Description
Barefoot Contessa’s french toast bread pudding melds classic breakfast comfort with elegant dessert simplicity. Rich custard-soaked bread bakes into a creamy, golden casserole that invites leisurely weekend mornings with delightful indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 challah loaf (sliced 2 cm/0.8 inch thick)
- 8 large eggs
- 1.2 liters (5 cups / 40 fl oz) half-and-half (or whole milk)
- 3 tbsps honey
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- icing sugar (for dusting)
- pure maple syrup (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Preparation: Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) and position a rack in the center of the oven.
- Bread Arrangement: Layer bread slices in two overlapping tiers within a 9 × 13 inch baking dish, trimming edges to create a precise fit.
- Custard Fusion: Whisk together eggs, half-and-half, honey, orange zest, vanilla extract, and sea salt until the mixture transforms into a silky, harmonious blend.
- Liquid Infusion: Cascade the fragrant custard over the bread layers, gently pressing to ensure complete absorption. Let the bread luxuriate in the liquid for 10 minutes, allowing flavor penetration.
- Baking Technique: Nestle the baking dish inside a larger roasting pan. Pour scalding hot water around the dish, creating a 1-inch water bath. Tent loosely with aluminum foil, puncturing two small steam vents.
- Baking Process: Cook the covered pudding for 45 minutes, then unveil by removing the foil. Continue baking for an additional 40-45 minutes until the surface becomes golden and the custard sets with a gentle tremor.
- Serving Finale: Allow the pudding to rest briefly. Dust with a delicate snowfall of powdered sugar and serve warm, accompanied by a cascade of maple syrup for a decadent presentation.
Notes
- Optimize Bread Selection: Choose day-old, slightly stale bread like brioche or challah for superior texture and better custard absorption.
- Master Custard Consistency: Whisk ingredients thoroughly to prevent egg lumps and ensure a silky, smooth base that guarantees even flavor distribution.
- Perfect Water Bath Technique: Use scalding hot water and carefully transfer the pan to prevent splashing, which helps create a gentle, even cooking environment and prevents custard from cracking.
- Resting is Crucial: Allow the pudding to cool for 10-15 minutes after baking, enabling the custard to set completely and enhancing the overall texture and flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg