If you crave a comforting dessert that combines tender peaches with the warm embrace of cinnamon and buttery bread, you are going to adore this Easy Peach Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce Recipe. It’s a delightful treat that transforms simple ingredients into a luscious, cozy dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The soft, soaked bread mingles perfectly with juicy fresh peaches and crunchy pecans, all brought together by a decadent caramel sauce that is just luscious enough without overpowering the natural sweetness. This is the perfect dessert to share with friends or family, bringing smiles and satisfied sighs with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Easy Peach Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce Recipe, you’ll gather a handful of straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a significant role. From the fluffy bread cubes that soak up all the flavors to the fresh peaches that add juicy brightness, every element contributes to the final magic.
- Bread (8 cups, cubed): Choose a sturdy bread like French or brioche for the best texture and soak.
- Eggs (3): These help bind everything together and add richness.
- Butter (3 tablespoons, melted): Adds a silky warmth and depth to the custard.
- Vanilla yogurt (1 cup): Brings creaminess and a subtle tang to balance the sweetness.
- Milk (1 cup): Softens the bread and helps create the custard texture.
- Sugar (2 cups + 2 tablespoons): Sweetens the pudding and adds caramelization.
- Fresh peaches (2 cups, peeled, pitted, diced): Infuses juicy, summery flavor into the pudding.
- Pecans (1/2 cup, chopped): Provide a delightful crunch and nutty contrast.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Offers warmth and spice that pairs beautifully with peaches.
- Caramel sauce ingredients: Unsalted butter (1 cup), heavy cream (1 cup), and brown sugar (1 cup) combine to make the rich finishing drizzle.
How to Make Easy Peach Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat
Start by setting your oven to 350°F, the perfect temperature to bake the bread pudding evenly and develop that irresistible golden top. While the oven warms up, make sure to grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray so nothing sticks — this makes serving up the pudding a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Custard Base
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, vanilla yogurt, and milk until the mixture is smooth and inviting. Slowly stir in 2 cups of sugar until fully dissolved. This custard will soak into the bread, turning it all wonderfully soft and flavorful once baked.
Step 3: Combine Bread and Peaches
Gently fold in the cubed bread and the fresh, diced peaches. The peaches add vibrant color and juicy bursts of flavor that transform this into a dessert you’ll crave again and again. Letting the mixture rest and soak for 30 minutes allows all those flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Add the Cinnamon Sugar
While the bread soaks, mix the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. When ready, pour the soaked bread and peach mixture into your baking dish, then sprinkle this cinnamon sugar blend evenly on top. This topping creates a caramelized crunch that perfectly complements the creamy inside.
Step 5: Bake the Bread Pudding
Cover the dish loosely with foil greased with butter to keep the pudding moist. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil, sprinkle chopped pecans over the top for that perfect contrast of texture, and continue baking for another 20 to 25 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and the center is set.
Step 6: Make the Caramel Sauce
While the pudding bakes, melt butter, heavy cream, and brown sugar together in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, then let it simmer until it thickens slightly — about 5 minutes. This luscious caramel sauce is the crowning glory of your Easy Peach Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce Recipe.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, drizzle the warm caramel sauce generously over individual servings, and if you’re feeling extra indulgent, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This dessert is best experienced warm, when all the flavors and textures come together in perfect harmony.
How to Serve Easy Peach Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra chopped pecans or a dusting of powdered sugar over the top to enhance presentation and texture. Fresh mint leaves also add a pop of color and a refreshing twist that balances the sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair your bread pudding with a light cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine for a complete treat. A small bowl of fresh berries on the side can add brightness and a fresh contrast that complements the caramel and peaches beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning twist, serve this pudding in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets, making each portion feel special and personalized. You can even spoon warm caramel sauce into jars for a delightful gift or party favor that captures the comforting essence of this dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, cover the bread pudding tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to four days, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert.
Freezing
This dessert freezes well if you want to save some for later. Wrap it securely in foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers, warm individual servings in the microwave or oven until heated through. Adding a little extra caramel sauce or a scoop of ice cream during reheating will make each serving feel just as special as the first.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain them well so the pudding doesn’t get too watery, and gently pat them dry before adding to the mixture.
What type of bread works best for this recipe?
Sturdy breads like French bread, challah, or brioche are ideal because they soak up the custard without falling apart, giving you that perfect texture.
Can I make the caramel sauce ahead of time?
You sure can! Prepare the caramel sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Warm it gently before serving to bring back its pourable consistency.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swap out the milk and butter for plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter. Coconut cream can replace heavy cream for the caramel sauce to keep it luscious.
How do I know when the bread pudding is done baking?
The top should be golden brown and slightly crisp, while the center looks set and not jiggly. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
Final Thoughts
You simply cannot go wrong with this Easy Peach Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that brings comfort, sweetness, and a little bit of magic all in one bite. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, it’s bound to become a beloved classic in your recipe rotation. So grab your freshest peaches and get ready to enjoy a dessert that feels like a warm little celebration every single time.
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Easy Peach Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Peach Bread Pudding is a comforting and delightful dessert that combines sweet, juicy peaches with tender bread soaked in a rich custard. Baked to golden perfection and topped with a warm, velvety caramel sauce and crunchy pecans, it’s an inviting treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Bread Pudding
- 8 cups bread, cubed
- 3 eggs
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 cup vanilla yogurt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and diced
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by spraying it with cooking spray for easy removal.
- Mix Custard: In a large bowl, beat the 3 eggs. Add the melted butter, vanilla yogurt, and milk, mixing thoroughly. Gradually stir in 2 cups of sugar until dissolved.
- Add Peaches & Bread: Fold the diced peaches and cubed bread into the custard mixture, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.
- Soak Bread: Allow the bread and peach mixture to soak for 30 minutes so the bread absorbs the custard flavors.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon and mix well.
- Assemble & Bake First Stage: Pour the soaked bread mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top. Cover loosely with buttered foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Add Pecans & Continue Baking: Remove the foil carefully, sprinkle chopped pecans over the pudding, and bake uncovered for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Make Caramel Sauce: While the bread pudding bakes, prepare the caramel sauce. In a heavy saucepan over medium-low heat, stir together the butter, heavy cream, and brown sugar.
- Simmer Sauce: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a smooth consistency.
- Serve: Drizzle the warm caramel sauce over individual servings of the peach bread pudding. Optionally, top with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent finish.
Notes
- For best results, use slightly stale bread to better absorb the custard mixture.
- Peeling and pitting the peaches enhances texture and flavor integration.
- Covering the dish with buttered foil initially prevents the top from burning while the inside cooks.
- The caramel sauce can be stored in the refrigerator and warmed before serving.
- Vanilla ice cream as a topping adds a creamy contrast to the warm pudding and caramel sauce.
