Name: Tres Leches Bread Pudding
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 310 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon Butter (for greasing the baking dish); 0.5 pound Good quality white bread or brioche (cut into small chunks); 2 large Eggs; 2 large Egg yolks; 0.75 cup Heavy cream; 0.5 can Condensed milk; 0.75 cup Whole milk; 1 cup Evaporated milk; 1.5 teaspoons Vanilla extract; 0.25 teaspoon Kosher salt; 1 cup Heavy cream; 0.25 cup Powdered sugar (or to taste); 0.5 teaspoon Vanilla; Caramel sundae sauce (for topping)

Introduction to Tres Leches Bread Pudding

Tres leches bread pudding is a delightful twist on the traditional bread pudding, infusing it with the rich, sweet flavors of the popular Latin American dessert, tres leches cake. This scrumptious dish combines the heartiness of soft bread with a luscious blend of three milks—evaporated, condensed, and whole milk—creating a dreamy texture that melts in your mouth.

Why is Tres Leches Bread Pudding so irresistible?

Its appeal lies not just in its flavor but also in its versatility; you can serve it warm or chilled, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. The creamy custard seeps into the bread, leading to a satisfyingly rich experience that keeps you coming back for seconds (or thirds!). Impressively, making this dish requires minimal effort, transforming simple ingredients like sandwich bread or brioche into a culinary masterpiece.

Many people love to add toppings like whipped cream or caramel sauce, elevating the experience even further. And let’s face it: we all need a little indulgence sometimes! If you're ready to elevate your dessert game and offer your friends and family a taste of comfort, tres leches bread pudding is your answer.

For a complete guide on making this incredible dessert, just scroll down to the recipe below!

Ingredients for Tres Leches Bread Pudding

Creating a delicious tres leches bread pudding starts with gathering the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful dessert!

Essential ingredients for the base

Butter: For greasing your baking dish to prevent sticking.
Bread: ½ pound of good quality homemade white bread or brioche, cut into small chunks. This is key for that soft, custardy texture!
Eggs: You’ll need 2 large eggs and 2 large egg yolks to create that rich, custardy base.
Dairy: Combine ¾ cup of heavy cream, ½ can of condensed milk, ¾ cup of whole milk, and 1 cup of evaporated milk. The tres leches aspect comes from these three milks!
Flavoring: Don’t forget 1 ½ teaspoons of vanilla extract and ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt to enhance the flavor.

Whipped cream topping components

For the crowning glory of your tres leches bread pudding, you'll need:

Heavy cream: 1 cup for a light and airy topping.
Powdered sugar: ¼ cup, or to taste, to sweeten your whipped cream.
Vanilla: A dash (½ teaspoon) for flavor.
Topping sauce: A drizzle of caramel sundae sauce or your favorite syrup to elevate the dessert.

With these ingredients, you’re on your way to creating a mouthwatering tres leches bread pudding that’s sure to impress your friends and family! If you’re curious to learn more about ingredients or tips, check out sources like The Kitchn or Serious Eats.

Preparing Tres Leches Bread Pudding

Creating a tres leches bread pudding is an exciting journey through flavor and texture. Let’s break it down step-by-step, ensuring you enjoy every moment of preparing this incredible dessert.

Gather and Prepare the Ingredients

Before you dive in, make sure to gather all your ingredients. You’ll need:

Butter for greasing
½ pound of good-quality homemade white bread or brioche, cut into small chunks
2 large eggs + 2 large egg yolks
A mix of milks: ¾ cup heavy cream, ½ can of condensed milk, ¾ cup whole milk, and 1 cup evaporated milk
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon kosher salt

For the whipped cream topping, have 1 cup of heavy cream, ¼ cup of powdered sugar, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla ready. Don't forget your favorite caramel sauce for that finishing touch!

Grease the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, take an 8-inch square pan and generously grease it with the butter. This step is crucial; it helps prevent the pudding from sticking, and we definitely want to savor every bit of this deliciousness.

Mix the Milks and Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and yolks until they’re slightly frothy. Then, add in the heavy cream, condensed milk, whole milk, evaporated milk, vanilla, and salt. Whisk until everything is well combined; this rich concoction is what makes your tres leches bread pudding so decadent!

Combine Bread and Milk Mixture

Carefully pour your creamy mixture over the cubed bread placed in the greased dish. Gently press down on the bread to help it soak up all that milky goodness. It’s totally fine if some pieces float to the surface — just give it about 5 to 10 minutes to soak before moving on.

Prepare the Baking Setup

Boil a large saucepan of water. Take the bread pudding dish and cover it tightly with foil. Place it into a larger roasting pan and add the boiling water to the roasting pan until it comes halfway up the sides of your bread pudding dish. This water bath will help create a moist cooking environment, perfect for a creamy pudding.

Bake and Monitor the Pudding

Bake your tres leches bread pudding covered for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25 minutes. You’re looking for that lovely golden brown top. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-baking — you want it to be set but still softly custardy.

Prepare Whipped Cream Topping

While the pudding cools, whip the cream in a medium bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, continuing to whip until you have light and airy cream. This delightful topping will elevate your dessert.

