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Published by Katie on April 26, 2017; last updated August 10, 2018

Brioche Bread Pudding with Salted Caramel Sauce

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A leftover half-loaf of brioche can yield the most rich, yet easy bread pudding, taken over the top with homemade salted caramel sauce. (Jump to Recipe) 

Brioche Bread Pudding with Salted Caramel Sauce | katiebirdbakes.com

You know how on cooking competition shows like Chopped, whenever they do the dessert round, someone invariably makes a bread pudding?  Even if they’ve been given the most ridiculous ingredient, like gummy worms or pig’s feet?  Always, every time, without fail, somebody makes bread pudding with it.  You’ll notice next time you watch.

I always wondered (before we got rid of cable; now I have other things to wonder about but seem to spend no less time in front of the TV) why bread pudding was the default choice.  It seemed…a little basic, but also a little finicky, and definitely lacking in the pizzazz one typically associates with such shows.  Usually, the contestant got too busy trying to make a bunch of overly complicated sauces or side accompaniments, and burned their gross gummy worm bread pudding or yanked it out of the oven before it was done.  Poor choice, I always thought to myself.

This was before I’d ever made bread pudding.  Now I have, and let’s just say, if you ever catch me on an episode of Chopped (not likely), I’ll be that weirdo making bread pudding with gummy worms.  Why?  Because as it turns out, bread pudding is the most easily adaptable, the most forgiving, the most comforting and decadent thing you can make in 30ish minutes with bread, eggs, and milk.  It’s like French toast on steroids, because you can do crazy things like douse it in salted caramel sauce and ice cream and call it dessert.  Or breakfast.  I don’t judge.

This all started because my mother in law had us over for brunch, and she made a lovely French toast with brioche bread.  The best French toast always starts with brioche, I think.  There were only a few of us, though, so she didn’t use the whole loaf, and somehow the rest of that loaf found its way home with us.  Oh, darn.

Brioche Bread Pudding with Salted Caramel Sauce | katiebirdbakes.com

All week long at work, I was wondering to myself what I was going to do with this half-loaf of brioche.  I thought about more French toast, but eh – I’d just had it.  I thought about an egg casserole or croutons (brioche croutons, I mean…what can be bad), but it turned out that by the end of that long week, all I wanted was a comforting, carby hug.  Then it hit me, as if I’d just pulled gummy worms out of the final Chopped basket…bread pudding.  I’d only had it at restaurants before, but since when has that stopped me?

I did a little research and found a solid, simple recipe from the New York Times, from whom I’ve rarely had a culinary venture go awry.  But, because I can never leave well enough alone, I had to modify it because I could not get the idea of warmly spiced, sweet, crisp bread pudding combined with salty caramel out of my head.  Turns out there was good reason for it – the result was nothing short of spectacular.

Brioche Bread Pudding with Salted Caramel Sauce | katiebirdbakes.com

 

Brioche Bread Pudding with Salted Caramel Sauce | katiebirdbakes.com

This is so simple to put together that I now understand why Chopped contestants can do it without a recipe.  2 cups milk, 2 eggs, 2 tbsp butter, a little vanilla and spices, and half a loaf of bread.  Doesn’t get easier than that, and there are very few recipes where you reap so much reward from so little effort.  The top part of the bread pudding gets a beautiful, crisply browned lid as it rises in the oven, while the interior stays soft and doughy.  When you cover it in homemade salted caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream, the combination of flavors and textures is quite literally heaven on earth.

If you were intimidated when I said “homemade salted caramel sauce” just then, don’t be.  It’s not nearly as scary as it sounds, and I would urge you not to skip it.  It makes more than enough for this recipe, meaning you’ll have extra to put on ice cream, cookies, your morning oatmeal, your plain old spoon…

Brioche Bread Pudding with Salted Caramel Sauce | katiebirdbakes.com

Personally I wanted to drink it.  But, for propriety’s sake, I refrained.

Brioche Bread Pudding with Salted Caramel Sauce | katiebirdbakes.com

This was gone from our kitchen within 2 days, much to our regret.  I hope you’ll subject yourself to the same temptation, without or without the gummy worms and professional judges.

