If you’re looking for a dessert that’s pure comfort with a grown-up twist, Salted Caramel Bread Pudding is about to win over your heart and your tastebuds! Imagine golden, custardy bread softened to perfection and swirled with ribbons of homemade salted caramel sauce. With every spoonful, you get to experience gooey richness, buttery undertones, and a sprinkle of sea salt that brings it all together. It’s easy enough for a family treat but elegant enough to dazzle at dinner parties—this is the kind of recipe you’ll want to pass on to your favorite people for years to come.

Salted Caramel Bread Pudding Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Salted Caramel Bread Pudding lies in its humble ingredients, each one playing a starring role in texture and flavor. Use quality staples and you’ll taste the difference, from the pillowy bread to the luscious caramel finish.

Brioche or Challah Bread: Rich, slightly sweet bread ensures that perfect custardy texture—2-inch cubes help soak up all the goodness!
Half-n-Half (or whole milk): Adds creaminess and depth to the pudding, so every bite is melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Eggs: The essential binder—lightly beaten eggs bring cohesiveness without making the pudding dense.
Vanilla: A splash infuses the entire dish with sweet, aromatic warmth.
Butter (melted): Adds richness both in the pudding and the caramel—don’t skimp on it!
Brown Sugar: For deep caramel and molasses notes; you’ll use it in both the pudding and the sauce.
Sugar: Just enough to finesse the sweetness without going overboard.
Heavy Cream: This is your secret to ultra-silky caramel sauce.
Sea Salt Flakes: The touch that transforms caramel from sweet to unforgettable; always sprinkle to finish!

How to Make Salted Caramel Bread Pudding

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Bread

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. Give your bread cubes a quick toss in a large mixing bowl. If they’re a day old or slightly stale, that’s even better—the bread soaks up the custard beautifully without getting mushy.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard Base

In a separate bowl, whisk together the half-n-half (or whole milk), eggs, and a generous splash of vanilla. This simple mixture is what makes Salted Caramel Bread Pudding so luxuriously creamy throughout.

Step 3: Assemble the Pudding

Pour the custard mixture all over your waiting bread cubes, tossing gently to ensure every piece is coated. Then, transfer everything into a greased 9 x 13 baking pan, spreading the bread evenly.

Step 4: Brown Sugar Butter Bath

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, pull it off the heat and whisk in brown sugar and regular sugar until the mixture is glossy and smooth. Pour this glorious mixture over the bread pudding and give it a gentle toss to coat.

Step 5: Soak & Bake

Cover the pan snugly with aluminum foil and pop it in the refrigerator for about an hour—this gives the bread time to soak up every drop of custard. Once ready, bake for 45–55 minutes, then uncover and bake for 10–15 minutes more, or until the top is golden and deliciously crisp.

Step 6: Prepare the Salted Caramel Sauce

While the pudding rests, it’s caramel time! Melt the butter in a saucepan, then remove from heat and stir in brown sugar. Whisk until silky smooth, then add in heavy cream and sea salt flakes. This sauce is the crowning jewel that sets Salted Caramel Bread Pudding apart from the rest.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

Pour the salted caramel glaze over your warm bread pudding and let it soak in for a few minutes. Serve the pudding warm, with extra caramel and perhaps a cloud of fresh whipped cream.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Bread Pudding

Garnishes

There’s no such thing as too many toppings: a dollop of fresh whipped cream, a sprinkle of extra sea salt flakes, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes Salted Caramel Bread Pudding completely irresistible. If you’re feeling fancy, toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon look lovely and add a delicious nutty crunch.

Side Dishes

Pair this rich dessert with fresh berries or a citrus salad for a welcome balance of flavors. A simple espresso or strong coffee cuts the sweetness and brings out the caramel notes, making each bite even more memorable.

Creative Ways to Present

Go classic with a family-style dish or serve individual portions in small ramekins for an elegant touch. For a show-stopping dinner party moment, assemble Salted Caramel Bread Pudding in jars or clear glasses to showcase the caramel layers and textures.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Salted Caramel Bread Pudding keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual portions to airtight containers to lock in moisture and flavor.

Freezing

To freeze, let the pudding cool completely, then wrap portions or the whole pan tightly in both foil and plastic wrap. The pudding can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm Salted Caramel Bread Pudding in the oven at 300 degrees, covered with foil to prevent drying, until heated through. For a quick fix, microwave single portions in 30-second bursts, though oven reheating keeps the texture best. Don’t forget an extra drizzle of caramel sauce!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely! While brioche or challah brings a gorgeous, rich texture, French bread or even croissants work well—just be sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold up to the custard.

Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

With a few swaps, yes—you can use full-fat coconut milk or an almond-cashew cream blend for the custard, and plant-based butter in place of regular butter. The caramel sauce is especially good with coconut cream!

Can I assemble Salted Caramel Bread Pudding ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning or before your guests arrive, just bake as directed. The flavors only get better as they soak.

What can I do if my caramel sauce is too thick?

No worries! Just add a splash more heavy cream and whisk gently over low heat until it’s silky smooth. Remember, caramel thickens as it cools, so don’t let it bubble for too long.

Is Salted Caramel Bread Pudding better served warm or cold?

While it’s delicious either way, you’ll experience peak gooey comfort when it’s served warm. A quick heat-up brings out all the lush, custardy notes and makes the caramel shine.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been dreaming of a dessert that’s both cozy and luxurious, Salted Caramel Bread Pudding is going to be your new go-to recipe. There’s pure joy in every golden, saucy bite—gather your ingredients and treat yourself or your favorite people to this show-stopping classic!

Salted Caramel Bread Pudding Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 17 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of Salted Caramel Bread Pudding, a decadent dessert perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines the sweetness of caramel with the warmth of bread pudding, creating a delightful treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Put bread pieces in large mixing bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together half-n-half, eggs, and vanilla extract. Pour egg-milk mixture over the bread, tossing gently. Pour into greased 9 x 13 baking pan.
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and whisk in brown sugar and sugar until smooth. Pour over the bread pudding and toss gently.
Cover the baking dish with foil and refrigerate for 1 hour. Bake for 45-55 minutes, then remove foil and bake for 10-15 more minutes until golden brown.
To make the salted caramel sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat, add brown sugar, and whisk until smooth. Stir in heavy cream and salt flakes until smooth.
Pour the caramel sauce over the bread pudding and serve warm.
Top with fresh whipped cream if desired.

Notes

For a richer flavor, you can use brioche bread instead of challah.
Allow the bread pudding to cool slightly before serving to avoid burning your mouth.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated for a tasty treat the next day.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American