now made a delightful Caramel Bread Pudding using leftover bread! This dessert is perfect served warm with the homemade salted caramel sauce drizzled on top. Enjoy your delicious creation and consider experimenting with different types of bread or toppings for future variations!