Brioche Bread Pudding with Salted Caramel Sauce | katiebirdbakes.com
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5 from 9 votes

Brioche Bread Pudding with Salted Caramel Sauce

A leftover half-loaf of brioche can yield the most rich, yet easy bread pudding, taken over the top with homemade salted caramel sauce (bourbon optional)!
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Author: katiebirdbakes.com

Ingredients

For the Bread Pudding:

  • 1/2 loaf day-old brioche bread (about 6 slices)
  • 2 cups milk (I used whole)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch nutmeg
  • Pinch salt
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon bourbon (optional, but delicious)

Instructions

For the Bread Pudding:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.  Butter a medium casserole dish (4-6 cups).  Chop the bread into 2-inch cubes and place in the dish.
  • Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan on the stove, or in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave, heat the milk, butter, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and sugar until the butter melts.  This should take 2-3 minutes in the microwave - stop every minute and check.  Don't let the mixture boil.  Whisk the mixture once the butter is melted to make sure it's all incorporated.  Let cool for about 5 minutes.
  • Whisk the eggs together in a small bowl.  Pour into the cooled milk mixture and whisk until the ingredients are thoroughly combined.  
  • Pour the milk/egg mixture over the cubed bread in the casserole dish.  Bake for 35-45 minutes, until the top is golden brown but the center is still a bit wobbly.  Drizzle with salted caramel sauce; serve warm with vanilla ice cream and extra sauce!
  • Store any leftover bread pudding in the fridge for up to 2 days.  Reheat in the microwave - it'll be just as delicious.

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

  • In a medium saucepan (I recommend a stainless steel saucepan so you can see what's happening) stir together the sugar and water, then heat over medium heat.  DO NOT STIR.  You can swirl it a little from time to time, but don't stir or whisk it.  The mixture will come to a boil and be very bubbly.  
  • Continue to cook the sugar until it has turned a dark amber hue, about 8-10 minutes.  While it's cooking, measure out your heavy cream and butter, salt, and bourbon (if using), and grab a whisk.  Things need to happen fast once you reach the right color or else the sugar will burn.
  • As soon as a dark amber hue is reached, remove pan from the heat and whisk in the heavy cream - whisk vigorously.  It will crackle loudly and seem like it's curdling but keep whisking!!  After 10-15 seconds or so of whisking, a glorious caramel sauce will emerge in your pan.
  • Whisk in the butter, salt, and bourbon.  Pat yourself on the back and serve that sauce with the bread pudding and ice cream.
  • Store any leftover sauce in a sealed jar or container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks - slather on ice cream, cookies, cake, oatmeal...or just your spoon.

Notes

Bread pudding adapted from the New York Times.  

Like this recipe?  Please rate it and leave a comment or tag me on Instagram @katiebirdbakes, and sign up for my email list to receive my recipes straight to your inbox every time I post!

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Comments

  1. Eileen says

    September 27, 2021 at 12:46 pm

    Hi, this looks great. Does the milk in the pudding need to be cow’s milk or would almond milk work?

    Reply
    • Katie says

      September 27, 2021 at 3:40 pm

      Hi Eileen – absolutely, you can use any milk you’d like for this!

      Reply
  2. Krystal says

    January 13, 2021 at 4:27 pm

    Do you recommend leaving the bread out overnight to dry out prior to making this? I’ve reviewed other recipes and that seems to be a common step. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Katie says

      January 14, 2021 at 10:35 am

      Hmm, I have never done because I’ve always used a loaf that is already a day or two old. If yours is brand new, I think leaving it out overnight would definitely help it soak up the custard!

      Reply
  3. Désirée says

    December 22, 2020 at 4:54 pm

    5 stars
    This is such a glorious recipe! The breadpudding is simple to make, tastes wonderful!

    But then the salted caramel sauce! I was always intimidated but the funny way you described it gave me courage and now “my” famous sauce is in high demand.thanks so much!

    Reply
    • Katie says

      December 23, 2020 at 2:57 pm

      Yay! So glad it worked for you!

      Reply
  4. Jennifer says

    April 12, 2020 at 6:40 pm

    Hi Katie,

    Thank you for sharing your recipe! I never made bread pudding before but I made this dessert for my husband’s early bday celebration today. I use brioche rolls instead since that’s all I had in hand and it came out delicious! My husband loved it!

    Reply
    • Katie says

      April 15, 2020 at 2:22 pm

      Hooray! Thank you so much, Jennifer – so glad he enjoyed it!

      Reply
  5. Nance says

    April 9, 2020 at 1:06 pm

    5 stars
    Incredible recipe! I made brioche from scratch the other day and went searching for a bread pudding recipe to use it up. This is outstanding and so easy! Even the caramel sauce. I didn’t have bourbon, but I used rum and it is delicious. I will definitely save this one as an all time favorite!

    Reply
    • Katie says

      April 15, 2020 at 2:27 pm

      Yay! Thank you so much Nance – I’m so glad you enjoyed it and so impressed you made your own brioche 🙂

      Reply
  6. Nikki says

    November 8, 2019 at 10:18 pm

    5 stars
    I quadrupled this recipe for an event this weekend. I adapted the recipient slightly by using regular loaves of sandwich bread (price), making them individually portioned (in muffin pans), and for the sauce I omitted the burbank and used pink sea salt.
    I could not be happier wit the results.
    I am sure to sell out this weekend, but this recipe is so quick and satisfying that I will be saving it as a go-to from here on out!

