How to Make the Perfect Viral Croissant Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce
French American · Medium · 90 min · 8 servings
This decadent croissant bread pudding uses buttery flaky croissants soaked in a rich vanilla custard and baked until golden and puffed to create a dessert that has gone viral for good reason. Finished with a glossy homemade salted caramel sauce it is the ultimate comfort dessert that looks far more impressive than the effort required.
Why this recipe works
This Viral Croissant Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 90 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 520 calories with 10g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 6 large day old croissants torn into chunks
- 4 large eggs
- 400 ml full fat milk
- 200 ml double cream
- 100 g caster sugar
- 150 ml store bought salted caramel sauce
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Custard
Whisk eggs caster sugar milk double cream and a teaspoon of vanilla extract together in a large bowl until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth and homogenous. Do not rush this step as undissolved sugar will create grainy patches in the finished pudding.
Step 2: Soak the Croissants
Arrange torn croissant pieces in a greased 23 by 30 centimeter baking dish overlapping them slightly. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissants and gently press them down so every piece absorbs the liquid. Allow to soak for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden
Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the pudding for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is deep golden brown and puffed and the custard is set with just a slight wobble in the center. Tent with foil after 25 minutes if the top is browning too quickly.
Step 4: Sauce and Serve
Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Warm the salted caramel sauce gently and drizzle it generously over the entire pudding just before bringing it to the table. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the full experience.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- day old croissants → brioche rolls or challah bread for an equally rich and indulgent result
- store bought salted caramel sauce → a simple homemade caramel made with sugar butter and cream for a more intense flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not allowing the croissants enough time to soak up the custard which leaves dry patches in the finished pudding
- Baking at too high a temperature which causes the outside to burn before the custard in the center has a chance to set properly
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 520 calories, 10g protein, 54g carbs, 30g fat, 1g fiber.
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