Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8
Skill Level: Intermediate
Ingredients
- 6 cups of day-old bread, cubed (French or brioche preferred)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup Crown Royal whiskey
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Optional: whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Add the cubed bread to the bowl, gently folding until the bread is evenly coated with the egg mixture. Allow the bread to soak for about 10 minutes.
- Transfer the bread mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the salted caramel sauce and Crown Royal whiskey. Stir until heated through and well blended.
- Drizzle half of the caramel whiskey sauce over the bread mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Drizzle the remaining caramel whiskey sauce over the top before serving.
- Serve warm, optionally topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Helpful Tips
Tip 1: For extra flavor, try using a combination of different bread types, like brioche and challah.
Tip 2: If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the Crown Royal and enhance the caramel sauce with a splash of vanilla extract.
Tip 3: This pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.
Tip 4: Ingredient substitutions: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or any other preferred milk alternative.
Pairings
This hearty dessert pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of warm spiced apple cider. If you’re celebrating, enjoy a small glass of Crown Royal on the side to complement the flavors.