Butterscotch Bread Pudding Recipe

Cozy Butterscotch Bread Pudding Recipe for Sweet Comfort

Comfort wafts through kitchens when butterscotch bread pudding emerges as a nostalgic dessert that sparks memories.

Sweet aromas drift from baking dishes, promising something magical.

Silky custard transforms humble ingredients into an extraordinary treat.

Soft bread pieces absorb rich butterscotch flavors, creating a luxurious texture.

Warm spices dance alongside caramel notes, inviting you to savor each delectable bite.

Crafted with simple ingredients, this dessert feels like a warm embrace.

Experience pure culinary bliss waiting just beyond your mixing bowl.

FAQs for Butterscotch Bread Pudding

  • What are butterscotch chips and where can I find them?

Butterscotch chips are small, sweet morsels made from brown sugar and butter, typically found in the baking aisle of grocery stores near chocolate chips. You can also purchase them online or at specialty baking stores.

  • Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?

Yes, you can use various bread types like brioche, challah, or day-old French bread. Stale bread works best as it absorbs the custard mixture more effectively, creating a richer texture.

  • How do I know when the bread pudding is fully cooked?

The bread pudding is done when the top is golden brown and the custard is set, which means it should jiggle slightly but not be liquid when gently shaken. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean.

Why Butterscotch Bread Pudding Is So Comforting

  • Simplify Dessert Making: Transform basic ingredients into a luxurious dessert with minimal culinary skills required, perfect for bakers of all experience levels.
  • Comfort Food Champion: Delivers a nostalgic, warm dessert that hugs your taste buds with rich butterscotch and creamy custard, creating instant mood-lifting moments.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Versatile recipe suitable for family gatherings, potlucks, or weekend treats that will impress guests without complicated preparation steps.
  • Customization Magic: Easily adaptable by adding extra toppings like caramel, nuts, or whipped cream to match personal preferences and elevate the classic bread pudding experience.

Ingredients Needed for Butterscotch Bread Pudding

Bread Base:
  • White Bread: A soft, sturdy base that absorbs the creamy custard mixture and provides texture to the dessert.
  • Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread works best for soaking up the rich custard without falling apart.
Dairy and Sweeteners:
  • Whole Milk, Heavy Cream: Rich dairy components that create a smooth, luxurious custard base with a creamy texture.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness and helps create a rich, moist bread pudding.
  • Butter: Provides richness and helps enhance the overall flavor of the dessert.
Flavor Enhancers and Binding Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Act as a crucial binding agent that helps create the smooth, custardy texture of the pudding.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, comforting flavor that complements the butterscotch and bread base.
  • Butterscotch Chips: Introduce sweet, caramel-like bursts of flavor throughout the bread pudding.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and helps intensify the overall flavor profile.

How to Make Butterscotch Bread Pudding

Step 1: Prep The Baking Space

Get your oven warmed up to 350°F. Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create A Luscious Milk Base

In a saucepan, combine:
  • Whole milk
  • Heavy cream
  • Brown sugar
  • Butter
  • Salt

Stir over medium heat until the sugar melts completely and the mixture becomes silky smooth.

Step 3: Blend Egg Mixture

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together:
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract

Mix until the eggs look light and frothy.

Step 4: Temper The Egg Mixture

Gradually stream the warm milk mixture into the eggs, whisking continuously. This prevents the eggs from scrambling and creates a smooth custard.

Step 5: Assemble The Bread Pudding

Scatter bread cubes evenly across the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle butterscotch chips generously over the bread.

Step 6: Soak The Bread

Pour the egg and milk custard over the bread. Gently press down to ensure every bread cube gets saturated with the creamy mixture.

Step 7: Rest The Pudding

Allow the bread pudding to sit for 15-20 minutes. This helps the bread absorb all the delicious custard.

Step 8: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the custard sets firmly.

Step 9: Cool And Serve

Remove from the oven and let the pudding rest briefly. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with extra butterscotch sauce for an indulgent treat.

Pro Tips for Butterscotch Bread Pudding

  • Select Bread Wisely: Use day-old brioche or challah for the richest, most luxurious texture that absorbs custard perfectly.
  • Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Press bread gently into the custard to ensure even soaking without creating a mushy consistency.
  • Control Butterscotch Intensity: Adjust butterscotch chips amount based on personal preference for a more or less sweet dessert.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard mixture for subtle warming notes that complement butterscotch.
  • Serve Temperature Matters: Enjoy warm for the most decadent experience, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to contrast the warm pudding's richness.

