How to Make a French Brioche Bread Pudding
French brioche bread pudding is a rich and indulgent dessert that's perfect for using up leftover brioche. Its custard-like texture and sweet, buttery flavor make it a crowd-pleaser. Follow these steps to create a delicious French brioche bread pudding at home.
Ingredients You Will Need
- 1 large loaf of brioche bread, cubed
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup raisins or chocolate chips (optional)
- Butter, for greasing the baking dish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cube the brioche bread into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl. Allow the bread to sit out for a few hours or overnight, so it dries out slightly and absorbs the custard better when baked.
2. Make the Custard Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined. This custard will bring richness and flavor to your bread pudding.
3. Combine Bread and Custard
Pour the custard mixture over the cubed brioche bread. Gently mix until all the bread pieces are soaked in the custard. If you're using raisins or chocolate chips, fold them in at this stage. Let the mixture sit for about 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
4. Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter. This prevents sticking and adds an extra layer of flavor. Carefully spoon the bread and custard mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly.
5. Bake the Bread Pudding
Bake the brioche bread pudding in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. The texture should be set but still moist—be careful not to overbake.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the pudding from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Serve warm, optionally topped with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness.
Tips for the Perfect Brioche Bread Pudding
- For added flavor, consider infusing the milk with a bit of orange or lemon zest.
- Experiment with different mix-ins such as nuts, dried fruits, or flavored liqueurs.
- For extra decadence, drizzle a simple vanilla sauce over each serving.
Enjoy making this French brioche bread pudding as a delightful dessert or a brunch treat. With its creamy custard and fluffy bread, it's sure to be a favorite among family and friends!