    Reply
    • Katie says

      December 1, 2019 at 10:47 pm

      Wow! Thank you for the great review, Nikki! So glad this turned out well for you.

      Reply
  7. Desiree says

    April 9, 2019 at 11:25 am

    5 stars
    Best caramel recipe ever, ever, ever. I am so popular now with all my friends. The breadpudding was also a great hit, although my oven needed a shorter time. I am following you now from the Netherlands😍

    Reply
    • Katie says

      April 10, 2019 at 10:20 pm

      Thank you so much, Desiree! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!! Hope you keep trying more recipes 🙂

      Reply
  8. Lorre Brown says

    February 17, 2019 at 12:46 pm

    Plan on making it tonight. My hubby wants to add raisins. Considering using a pre-made caramel
    sauce that is used for ice cream or just a little caramel syrup that is found in Coffe Shops.

    Reply
    • Katie says

      February 24, 2019 at 9:58 am

      Hi Lorre – I hope it turned out well for you! Using pre-made caramel sauce is an excellent shortcut 🙂

      Reply
  9. Hillary says

    January 24, 2019 at 4:05 pm

    This looks absolutely perfect! I am planning to make it as part of my valentines day with my husband.

    Would I be able to make the caramel sauce ahead of time and heat it up on the stove when it’s time to dig in?

    Reply
    • Katie says

      January 24, 2019 at 4:07 pm

      Hi Hillary – yay! This would be a perfect Valentine’s Day dessert! You can absolutely make the sauce ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and then heat it up when you’re ready to serve. If it were me, I would actually store it in a glass jar and then just reheat gently in the microwave. Hope you love it!

      Reply
  10. Debi Bentley says

    January 13, 2019 at 7:36 pm

    5 stars
    This is not only the first time I have ever made bread pudding, but the first time I have ever eaten it!!! Delicious, I used brioche dinner rolls, my fiance said it is great, make it again!! 60 years, look what I’ve been missing…. Thanks!!

    Reply
    • Katie says

      January 19, 2019 at 4:58 pm

      Thank you Debi!! That is so great to hear and I’m so happy you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  11. Suzette says

    November 3, 2018 at 7:38 pm

    5 stars
    My daughter and I made this together, she has finally become interested in cooking, especially baking. This recipe caught her eye because of the salted caramel sauce. I made the bread pudding and then she made the sauce. I don’t know what went wrong but she had a mess of dry sugar! We were able to salvage it by adding water and it eventually came together. It was delicious! I plan to make the sauce next time.

    Reply
    • Katie says

      November 6, 2018 at 12:11 am

      Oh no! Yes, working with caramelizing sugar can be a little tricky sometimes, but I try to avoid that by having water in the pan. I’m glad adding a little more helped! And so glad the recipe turned out well for you. Thanks for the feedback!

      Reply
  12. A says

    June 30, 2018 at 3:32 am

    I made this tonight and put some Bundaberg caramel liqueur into the caramel sauce, oh my it was good. Thank you for an awesome easy recipe. I had never made caramel sauce before and it came out perfect.

    Reply
    • Katie says

      July 25, 2018 at 10:01 pm

      I’m so glad it turned out well for you!

      Reply
  13. Dave says

    April 24, 2018 at 9:20 pm

    5 stars
    I tried it and it was awesome!!!!!!!!!!! I added some coconut flakes to it and some almond flakes and i did a coconut gold rum sauce it taste like heaven!!!! Love this recipe????

    Reply
    • Katie says

      April 24, 2018 at 9:54 pm

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Dave! I love the additions you made.

      Reply
  14. Tami says

    November 13, 2017 at 12:23 pm

    5 stars
    This looks like a perfect holiday dessert! Do you think I could make the bread pudding ahead, refrigerate for a day and then cook the next day or will it change the consistency too much?

    Reply
    • Katie says

      November 13, 2017 at 10:56 pm

      Yes! The texture will just become more custard-like, which is never a bad thing 🙂

      Reply
  15. Marsha Farmer says

    July 31, 2017 at 9:18 am

    5 stars
    this is one of the simplest recipes I have ever learnt, and tasty too, have tried and loved the item.

    Reply
    • Katie says

      August 22, 2017 at 9:45 pm

      Thank you Marsha! It’s one of my favorites!

      Reply

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I'm Katie: attorney by day, baker by night. I'm sharing sophisticated yet approachable dessert recipes to convince you that if you can read, you can bake! Thanks for being here. Read More...

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