Sweet and Indulgent: Dulce De Leche Bread Pudding Recipe
Good day, my fellow culinary enthusiasts! Today, I have the pleasure to present you with my latest creation – the Dulce De Leche Bread Pudding Recipe. If you’re looking for a sweet and indulgent dessert that captures the very essence of Brazilian cuisine, you’re in for a real treat! This recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser that’s bound to win over even the toughest food critics out there.
But what makes this recipe so special, you ask? Well, for starters, it combines two beloved treats into one. The classic American bread pudding and the Latin American dulce de leche – a rich and creamy caramel sauce made from sweetened condensed milk – come together to create a dessert that’s nothing short of magical.
The mixture of soft bread soaked in a luscious dulce de leche sauce, complemented by hints of vanilla and cinnamon, is simply irresistible. Every bite is like taking a trip to Brazil without leaving your kitchen. Plus, this easy-to-make dessert is perfect for any occasion – be it a family dinner or a fancy party.
So if you’re ready to embark on an incredibly delicious journey, go ahead and gather all the necessary ingredients because we’re about to make some magic happen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of boring and bland desserts? Do you crave something sweet, creamy and indulgent? Look no further than this Dulce De Leche Bread Pudding Recipe!
Picture this: soft French bread soaked in a mixture of milk, half-and-half, eggs, sugar, and vanilla bean, all topped with dollops of decadent dulce de leche sauce. The result is a heavenly combination of flavors and textures that will satisfy your sweet tooth beyond measure.
But wait, there’s more! This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can swap out the plain bread for other varieties like chocolate chunk or apple bread to add an extra dimension of flavor. You can even top it off with whipped cream or fresh fruit to make it even more delicious.
And if you think this recipe is too complicated or time-consuming, think again. With only a handful of ingredients and simple step-by-step instructions, this dessert is easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.
So what are you waiting for? Bring some sweetness into your life with this Dulce De Leche Bread Pudding Recipe. Your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredient List
- French bread: 2 cups (cut into 1-inch cubes, crusts removed)
- Unsalted butter: 1 tablespoon
- Sugar: 1/4 cup
- Vanilla bean or pure vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Milk: 3 cups (whole milk or half-and-half or a combination of both)
- Heavy cream or half-and-half: 1 cup
- Large eggs:
- 4 eggs for the bread pudding
- 2 eggs for the dulce de leche sauce
- Dulce de leche:
- 1 cup for the bread pudding
- 1/4 cup for the sauce
- Sweetened condensed milk: 1 can (14 oz)
- La Lechera sweetened condensed milk or any other brand: 2 cans (14 oz each)
- Whipping cream:
- For the bread pudding: 3/4 cup
- For the sauce: 1/4 cup
- Tres Leches Bread (optional): Use instead of French bread, and skip the first step of cutting and removing crusts.
Ingredient Notes:
Choosing Your Bread:
The best bread for this recipe is sturdy enough to hold its shape after being soaked in a custard mixture. Day-old or stale bread is great because it absorbs more liquid than fresh bread. While French bread is classic, you could also use Tres Leches Bread, apple bread, chocolate chunk bread, or any other easy bread.
Dulce De Leche:
Dulce de leche is a thick tasty creamy spreadable caramel-like sauce that is made from milk, sugar, vanilla, and baking soda. Feel free to substitute Nestlé La Lechera with any other brand you prefer. You can also make your own dulce de leche by slowly simmering sweetened condensed milk, but this adds additional cooking time to the recipe.
Variation:
You may choose to add apple pie filling or apricot delight to the bread pudding mixture before baking for a fruity twist.
Chocolate Lover’s Tip:
Another variation is to use chocolate chunk bread and add chocolate pudding or La Lechera chocolate into the recipe for a rich and decadent flavour.
Half-and-Half in place of Whole Milk:
If you don’t have whole milk, you can use half-and-half. You can also use a combination of both.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
Step 2: Cut Bread into Cubes
Cut a French bread loaf, about one pound, into one-inch cubes. Spread the cubes on a baking sheet and bake for ten minutes until lightly toasted. Remove from the oven and place them in a mixing bowl.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ingredients:
– 4 cups whole milk
– 1 cup half-and-half
– 1 cup dulce de leche medium
– 4 eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 3/4 cup sugar
Use a wire whisk to mix everything together until you get a smooth mixture.
