How to Make Delicious Bread Pudding with Stale Croissants
Do you have a bunch of stale croissants lying around? Don’t throw them away! You can transform them into a mouth-watering dessert that’s sure to impress anyone. I’m talking about making a croissant bread pudding. This dessert is not only delicious but also a smart way to use up those not-so-fresh croissants. Trust me, after trying this recipe, you’ll never look at stale croissants the same way again.
Why Use Stale Croissants?
Before we dive into the recipe, you might wonder why stale croissants are perfect for bread pudding. When croissants or any bread, for that matter, go stale, they lose moisture and become dry. This might not be great for eating them as is, but it’s perfect for bread pudding. The dryness means they are like sponges ready to soak up all the sweet, creamy custard, resulting in a dessert that’s moist on the inside with a deliciously crispy top.
Ingredients
To make this wonderful dessert, you’ll need:
- 4-6 stale croissants (depending on their size)
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Optional: raisins, chocolate chips, or nuts for extra flavor
Let’s Get Cooking
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, take a medium-sized baking dish and lightly grease it with butter or nonstick spray. This will prevent the pudding from sticking.
Step 2: Cut the Croissants
Take your stale croissants and cut them into bite-sized pieces. If they’re really hard, don’t worry. They’ll soften up once we add the custard. Spread these pieces evenly in your prepared baking dish. If you want to add extra goodies like raisins, chocolate chips, or nuts, sprinkle them over the croissants.
Step 3: Make the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Keep whisking until everything is well combined and the sugar has mostly dissolved.
Step 4: Assemble
Pour the custard mixture over the croissant pieces in the baking dish. Make sure to pour it evenly so that all the pieces can soak up the goodness. Press down gently with a fork or your hands to make sure every piece gets soaked.
Step 5: Let It Soak
This is an essential step. Let the croissant pieces sit in the custard for about 10-15 minutes before baking. This rest period allows the croissants to fully absorb the custard, which is key to a moist and delicious bread pudding.
Step 6: Bake
Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown, and the pudding has set. The custard should not be liquidy anymore but should have a firm, yet soft texture.
Step 7: Serving
Allow the bread pudding to cool slightly before serving. This dessert can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. For an extra touch of decadence, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Conclusion
There you have it, a simple and delectable way to give those stale croissants a second life. Croissant bread pudding is not only a treat to your taste buds but also a great conversation starter. Whether it’s for a family dessert, a friendly gathering, or just a sweet treat for yourself, this recipe is sure to delight. So, next time you find yourself with a few days old croissants, remember that they’re not the end but the beginning of something delicious. Enjoy your baking and, most importantly, your eating!