Variation Ideas for Butterscotch Bread Pudding

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular bread with gluten-free bread cubes, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Butterscotch Alternative: Swap dairy milk with coconut milk, use plant-based butter, replace eggs with mashed bananas or silken tofu, and select vegan butterscotch chips.
  • Healthier Low-Sugar Option: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener, use whole wheat bread, incorporate chia seeds for added nutrition, and reduce overall sugar content.
  • Nutty Crunch Variation: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the bread pudding before baking, adding texture and a rich, toasted flavor to the classic recipe.

Pairing Suggestions for Butterscotch Bread Pudding

  • Pair with Caramel Coffee: Brew a rich, smooth caramel-flavored coffee that echoes the butterscotch's sweet warmth and complements the dessert's creamy texture.
  • Enhance with Spiced Rum Whipped Cream: Whip heavy cream with a splash of aged spiced rum to create a luxurious topping that adds depth and complexity to the bread pudding.
  • Match with Toasted Pecan Crumble: Sprinkle freshly toasted, roughly chopped pecans over the dessert to introduce a delightful crunch and nutty undertone that balances the pudding's softness.
  • Complement with Aged Tawny Port: Serve a glass of smooth, slightly sweet tawny port wine that mirrors the butterscotch's rich caramel notes and provides a sophisticated sipping experience.

Storage Advice for Butterscotch Bread Pudding

  • Transfer cooled bread pudding to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out.
  • Wrap individual portions or the entire dish in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until warmed through. Avoid overheating to prevent rubbery texture.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Cover bread pudding with foil to prevent excessive browning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely.
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Butterscotch Bread Pudding Recipe

Butterscotch Bread Pudding Recipe


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4.7 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 65-75 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Warm spices dance through this luscious Butterscotch Bread Pudding, inviting comfort with each rich, custardy bite. Sweet caramel notes and tender bread create a dessert that wraps friends and family in delightful indulgence you’ll savor to the last crumb.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 6 cups bread, cut into cubes
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup butterscotch chips

Dairy Components:

  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with non-stick spray.
  2. Craft a luxurious base by combining whole milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, butter, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture transforms into a silky liquid.
  3. Whisk eggs and vanilla extract together in a spacious mixing bowl until well integrated and slightly frothy.
  4. Create a delicate custard by gradually streaming the heated milk mixture into the eggs, whisking continuously to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth texture.
  5. Distribute bread cubes evenly across the prepared baking dish, then generously scatter butterscotch chips over the surface.
  6. Gently cascade the egg-milk custard across the bread, using gentle pressure to help the bread absorb the liquid thoroughly.
  7. Allow the pudding to rest for 15-20 minutes, enabling the bread to soak up the rich custard and develop deeper flavors.
  8. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and a set custard that jiggles slightly when nudged.
  9. Extract from the oven and permit the pudding to cool for several minutes, allowing the custard to stabilize and the flavors to meld.
  10. Present warm, optionally adorned with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a tantalizing drizzle of additional butterscotch sauce.

Notes

  • Choose day-old bread for better absorption and a more custardy texture that prevents soggy results.
  • Experiment with different bread types like brioche or challah for richer, more decadent pudding variations.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap regular bread with gluten-free bread cubes and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
  • Reduce sugar content by using half the amount of butterscotch chips or substituting with dark chocolate chips for a less sweet alternative.
  • Prep Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 460 kcal
  • Sugar: 38 g
  • Sodium: 170 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg
Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Enthusiast

Expertise

  • Making healthy, comforting meals that fit into real-life schedules
  • Planning balanced, single-serving meals for individuals and small families
  • Writing clear, practical food content with a focus on wellness and ease
  • Using seasonal ingredients to bring variety and freshness to everyday meals

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College – Asheville, NC

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Trained in the basics of professional cooking, with a strong focus on home-style meals, seasonal recipe development, and time-saving kitchen techniques for everyday use.

American Fitness Professionals & Associates – Online

  • Program: Nutrition and Wellness Consultant Certification
  • Focus: Studied how to make healthy eating simple, enjoyable, and accessible

Sarah’s passion for food was sparked by weekend trips to the farmers’ market and her belief that healthy meals should never feel boring.
After earning her culinary diploma and becoming a certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, she set out to help others fall in love with simple, wholesome cooking.
She’s all about celebrating the small wins in the kitchen: a colorful yogurt bowl, a new twist on a classic dish, or a homemade snack that feels just a little extra special.
Outside the kitchen, Sarah is a gardener at heart, a yoga enthusiast, and a believer that fresh herbs can brighten any meal, and any day.

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