Sweet & Zesty Pioneer Woman Lemon Bread Pudding Recipe

Pioneer Woman’s lemon bread pudding transforms ordinary ingredients into a culinary symphony of tangy brightness and sweet comfort.

Soft, pillowy bread soaks up creamy custard infused with vibrant citrus essence, creating a dessert that dances between delicate and indulgent.

Rich egg-based mixtures merge with bright lemon notes, promising a sensory experience that elevates traditional pudding to something magical.

Rustic yet refined, this dessert balances sweet and tart elements with remarkable sophistication.

Comfort meets innovation in this remarkable treat that defies simple categorization.

Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Lemon Bread Pudding

• Challah Loaf: A soft, slightly sweet bread perfect for absorbing the lemon custard and creating a rich, custardy texture. Day-old or slightly stale bread works best for optimal absorption.

• Half-and-Half, Eggs: Creamy base that creates a smooth, rich custard with a silky texture. Fresh eggs will provide the best binding and flavor.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Bright, citrusy flavor that adds a zesty and refreshing note to the bread pudding. Use fresh lemons for the most vibrant taste.

• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps caramelize the top of the bread pudding. Granulated white sugar works perfectly.
• Softened Butter: Used for greasing the baking dish and adding richness to the pudding. Room temperature butter ensures easy spreading.

• Heavy Cream, Sugar, Bourbon: Creates a luxurious, boozy whipped cream topping. Use cold cream for better whipping and high-quality bourbon for enhanced flavor.

Making Pioneer Woman Lemon Bread Pudding

Step 1: Prepare The Bread

Slice challah loaf into 1-inch cubes. Spread bread pieces on a baking sheet and let them dry uncovered for 1 hour or overnight in a cool, dry space. This helps create a perfect texture for absorbing the delicious egg mixture.

Step 2: Grease The Baking Dish

Generously coat a 9-inch x 13-inch baking dish with softened butter. Ensure every corner and side is well-covered to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 3: Create Lemon Custard Base

• Half-and-half
• 4 eggs
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Sugar

Blend ingredients until smooth and sugar dissolves completely.

Step 4: Combine Bread And Custard

Arrange dried bread cubes in the buttered baking dish. Slowly pour custard mixture over bread, gently pressing with a fork to ensure even soaking. Every bread cube should be saturated with the zesty mixture.

Step 5: Bake The Pudding

Preheat oven to 325°F. Slide baking dish into the oven and bake for 50-55 minutes. Look for a golden brown top and set texture. After baking, let pudding rest for 15 minutes to stabilize.

Step 6: Whip Up Bourbon Cream

• Heavy cream
• Sugar
• Bourbon

Beat with an electric mixer on high speed for 3-4 minutes until stiff peaks form.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Scoop warm bread pudding onto serving plates. Top generously with bourbon whipped cream. Serve immediately and savor the comforting, tangy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

Smart Tips for Pioneer Woman Lemon Bread Pudding

• Master Bread Texture: Spread cubes on a baking sheet, letting them dry overnight to create perfect absorption points for custard without disintegrating.
• Zest with Precision: Select bright, firm lemons, carefully removing only the outer yellow layer to capture intense citrus essence without bitter white pith.
• Press and Soak Gently: Use a fork to softly compress bread cubes, ensuring each piece receives equal custard coverage for uniform deliciousness.
• Rest Like a Pro: Let baked pudding settle for 15 minutes, allowing structural integrity to develop and making slicing a breeze.
• Whip Cream Like a Chef: Refrigerate mixing bowl and beaters beforehand, guaranteeing whipped cream reaches luxurious, cloudlike peaks in record time.

Storage Guide for Pioneer Woman Lemon Bread Pudding

• Airtight Container Method: Seal the lemon bread pudding in a high-quality, leak-proof container with a tight-fitting lid. Protect the dessert's moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other refrigerated items. Double-wrap with plastic wrap before placing the lid to create an extra barrier against air and potential odors.
• Freezing Method: Portion the bread pudding into individual servings before freezing for easier thawing and serving. Wrap each portion separately in plastic wrap, then place in a heavy-duty freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. Label the bag with the date and contents to track storage time. Remove excess air from the bag to maintain optimal texture and prevent ice crystals from forming.
• Quick Consumption Method: Store the bread pudding in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the back shelf away from the door. Consume within 3-4 days for the best quality.

Pioneer Woman Lemon Bread Pudding Variations

• Citrus Sunrise Bread Pudding: Swap lemon for a blend of orange and grapefruit zest, creating a more complex citrus profile that brightens the dessert's flavor.
• Lavender Lemon Bliss: Infuse the custard with dried lavender buds, adding a subtle floral note that complements the bright lemon essence and creates an elegant dessert experience.
• Tropical Coconut Remix: Replace half-and-half with coconut milk and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top, transforming the classic recipe into a tropical-inspired treat with a creamy, rich texture.
• Almond Berry Fusion: Fold in sliced almonds and fresh mixed berries before baking, introducing a nutty crunch and burst of fruity sweetness that elevates the traditional bread pudding.

