Indulge in Decadence: The Ultimate White Chocolate Challah Bread Pudding with Raspberry Sauce
Prepare to have your perception of dessert completely transformed with this extraordinary White Chocolate Challah Bread Pudding. Whether you’re a devout fan of bread pudding or have previously been unimpressed by its more common iterations, this recipe is an absolute game-changer. Hailing originally from The Figs Table, it offers a luxurious twist that will undoubtedly win you over. Its rich, custardy texture and delicate sweetness, combined with the unparalleled foundation of challah bread, create a dessert that is nothing short of heavenly. It certainly converted me, and I believe it will do the same for you!
From Bread Pudding Skeptic to Challah Enthusiast: A Culinary Transformation
For many years, the very mention of “bread pudding” conjured up less-than-appetizing images in my mind. My college days, spent waitressing at a popular spot that heavily featured this dessert, did little to sway my opinion. While it was undeniably a crowd-pleaser, my personal experience was often one of encountering something akin to overly saturated French toast – a soggy, rubbery, and frankly, uninspiring pile of bread that seemed far better suited for a breakfast plate than a sophisticated dessert course. Looking back, I realize much of its popularity stemmed from the chef’s truly exceptional rich custard sauce. He mastered that element so perfectly that patrons likely overlooked the shortcomings of the bread component. Still, the experience left me with a deep-seated aversion to bread pudding.
My culinary journey took an unexpected turn when I found myself with a surplus of challah bread, and a strong desire to utilize it. Knowing of Todd English’s reputable recipes, and desperate to avoid waste, I cautiously embarked on making his challah bread pudding. Little did I know, this single decision would completely revolutionize my perspective. The moment I tasted this White Chocolate Challah Bread Pudding, my long-held skepticism vanished. It wasn’t just good; it was a revelation. The challah, with its naturally rich, eggy, and slightly sweet character, proved to be the ideal canvas, absorbing the luscious custard without dissolving into an unpleasant mush. This recipe became, and remains, my absolute favorite bread pudding.
The Unforgettable Texture: More Like Cake, Less Like Traditional Pudding
What truly sets this White Chocolate Challah Bread Pudding apart from other recipes is its remarkable texture. Forget dense, heavy, or squishy bread puddings of the past. This version transcends expectations, presenting a final product that is surprisingly light, incredibly soft, and wonderfully moist, reminiscent of a decadent white chocolate cake rather than a traditional, often rubbery, bread pudding. It has an elegant structure that allows it to slice neatly into perfect portions – a testament to its balanced composition and careful preparation. Describing its exquisite mouthfeel can be challenging; it’s simultaneously tender and substantial, dissolving delicately on the palate while leaving behind the creamy richness of white chocolate and vanilla. This unique texture is achieved through the ingenious combination of challah’s robust yet tender crumb and a meticulously balanced custard base. It’s truly a dessert that needs to be experienced to be fully appreciated.
Mastering Your White Chocolate Challah Bread Pudding: Essential Tips for Success
To ensure your White Chocolate Challah Bread Pudding turns out perfectly every time, here are some invaluable notes and pro tips I’ve gathered from making this dish repeatedly. Paying attention to these details will elevate your pudding from delicious to absolutely divine:
- Invest in High-Quality Vanilla Extract: This is not a step to overlook. In a recipe with such a delicate balance of flavors, the quality of your vanilla truly shines through. Opt for a pure vanilla extract or, even better, vanilla bean paste for a more intense and aromatic profile. It imparts a warmth and depth that cheap imitations simply cannot replicate.
- Choosing Your White Chocolate: While you might be tempted to splurge on expensive artisanal white chocolate, it’s not strictly necessary for this recipe. Baker’s brand white chocolate, for instance, performs admirably and provides excellent results. The key is to select a good quality white chocolate that you enjoy eating on its own, avoiding those labeled “white chocolate flavored candy melts” which lack the rich cocoa butter content for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t Be Afraid of the Liquid: When preparing the custard, it might initially seem like there’s an overwhelming amount of liquid for the bread. However, challah bread is incredibly absorbent. You should aim to use almost all of the liquid. The trick is to carefully and gradually pour the creamy mixture over the bread cubes, gently pressing them down to ensure every piece is thoroughly saturated and that the liquid permeates all the cracks and crevices. The mixture should come right up to the top of your baking dish, ensuring a consistently moist pudding throughout.