Then, pour the mixture over the toasted bread cubes and toss to coat each piece evenly.
Step 4: Bake in Oven
Let the bread absorb this pudding mixture for around ten minutes. Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe baking dish coated with non-stick cooking spray (9-inch square).
Then, bake for about sixty minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean after inserting it in bread pudding.
Step 5: Serve with Dulce de Leche Sauce
Dulce de Leche Sauce
This sauce is a perfect match for this dulce de leche bread pudding recipe. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, blend one cup of sweetened condensed milk and one cup of whipping cream until it starts bubbling. Remove it from heat; then whisk in one cup of dulce de leche medium until it becomes smooth.
Stir in two tablespoons unsalted butter, one teaspoon of vanilla extract, and one tablespoon of sugar if you’d like it sweeter.
Pour this sauce over bread pudding, cut into squares and serve hot, with ice cream or whipped topping.
Substitutions and Variations
As with any recipe, substitutions and variations are always possible, and this Dulce De Leche Bread Pudding recipe is no exception. Here are some ideas to consider:
– Bread: You can use any type of bread for this pudding, but a sturdy loaf like French or Italian works best. You can also try using cinnamon bread or even chocolate chunk bread to switch things up.
– Milk: If you don’t have half-and-half, you can use all whole milk instead. You can also use evaporated milk or cream for a richer texture.
– Dulce De Leche: If you can’t find dulce de leche at your local grocery store, you can make your own by simmering sweetened condensed milk until it’s caramelized. Alternatively, you can use caramel sauce as a substitute.
– Eggs: If you’re looking for a lighter version of this recipe, try reducing the number of eggs to just one or two.
– Tres Leches: For a twist on the traditional dulce de leche flavor, you can use tres leches instead. This will give the pudding a slightly different texture but will still taste delicious.
– Additions: There are endless ways to customize this recipe to your personal preferences. Some ideas include adding sliced apples or apricot delight, mixing in cream cheese for a richer dessert or chocolate pudding mix in place of vanilla would work well too.
Remember that substitutions can change the overall flavor and texture of the dish, so be mindful when making adjustments. But don’t be afraid to experiment and try new combinations!
Serving and Pairing
After all the hard work put into making this delectable dulce de leche bread pudding, it is time to enjoy the fruits of your labor! Here are some serving and pairing suggestions to make the most out of your bread pudding.
This dessert can be served hot or cold, depending on your preference. When it comes out of the oven, it will have a bubbly, gooey texture that pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Let it cool for a few minutes before diving into this indulgent treat.
If you prefer a cooler dessert (or want to save some for later), refrigerate the bread pudding for at least an hour and serve chilled. The cold temperature will give it a firmer consistency while still maintaining its delicious flavor.
This dish can also be paired with some complementary beverages. A hot cup of coffee or tea will provide a nice balance to the sweet flavors in the bread pudding. If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing it with a glass of dessert wine or champagne to elevate its decadence even more.
Lastly, if you have any leftovers or simply want to switch things up, try adding some fresh fruit toppings such as strawberries, raspberries, or bananas. You can also drizzle some extra dulce de leche sauce over the top for an even richer experience.
In conclusion, there are countless ways to enjoy this mouth-watering dulce de leche bread pudding recipe. Whichever way you choose to serve and pair it, one thing is for sure – it will leave your taste buds craving for more!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this Dulce De Leche Bread Pudding recipe is that it can be made ahead of time, which makes it a great dessert option for get-togethers or special occasions. You can prepare the pudding up to 1 day in advance and let it cool before storing in the fridge. The flavors will meld and intensify as they sit, making it even more delicious than when served fresh out of the oven.
To store leftovers, transfer the leftover pudding into an airtight container, and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days. When reheating, place individual servings in the microwave and warm on high for 20 to 30 seconds. Alternatively, wrap the entire baking dish in aluminum foil and heat in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through.
If you want to freeze your Dulce De Leche Bread Pudding for later enjoyment, do so before baking. Just wrap the unbaked pudding tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store it for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as normal.
