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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Allow the bread pudding to rest for 15 minutes after removing from the oven, enabling the custard to stabilize and develop a perfect consistency.
- 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.
- 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