- The Indispensable Raspberry Sauce: Please, do not skip the raspberry sauce! This bright, tart accompaniment is more than just a garnish; it’s a critical component that perfectly balances the richness of the white chocolate challah bread pudding. Its vibrant acidity cuts through the sweetness, offering a delightful contrast that makes each bite even more satisfying and prevents the dessert from feeling overly heavy.
- Portion Control is Key: While irresistibly delicious, this bread pudding is quite rich. It’s designed to be a decadent treat. Consider cutting the pieces a bit smaller than you might for a less intense dessert. A smaller portion allows everyone to fully enjoy its luxurious flavor without feeling overwhelmed.
- Sourcing Your Challah Bread: Wondering where to find challah? Its popularity has grown significantly, making it easier to locate. Many grocery store bakeries now offer fresh challah, especially on weekends. You might also find it in the frozen foods section of larger supermarkets. However, for the ultimate experience and maximum freshness, my strongest recommendation is to make your own using this easy Challah recipe. Homemade challah will impart an even more authentic and comforting flavor to your bread pudding.
Recipe: White Chocolate Challah Bread Pudding
White Chocolate Challah Bread Pudding
Anna
Pin Recipe
20 minutes
1 hour
15 minutes
1 hour
35 minutes
Dessert
American
8
Ingredients
- 7 large egg yolks
- 2 whole eggs
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup sugar (100 grams)
- 10 ounces white chocolate (280 grams)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or paste
- 4 cups challah cubes about 1 loaf crusts removed, if desired
Raspberry Sauce
- 10 oz bag frozen raspberries
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
Optional: 2 tablespoon raspberry liqueur
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan. Have a larger pan (such as a roasting pan) ready, as you will be baking the smaller pan in this larger one as a water bath.
-
In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks and whole eggs together until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
-
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until small bubbles just begin to form around the edges of the pan. Do not bring it to a full boil. Remove from heat, then stir in the white chocolate until it is completely melted and smooth.
-
While continuously whisking the warm cream mixture, gradually add the reserved egg mixture in a slow and steady stream. This tempering step prevents the eggs from scrambling. Once fully incorporated, stir in the vanilla extract or paste.
-
Arrange the challah bread cubes evenly in the greased 8-inch baking pan. Gradually pour the prepared egg and white chocolate custard mixture over the bread, gently pressing down on the bread cubes to ensure they absorb the liquid and settle into the custard. Make sure the liquid comes up to the top of the bread. Let the bread pudding rest for at least 15 minutes to allow the challah to fully soak up the custard.
-
Carefully cover the baking pan tightly with aluminum foil. Place this covered pan into the larger roasting pan. Fill the larger pan with very hot water, ensuring the water level comes halfway up the sides of the smaller baking pan. Transfer this setup to the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the custard is firm. To check for doneness, gently touch the middle of the pudding; if your finger comes away clean, it’s ready.
-
During the baking process, periodically check the water level in the roasting pan. Add more hot water as needed to maintain the halfway point, ensuring a consistent and gentle cooking environment for the pudding.
-
Remove the bread pudding from the oven and the water bath. Let it cool slightly before serving. This White Chocolate Challah Bread Pudding is best served warm, either on its own, with fresh berries, or with the essential tangy raspberry sauce.
Raspberry Sauce
-
If using frozen raspberries, ensure they are thawed. Place the thawed raspberries and sugar into a medium saucepan.
-
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the water and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this cornstarch mixture over the raspberries in the saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the mixture begins to boil, thickens, and becomes clear. Remove from heat immediately.
-
Place a fine-mesh sieve over a clean bowl. Pour the hot raspberry mixture through the sieve, using the back of a spoon or a rubber spatula to press down on the solids, extracting as much sauce as possible while leaving the seeds behind. Stir the fresh lemon juice into the strained raspberry sauce. For an extra layer of flavor and sophistication, stir in 2 tablespoons of raspberry liqueur if you have it on hand; this is a delightful addition but not strictly necessary for a delicious sauce. Serve the warm sauce alongside your bread pudding.
White Chocolate, Challah Bread, Bread Pudding, Raspberry Sauce, Dessert
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!
This White Chocolate Challah Bread Pudding is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. The comforting warmth, the luxurious texture, and the perfectly balanced flavors make it an ideal choice for a special occasion, a cozy family gathering, or simply a treat for yourself. Its ability to transform even the most ardent bread pudding skeptics speaks volumes about its undeniable charm. So, gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and prepare to create a culinary masterpiece that will be talked about long after the last bite. Don’t forget to serve it with that vibrant raspberry sauce for the ultimate flavor pairing!
We encourage you to embark on this delightful baking adventure. Share your creations, tips, and any variations you discover. Happy baking!