Pro tip: When reheating leche bread pudding after refrigeration, top it with swirls of dulce de leche sauce or chocolate sauce and whipped cream for a treat that looks amazing and tastes even better!
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve the perfect Dulce De Leche Bread Pudding, I have gathered some tips from my experience that can help you out. These tips will not only guarantee that your dish comes out great but also make cooking the recipe experience enjoyable.
First and foremost, always use room temperature eggs, milk, and cream while making the custard base. Room temperature ingredients emulsify much better than cold ones, which results in a smooth texture for the pudding.
Secondly, blend the custard base well to get an even consistency. The better blended it is, the smoother your bread pudding would be.
Additionally, let the bread pudding rest for at least 10-15 minutes after it’s done baking. Resting it helps the custard base settle down and absorb into the bread, giving it a better flavor and making it more compact.
Another important tip is to sprinkle little sugar over the top of bread cubes before adding them to the custard mixture. It gives a caramelized texture to the Bread Pudding – a perfect accompaniment to flavorful Dulce De Leche sauce.
Lastly and most importantly, always store your Dulce De Leche Bread Pudding in an airtight container before refrigerating it if you decide to store it for later. Not doing so may dry out or spoil your dish faster than expected.
Following these tips will guarantee that your Dulce De Leche Bread Pudding turns out impeccable each time you make it.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, making this Dulce De Leche Bread Pudding Recipe is an easy way to add a scrumptious treat to your dessert repertoire. The recipe is simple, and with the right ingredients and instructions, you are surely in for an unforgettable culinary experience.
This recipe offers a wonderfully unique twist on traditional bread pudding, incorporating the rich and delightful caramel notes of dulce de leche. It’s an excellent way to add a touch of Latin flavor to your kitchen while enjoying the comforts of home.
The options for variations are limitless, allowing you to tailor the recipe to fit your tastes perfectly. You can use different types of bread, experiment with different toppings and add-ins and much more.
Once you have perfected the recipe through practice and understood its nuances, you’ll be able to whip up batches of decadent Dulce De Leche Bread Pudding in no time at all. This dish is sure to become a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings and special occasions.
So give this recipe a try today and indulge in one of the most delicious desserts ever created. The combination of caramel, bread, and milk is unbeatable, making this dish a must-have in any kitchen!
Dulce De Leche Bread Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
Classic Creme Anglaise
- 2 cups half-and-half or 2 cups milk
- 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 4 large egg yolks, at room temperature
Bread Pudding
- 1/2 cup dulce de leche, plus more for serving (there are many recipes on zaar if you can't find it in the grocery store)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 3/4 lb crustless challah (10 cups) or 3/4 lb crustless egg bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (10 cups)
Instructions
- Crème Anglaise:
- Set a large fine strainer over a medium bowl and set the bowl in a shallow pan of cold water.
- In a large saucepan, combine the half-and-half and vanilla bean and cook over moderately low heat just until small bubbles appear around the rim, about 5 minutes.
- In another medium bowl, whisk the sugar and egg yolks just until combined. Whisk in half of the hot half-and-half in a thin stream. Pour the mixture into the saucepan and cook over moderate heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the sauce has thickened slightly, 4 to 5 minutes. Immediately strain the sauce into the bowl in the cold water bath to stop the cooking. Scrape the vanilla seeds into the sauce. Serve right away or refrigerate until chilled.
- Bread Pudding:
- Preheat the oven to 425° and butter a 2-quart shallow baking dish. In a large bowl, stir the crème anglaise with the 1/2 cup of dulce de leche and the butter. Whisk in the egg whites. Add the challah, stirring and gently mashing until the cubes are nearly soaked, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the bread mixture to the prepared baking dish and bake for about 12 minutes, until firm and bubbling around the edges.
- Heat the broiler. Broil the pudding for 1 to 2 minutes, shifting the dish a few times, until browned all over. Cut the bread pudding into squares, drizzle with dulce de leche and serve.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Dora
Dora is a chef well-versed in Brazilian and American cuisine. After a hard day's work in the kitchen of her restaurant, she finds the time to jot down recipes for her food blog. Her recipes are sure to delight foodies everywhere, as she strives to make each one unique and enjoyable to read.