Peachy Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce – A Rich, Comforting Dessert with Juicy Peaches
Peachy Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce is a comforting baked dessert made with cubes of bread soaked in a rich vanilla custard, layered with fresh peaches, and baked until golden. The peaches become tender and juicy, while the custard creates a soft, creamy texture throughout the pudding. Finished with a warm homemade caramel sauce, every serving is sweet, buttery, and incredibly satisfying. This easy dessert is perfect for using leftover bread and showcasing seasonal peaches. Whether served warm with vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, it's a timeless recipe that everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the Bread Pudding
- 8 cups day-old French bread or brioche, cubed
- 3 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced
- 2½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Homemade Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the bread cubes into the baking dish and scatter the diced peaches evenly over the top.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and melted butter until smooth.
- Pour the custard evenly over the bread and peaches. Gently press the bread into the liquid and let it rest for 20 minutes so it absorbs the custard.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- While the pudding bakes, heat the sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until melted and amber-colored. Stir in the butter until smooth, then carefully whisk in the heavy cream. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla and salt.
- Allow the bread pudding to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Drizzle generously with warm caramel sauce and garnish as desired.
Notes
- Day-old bread absorbs the custard more effectively than fresh bread.
- Brioche creates a richer, softer pudding.
- Fresh peaches provide the best flavor and texture.
- Allow the bread to soak fully before baking.
- Do not overbake to keep the pudding moist.
- Homemade caramel sauce can be prepared in advance.
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently before serving for the best texture.