Classic Brioche Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce

There are desserts that feel fancy, desserts that feel nostalgic, and then there are desserts that manage to be both at the same time. Classic Brioche Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce falls squarely into that last category. It’s the kind of dish that feels just as at home on a holiday table as it does served warm from the oven on a quiet Sunday night, eaten straight from the bowl with a spoon while the kitchen still smells like butter, vanilla, and caramelized sugar.

Bread pudding has humble roots, born from thrift and creativity. Long before it became a restaurant staple, it was a way to give new life to day-old bread by soaking it in milk and eggs, then baking it into something comforting and satisfying. What elevates this version is the choice of brioche—a rich, buttery bread that soaks up custard like a dream—paired with a silky homemade caramel sauce that turns a simple dessert into something truly special.

Why Brioche Makes the Best Bread Pudding

Not all breads are created equal when it comes to bread pudding. Brioche stands out because it already contains eggs and butter, giving it a tender crumb and subtle sweetness. When soaked in custard, it becomes luxuriously soft on the inside while still developing lightly crisp edges as it bakes. This contrast of textures—custardy center, golden top—is what makes brioche bread pudding unforgettable.

Using slightly stale brioche is actually ideal. As the bread dries out a bit, it becomes better at absorbing the custard mixture without falling apart, resulting in a pudding that’s rich but not soggy.

The Magic of Homemade Caramel Sauce

While bread pudding is delicious on its own, caramel sauce takes it to another level. Warm caramel seeps into the nooks and crannies of the pudding, adding deep notes of toasted sugar and butter. Making caramel from scratch may sound intimidating, but it’s surprisingly simple once you understand the process. The key is patience—letting the sugar melt and darken slowly so it develops that signature bittersweet depth without burning.

The result is a sauce that’s glossy, pourable, and rich, with just enough salt to balance the sweetness.

Ingredients

For the Bread Pudding

• Brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• Whole milk
• Heavy cream
• Eggs
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Unsalted butter, melted
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Salt

For the Caramel Sauce

• Granulated sugar
• Unsalted butter
• Heavy cream
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a baking dish generously and set aside.
2. Spread the brioche cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, cream, eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
4. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the brioche cubes, gently pressing the bread down so it absorbs the liquid.
5. Let the mixture rest for 15–20 minutes to allow the bread to fully soak up the custard.
6. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set but still slightly soft.
7. While the pudding bakes, prepare the caramel sauce. Heat sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until melted and amber in color.
8. Carefully whisk in butter, followed by heavy cream. Stir until smooth, then remove from heat and add vanilla and salt.
9. Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving. Drizzle generously with warm caramel sauce.

Tips for Perfect Bread Pudding Every Time

• Use stale bread: Fresh brioche can become too soft. If needed, dry it out briefly in the oven.
• Don’t overbake: The center should still have a gentle wobble when removed from the oven.
• Warm the caramel: Slightly warm sauce pours better and melts into the pudding beautifully.

Variations to Try

• Apple Brioche Bread Pudding: Add sautéed cinnamon apples between layers of bread.
• Chocolate Chip Version: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the brioche before adding custard.
• Bourbon Caramel Sauce: Add a splash of bourbon to the caramel for a grown-up twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this bread pudding warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, brunch desserts, or anytime you’re craving a cozy comfort food dessert that feels special without being fussy.

A Dessert Steeped in Comfort

There’s something timeless about bread pudding. It reminds us that some of the best desserts come from simple ingredients, transformed with care. This Classic Brioche Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce is rich without being heavy, sweet without being overwhelming, and comforting in the way only baked custards can be. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again, whether you’re cooking for guests or just yourself.