Million Dollar Bread Pudding

Looking for a show-stopping dessert that will leave everyone asking for the recipe? Look no further than this Million Dollar Bread Pudding! Rich, flavorful, and loaded with indulgence, this recipe is perfect for special occasions, holiday gatherings, or whenever you’re craving a luxurious treat. With a golden, crispy exterior and a soft, custard-like interior, this bread pudding is elevated by a rich vanilla sauce that’s truly a taste of heaven.

What is Million Dollar Bread Pudding?

Million Dollar Bread Pudding is an upscale twist on the classic bread pudding. While traditional bread puddings often rely on simple ingredients like bread, eggs, milk, and sugar, this version adds extra richness and flavor with ingredients like cream cheese, butter, and brown sugar. The result? A dessert that’s irresistibly creamy and decadent, earning its “million-dollar” name.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Bread Pudding:

• 6 cups of day-old bread (French bread or challah works wonderfully)
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1 cup of whole milk
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup of butter (melted)
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• ½ cup of cream cheese (softened)
• ½ cup of chopped nuts (optional, such as pecans or walnuts)

For the Vanilla Sauce:

• 1 cup of heavy cream
• ½ cup of milk
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter

Instructions for Million Dollar Bread Pudding

1. Prepare the Bread:

Start by tearing the bread into bite-sized pieces and placing them into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. This step is important for ensuring that the bread absorbs the custard mixture, which results in a moist and rich pudding.

2. Make the Custard:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, milk, granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add in the softened cream cheese and whisk until smooth. The cream cheese gives this pudding its signature richness and flavor. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread pieces, making sure all the bread is soaked. If you like, fold in chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.

3. Bake:

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding has set. The center should be slightly firm but still soft.

4. Prepare the Vanilla Sauce:

While the bread pudding is baking, make the vanilla sauce by combining the heavy cream, milk, sugar, and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the butter is melted and the sugar has dissolved. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.

5. Serve:

Once the bread pudding is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. Drizzle the warm vanilla sauce over the top and serve while it’s still warm. For an extra touch, top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips for Perfect Million Dollar Bread Pudding

• Use Stale Bread: Day-old or slightly stale bread is best for this recipe as it absorbs the custard without getting too soggy. If your bread is fresh, you can dry it out in the oven for a few minutes before using it.
• Add a Dash of Bourbon or Rum: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of bourbon or dark rum to the custard mixture.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the bread pudding ahead of time. Simply assemble the pudding and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, just bake it as directed.
• Personalize: Feel free to add in your favorite mix-ins like raisins, chocolate chips, or fresh fruit to make the pudding uniquely yours.

Why You’ll Love Million Dollar Bread Pudding

This bread pudding is the perfect combination of creamy and crispy textures. The vanilla sauce brings an extra layer of luxury, making it a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or a fancy brunch, Million Dollar Bread Pudding will definitely be the star of the show.

Final Thoughts

If you want a dessert that delivers both comfort and elegance, Million Dollar Bread Pudding is the way to go. With its rich ingredients, luscious custard, and sweet vanilla sauce, this recipe is sure to wow your guests and make any occasion feel extra special. Try it out, and prepare for your taste buds to experience something extraordinary!

Serving and Storage Tips for Million Dollar Bread Pudding

Serving Tips:

1. Serve Warm: Million Dollar Bread Pudding is best enjoyed when it’s warm. The soft, custard-like interior and crispy golden top are at their peak right after it comes out of the oven. For an extra indulgent touch, serve it with a drizzle of vanilla sauce, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of whipped cream.
2. Garnish: Consider garnishing the bread pudding with fresh berries, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or even a few extra chopped nuts for added texture and visual appeal.
3. Pairings: This bread pudding pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a dessert wine like a rich port or a sweet dessert wine. It can also be served alongside fresh fruit to balance the richness of the dish.
4. Individual Portions: For a more elegant presentation, consider serving individual portions in ramekins or small bowls. This is perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.

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Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, store the bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
2. Reheating: To reheat, place the bread pudding in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on the size of the serving.
3. Freezing: Million Dollar Bread Pudding can be frozen for longer storage. To freeze, first allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat as needed.
4. Vanilla Sauce Storage: If you have leftover vanilla sauce, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to a week. Reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

By following these simple storage and serving tips, you can enjoy your Million Dollar Bread Pudding for days to come, whether it’s served fresh or reheated for a quick and indulgent treat.

1. Can I use any type of bread for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a variety of breads, but day-old bread like French bread, challah, or brioche works best. These types of bread are sturdy enough to absorb the custard mixture without becoming too soggy, resulting in a rich and perfectly textured bread pudding.

2. Can I make Million Dollar Bread Pudding ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the bread pudding the day before and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to bake it, simply preheat the oven and bake as directed. This makes it a great option for meal prep or holiday gatherings when you want to save time.

3. Can I add different mix-ins to the bread pudding?
Yes, you can personalize this recipe by adding your favorite mix-ins. Consider adding raisins, chocolate chips, fresh berries, or chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra texture and flavor. Just fold them into the bread before adding the custard mixture.

4. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Million Dollar Bread Pudding gluten-free, simply substitute the bread with a gluten-free bread variety. Look for a sturdy gluten-free bread like a loaf of gluten-free French bread or a gluten-free brioche for the best results. The rest of the ingredients can remain the same.

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