Cool and Serve

Once the pudding is out of the oven, let it cool completely, or chill it in the fridge for a couple of hours if you prefer it cold. Serve it up with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Now, gather your friends or family and dig into this delightful tres leches bread pudding! Enjoy!

Variations on Tres Leches Bread Pudding

Chocolate Tres Leches Bread Pudding

Indulge in a rich twist on the classic tres leches bread pudding by incorporating chocolate! Simply mix in ½ cup cocoa powder or your favorite chocolate syrup to the wet ingredients for a luscious chocolate flavor. For an extra decadent touch, add chocolate chips or chunks to the bread while it soaks up that sweet, milky goodness. This version is perfect for chocolate lovers and can easily become the star of any gathering.

Tropical Fruit Additions

Take your tres leches bread pudding to a sunny paradise by adding tropical fruits like pineapple or mango. Chopped pieces of fresh or canned fruit not only enhance flavor but also bring vibrant colors to your dish. You can mix them into the bread or layer them between the cubes for a delightful surprise in each bite. This refreshing variation will transport your taste buds straight to the tropics, making it a crowd-pleaser at summer gatherings.

Explore more delicious variations and tips for making your tres leches bread pudding extraordinary!

Cooking Tips and Notes for Tres Leches Bread Pudding

Tips for Perfect Texture

To achieve the ultimate silky texture in your tres leches bread pudding, begin by using slightly stale bread. This allows for better absorption of the milk mixture without becoming overly soggy. Letting the pudding rest before baking is another essential step; it enables the flavors to meld and ensures even moisture distribution throughout. If you prefer a firmer texture, you might opt for a denser bread like brioche or challah.

Storage Tips for Leftovers

If you find yourself with any tres leches bread pudding leftovers, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To enjoy it warm again, simply reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick treat. You can also freeze the pudding for future indulgence – just ensure it’s well wrapped to prevent freezer burn. For best results, add your whipped cream topping just before serving.

For more baking tips, check out this resource to elevate your kitchen game!

Serving suggestions for Tres Leches Bread Pudding

Ideal pairings with beverages

When enjoying tres leches bread pudding, consider pairing it with a rich hot chocolate, a creamy latte, or a refreshing iced coffee. The warmth of these beverages complements the sweet, milky flavor of the pudding beautifully.

If you're looking for something lighter, a glass of chilled milk infused with vanilla or a fruit-flavored sparkling water can elevate your dessert experience.

Creative serving ideas

Dress up your tres leches bread pudding with a generous drizzle of caramel sundae sauce, or add fresh berries for a pop of color and flavor. For extra flair, serve it in individual cups or bowls topped with whipped cream for a beautiful presentation.

Don’t shy away from experimenting with toppings — crushed nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon can add wonderful texture and contrast. Discover more ways to elevate your dessert at Epicurious.

Time Breakdown for Tres Leches Bread Pudding

Understanding the time needed for your tres leches bread pudding will help you plan better. Here’s the breakdown:

Preparation Time
You’ll need about 20 minutes to gather your ingredients and prep the bread and custard mixture.

Cooking Time
Once prepared, let your pudding bake for around 50 minutes. This will ensure it’s perfectly set and deliciously golden.

Cooling Time
Patience is key! Allow the pudding to cool completely for about 4 hours, or chill it for a refreshing take before serving.

With these time estimates in mind, you’re ready to dive into making this delightful dessert! Don’t forget to check resources like the USDA for the importance of proper cooling times to ensure food safety. Enjoy baking!

Nutritional Facts for Tres Leches Bread Pudding

Calories per Serving

Each serving of tres leches bread pudding contains approximately 250 calories. While it’s a delightful indulgence, this dessert can fit into your balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation.

Sugar Content

This delicious treat has a sugar content of around 15 grams per serving, primarily sourced from the sweetened condensed milk and whipped topping. Remember, a little sweetness goes a long way!

Protein Value

With around 7 grams of protein per serving, this pudding provides a modest protein boost, thanks to the eggs and dairy products used. It's a delightful way to round off a meal while still keeping essential nutrients in mind.

For more insights on dessert nutrition, you might find articles on Healthline or Nutrition.gov helpful!

FAQ about Tres Leches Bread Pudding

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! Tres leches bread pudding is an excellent dessert to prepare in advance. You can assemble it a day before serving, letting the flavors meld beautifully. Just be sure to refrigerate it after it cools completely. When it's time to serve, you can whip up the cream topping fresh for an added touch.

What type of bread is best for pudding?

The choice of bread can significantly affect the texture and flavor of your pudding. I recommend using good quality homemade white bread or brioche for their softness and absorbency. Alternatively, Challah is another great option, adding a touch of slight sweetness.

How can I adjust the sweetness?

If you find that the traditional recipe is a tad sweet for your taste, don’t hesitate to tweak it! You can reduce the amount of condensed milk or powdered sugar in the whipped cream topping. Alternatively, experiment with adding a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors without increasing sweetness.

For more bread pudding inspiration, check out Food52's guide.

Conclusion on Tres Leches Bread Pudding

Tres leches bread pudding is a delightful twist on a classic dessert, combining creamy textures with a rich flavor profile. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy every bite of this indulgent treat, and don't forget the whipped cream!