Classic Brioche Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, custardy brioche bread pudding fresh from the oven. Golden on top, soft and creamy in the center, and drenched in luscious caramel sauce, this timeless dessert transforms simple ingredients into pure indulgence. Whether served at a cozy autumn gathering, a holiday dinner, or as a weekend baking project, this classic bread pudding recipe never goes out of style.

In this detailed guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make the best bread pudding with caramel sauce, along with expert tips, creative variations, and serving ideas to elevate this beloved dessert.

Why Brioche Makes the Best Bread Pudding

Not all breads are created equal when it comes to bread pudding. Brioche stands out for several reasons:

• Rich, buttery flavor
• Slight sweetness
• Tender yet sturdy crumb
• Absorbs custard beautifully without falling apart

Unlike basic white bread, brioche enhances both texture and flavor, creating a dessert that feels bakery-worthy and luxurious. The buttery richness pairs perfectly with homemade caramel sauce, making every bite deeply satisfying.

What Is Bread Pudding?

Bread pudding dates back centuries as a clever way to prevent food waste. Stale bread was soaked in milk, eggs, and sugar, then baked into a soft pudding-like dessert. Over time, it evolved into a beloved comfort food across many cultures.

Today, brioche bread pudding is considered a more refined version, thanks to its enriched dough and custard-like interior. The addition of caramel sauce elevates it from simple to spectacular.

Ingredients

For the Brioche Bread Pudding

• 6 cups brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (slightly stale preferred)
• 3 large eggs
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Homemade Caramel Sauce

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ cup heavy cream (room temperature)
• ¼ teaspoon salt (optional, for salted caramel)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
3. If your brioche is fresh, toast cubes in the oven for 8–10 minutes until slightly dry but not browned.

Step 2: Make the Custard

4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, egg yolks, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon.
5. Whisk until fully combined and slightly frothy.

Step 3: Assemble

6. Place brioche cubes evenly into the prepared baking dish.
7. Slowly pour custard mixture over the bread, pressing gently so all pieces absorb the liquid.
8. Let sit for 15–20 minutes to fully soak.
9. Drizzle melted butter evenly over the top.

Step 4: Bake

10. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set but slightly jiggly.
11. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10–15 minutes.

Step 5: Make the Caramel Sauce

12. In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, melt sugar, stirring constantly until it turns amber in color.
13. Carefully add butter and stir until melted.
14. Slowly pour in heavy cream while stirring (mixture will bubble vigorously).
15. Stir until smooth, then remove from heat and add salt if desired.

Step 6: Serve

16. Spoon warm bread pudding into bowls.
17. Generously drizzle with homemade caramel sauce.
18. Serve immediately.

Expert Tips for Perfect Brioche Bread Pudding

1. Use Slightly Stale Bread

Fresh bread can become overly soggy. Slightly dried brioche absorbs custard evenly without collapsing.

2. Don’t Skip the Resting Time

Letting the bread soak ensures even distribution of custard and a creamy interior.

3. Watch the Bake Time

Overbaking leads to dryness. The center should still have a slight wobble.

4. Room Temperature Cream for Caramel

Cold cream can cause caramel to seize. Keep it slightly warm or room temperature.

Delicious Variations

Chocolate Chip Brioche Bread Pudding

Fold in ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips before baking for a decadent twist.

Bourbon Caramel Sauce

Add 1 tablespoon bourbon to the caramel after removing from heat for depth of flavor.

Apple Cinnamon Version

Layer thin apple slices between brioche cubes and increase cinnamon to 1 teaspoon.

Nutty Crunch Topping

Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for added texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Top with vanilla ice cream
• Add fresh berries for brightness
• Dust with powdered sugar
• Serve with whipped cream
• Pair with coffee or espresso

This dessert is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas brunch, or cozy Sunday dinners.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigeration

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Warm individual portions in the microwave for 30–45 seconds. Reheat caramel gently before serving.

Why Homemade Caramel Sauce Makes a Difference

While store-bought caramel is convenient, homemade caramel offers:

• Deeper flavor
• Silky texture
• Adjustable sweetness
• Customizable salt level

It only takes minutes to prepare and dramatically elevates your dessert.

Nutritional Insight

Bread pudding is an indulgent dessert best enjoyed in moderation. Thanks to eggs and milk, it provides protein and calcium, while brioche and sugar contribute carbohydrates for energy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another bread?

Yes, challah or French bread can work, but brioche delivers the richest result.

Can I make it ahead?

Absolutely. Assemble the pudding and refrigerate overnight before baking.

Why did my caramel crystallize?

Stir gently and avoid splashing sugar on the pan sides.

The Comfort of Classic Desserts

There’s a reason this easy brioche dessert recipe has stood the test of time. It’s simple yet elegant, nostalgic yet versatile. With its creamy custard base and glossy caramel finish, Classic Brioche Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce is the kind of dessert that turns ordinary evenings into memorable moments.

Whether you’re hosting guests or treating yourself, this recipe promises warmth, indulgence, and satisfaction in every spoonful.

Classic Brioche Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce

Rich and custardy brioche bread pudding baked to golden perfection and topped with homemade caramel sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Autumn

Calories: 420

Ingredients

  

Bread Pudding

• 6 cups brioche bread cubes
• 3 eggs large
• 2 egg yolks
• 1.5 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.75 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 0.5 tsp salt

Caramel Sauce

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter
• 0.5 cup heavy cream

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking dish
• Saucepan
• Whisk

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease baking dish.
2. Whisk eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla, and salt.
3. Pour custard over brioche cubes and soak 15 minutes.
4. Bake 40–45 minutes until golden and set.
5. Melt sugar for caramel, add butter, then cream and stir until smooth.
6. Drizzle caramel over warm pudding and serve.

Notes

Use slightly stale brioche for best texture. Caramel can be made ahead and reheated gently.