Wrap-Up for Pioneer Woman Lemon Bread Pudding

Pioneer Woman’s Lemon Bread Pudding represents culinary poetry woven from simple ingredients.

Kitchen adventures spark magic when classic techniques meet innovative twists.

Lemon’s bright complexity elevates traditional bread pudding into something extraordinary.

Challah’s pillowy texture absorbs luscious custard, creating pure comfort on each spoonful.

Southern charm meets citrus sophistication in this remarkable dessert.

Passionate cooks and curious taste explorers, this recipe promises delightful memories – share its zesty magic, comment with your personal spin, and spread sweet inspiration across your favorite social platforms.

Why Pioneer Woman Lemon Bread Pudding Shines

• Burst with Bright Citrus: Dive into a dessert that transforms ordinary bread pudding with vibrant lemon zest and juice, creating a tangy, refreshing twist that dances on your taste buds and awakens your senses.
• Master a Foolproof Technique: Discover an easy-to-follow recipe that turns stale bread into a luxurious dessert, proving that simple ingredients can become something extraordinary with minimal cooking skills and maximum flavor impact.
• Indulge in Textural Perfection: Experience a delightful contrast between the crispy golden top and the soft, custardy interior, complemented by the light, boozy bourbon whipped cream that adds a sophisticated touch to this comforting dessert.
• Wow Guests with Minimal Effort: Create an impressive dessert that looks and tastes gourmet but requires just basic kitchen skills, making it ideal for weekend gatherings, potlucks, or a special family treat that will earn you serious cooking kudos.

Pioneer Woman Lemon Bread Pudding Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Succulent Pioneer Woman Lemon Bread Pudding delivers a zesty twist on classic comfort dessert. Creamy custard and bright citrus notes dance together, creating a perfectly balanced sweet treat that invites you to savor each delightful spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread Base:

• 1 loaf challah bread

Main Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 1 cup granulated sugar

Flavor and Preparation Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons softened butter
• 2 medium lemons (¼ cup juice and 2 tablespoons zest)

Bourbon Whipped Cream:

• 1 cup very cold heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons bourbon

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Instructions

1. Transform the challah loaf into 1-inch cubes, spreading them across a baking sheet to air-dry for a minimum of 1 hour or ideally overnight in a cool, dry environment, creating a slightly hardened texture perfect for absorbing the custard mixture.
2. Generously coat a 9-inch-by-13-inch (23-centimeter-by-33-centimeter) baking dish with softened butter, ensuring complete coverage to prevent any potential sticking during baking.
3. Craft the custard base by whisking half-and-half and eggs in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly integrated. Incorporate fresh lemon zest and juice, then gradually sprinkle sugar while stirring continuously to create a smooth, homogeneous liquid.
4. Carefully distribute the dried bread cubes within the buttered baking dish, then gently cascade the egg mixture over the bread. Use a fork to delicately press the cubes, guaranteeing each piece becomes saturated with the flavorful custard.
5. Calibrate the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius), positioning the prepared dish inside and baking for 50 to 55 minutes until the surface achieves a golden-brown appearance and the center sets firmly.
6. Allow the bread pudding to rest for 15 minutes after removing from the oven, enabling the custard to stabilize and develop a perfect consistency.
7. Simultaneously prepare the bourbon-infused whipped cream by combining heavy cream, sugar, and bourbon in a mixing bowl. Utilize an electric mixer to whip the mixture until stiff, voluminous peaks form, typically requiring 3 to 4 minutes of vigorous beating.
8. Plate the warm bread pudding and crown each serving with a generous dollop of the bourbon-spiked whipped cream, presenting a luxurious dessert that balances rich, zesty, and creamy elements.

Notes

• Serve Warm for Ultimate Enjoyment: The pudding transforms into a heavenly dessert when enjoyed slightly warm, revealing its silky texture and vibrant citrus essence.
• Resting Makes Perfect: Giving the pudding time to settle after baking allows the custard to set beautifully, making slicing and serving a breeze.
• Gentle Baking Preserves Perfection: Lower oven temperatures create a creamy, tender pudding without risking a rubbery or overcooked disaster.
• Prep Like a Pro: Drying bread cubes overnight not only saves time but also guarantees a phenomenal texture with crisp edges and tender center.
• Bourbon Cream Elevates Everything: A dollop of spirited whipped cream adds a sophisticated grown-up twist that perfectly balances the bright lemon flavors.
• Zest is Best: Freshly grated lemon zest brings an explosive citrus punch, transforming this simple dessert into a flavor-packed sensation.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 458 kcal
• Sugar: 35 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg