Tres Leches Bread Pudding: A Creamy, Decadent Dessert

Tres Leches Bread Pudding combines two beloved desserts into one irresistible treat. This dish takes the rich, creamy goodness of a traditional tres leches cake and combines it with the comforting, custard-like texture of bread pudding. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients like French bread, eggs, and three types of milk—whole milk, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk—this dessert is as decadent as it is easy to make. Topped with whipped cream and fresh berries, Tres Leches Bread Pudding is sure to impress at your next dinner party or family gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich, Creamy Texture

The mixture of three different milks makes this bread pudding incredibly rich and creamy, offering the perfect balance of sweetness and moisture in every bite.

2. Simple, Accessible Ingredients

You don’t need any fancy ingredients to make this dessert—just basic pantry staples like bread, milk, and eggs. It’s simple to prepare but tastes like something you’d find in a gourmet restaurant.

3. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or just treating yourself to something indulgent, this bread pudding is a crowd-pleaser that works for any event.

4. Customizable Toppings

Serve it with whipped cream, fresh berries, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for added flair. The possibilities for topping this dessert are endless, allowing you to make it your own.

5. Leftovers Are Just As Good

If you have any leftovers, you’ll find that the flavors only get better with time. This dessert is just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or to enjoy throughout the week.

Ingredients

• French bread (1 loaf, cut into cubes)
• Large eggs (4)
• Whole milk (1 cup)
• Evaporated milk (1 can)
• Sweetened condensed milk (1 can)
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
• Sugar (1/2 cup)
• Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon)
• Salt (pinch)
• Whipped cream and fresh berries (for topping, optional)

Variations

• Fruit-Infused Bread Pudding: Add dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or chopped apples to the bread cubes before baking for an extra burst of flavor.
• Chocolate Lovers’ Twist: Mix in some chocolate chips or cocoa powder to add a chocolaty twist to the pudding.
• Nuts for Texture: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy contrast to the creamy pudding.
• Spices: Experiment with other spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a different flavor profile.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread

Cut the French bread into small cubes and place them in the greased baking dish, spreading them out evenly.

Step 3: Make the Milk Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, sugar, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.

Step 4: Soak the Bread

Pour the milk mixture over the bread cubes, making sure all the bread is soaked in the liquid. Press down gently to ensure the bread absorbs the mixture.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the pudding is set and the top is golden brown.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the bread pudding to cool slightly before serving. If desired, top with whipped cream and fresh berries for a beautiful and delicious finish.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Stale Bread Works Best: Use slightly stale bread for a better texture. Fresh bread can become too soggy when soaking in the milk mixture.
• Let It Soak: If you have time, let the bread cubes soak in the milk mixture for 30 minutes before baking for a creamier, more flavorful pudding.
• Cover with Foil: If the top is browning too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil during baking to prevent over-browning.
• Check for Doneness: The bread pudding is done when it is set in the center and golden brown on top. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out clean.

How to Serve

Tres Leches Bread Pudding can be served warm or at room temperature. It’s delicious on its own, but you can also top it with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful dessert after any meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover bread pudding, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze this bread pudding for up to 2 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. When ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the bread pudding in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for about 30-60 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use any type of bread?

While French bread works best for its texture, you can also use challah, brioche, or even day-old sandwich bread for a different twist.

2. Can I use low-fat or non-dairy milk?

Yes, you can substitute whole milk with low-fat milk or a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk, but the richness may be reduced.

3. Can I add fruit to the pudding?

Absolutely! Adding fresh or dried fruit like berries, apples, or raisins is a great way to add more flavor and texture to the bread pudding.

4. How can I make this recipe spicier?

For a hint of spice, add some ground nutmeg, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even a bit of chili powder for a warm kick.

5. How do I know when the pudding is done baking?

The bread pudding is ready when the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. It should be set and firm.

6. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pudding the day before and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve it.

7. Can I use other sweeteners instead of sugar?

You can try using maple syrup or honey instead of granulated sugar, but it may change the texture slightly.

8. Can I make this in individual portions?

Yes, you can divide the bread pudding mixture into individual ramekins and bake for about 25-30 minutes.

9. What can I substitute for whipped cream as a topping?

If you prefer, you can top the pudding with vanilla ice cream, mascarpone cheese, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

10. Can I make this gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, you can substitute the French bread with gluten-free bread, but the texture may differ slightly.

Conclusion

Tres Leches Bread Pudding is a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts, combining the rich creaminess of tres leches with the comforting, custardy texture of bread pudding. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just as a treat for yourself, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress. Easy to make, customizable, and absolutely delicious, this dessert will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.

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