Heavenly Challah Bread Pudding

There’s something magical about the moment I first discovered this heavenly challah bread pudding recipe. I was browsing through an old family cookbook, looking for inspiration for a weekend brunch. As I flipped through the pages, a worn and well-loved recipe card fell out, revealing what would soon become one of my favorite dishes.

This divine dessert instantly reminds me of family gatherings, holiday brunches, and cozy nights spent by the fireplace. Whether it’s a special occasion or a simple weekend treat, this challah bread pudding never fails to impress.

Challah bread pudding is perfect for celebrations like Easter, Christmas, or even a fancy Mother’s Day brunch. It’s versatile enough to be served as a dessert or a sweet breakfast, making it a fantastic option for all sorts of festivities.

My Experiences with the Recipe

From the moment I first made this recipe, I knew I’d found a winner. The soft, custard-like interior contrasted beautifully with the crunchy pecan topping, creating a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite. Since then, I’ve made this recipe countless times, experimenting with various toppings and additions to make it truly unique.

Common Mistakes and Solutions

1. Not soaking the bread long enough: Make sure to let the bread soak in the egg mixture for at least 10 minutes to ensure it absorbs enough liquid. This will result in a moist and flavorful pudding.
2. Using fresh bread: Opt for day-old bread, as it will better absorb the custard mixture and create a more delicious texture.
3. Overcooking: Keep an eye on the bread pudding while it bakes, as overcooking can cause it to dry out. Check for doneness at around 40 minutes and adjust the baking time accordingly.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different type of bread? A: Yes, you can substitute challah bread with brioche or any dense, slightly sweet bread.

Q: Can I add raisins or other dried fruits? A: Absolutely! Feel free to add raisins or dried cranberries to the pudding mixture for extra sweetness and texture.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

This heavenly challah bread pudding is not only simple to make but also utterly scrumptious. Its rich, custard-like texture and crunchy pecan topping are sure to impress your guests and make your taste buds sing.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday celebration or looking for a new brunch favorite, this challah bread pudding is a must-try recipe. You’ll be amazed at how easily it comes together, and you’ll be left with a dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds. So go ahead, indulge in this heavenly treat – you deserve it!

Heavenly Challah Bread Pudding

Course: Breakfast, Brunch, DessertCuisine: American

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

420

kcal

Indulge in this heavenly challah bread pudding, perfect for a special brunch or a sweet, satisfying dessert.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter or coconut oil, for the pan

• 1 loaf challah bread, about 1½ pounds, 1 or 2 days old, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 5 large eggs

• 1½ cups unsweetened almond milk, or any milk

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

• ¼ teaspoon sea salt

• Maple syrup, for serving

• For Topping

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or coconut oil, melted

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• ½ cup chopped pecans

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or coconut oil.
• Spread challah bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish.
• In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, almond milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt.
• Pour the egg mixture over the challah bread cubes, ensuring that all the bread is soaked. Let sit for 10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
• In a small bowl, mix together melted butter or coconut oil, brown sugar, and chopped pecans to create the topping.
• Sprinkle the topping evenly over the soaked bread.
• Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the pudding is set and the top is golden and crispy.
• Let the bread pudding cool for 5 minutes, then serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup.

Notes

• You can substitute challah bread with brioche or any dense, slightly sweet bread.
• Feel free to add raisins or dried cranberries to the pudding mixture for extra sweetness and texture.

This heavenly challah bread pudding is a delightful dish to serve during a special brunch or as a comforting dessert after dinner. Its sweet, custard-like interior and crunchy pecan topping make it a crowd-pleaser that pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even a scoop of ice cream. Make it for holidays, gatherings, or any time you want to treat yourself to something truly indulgent.