10cupscroissants, torn into bite-sized pieces(lightly pack the measuring cup with the bread pieces, making sure the cup is filled)
4cupshalf-and-half(half whole milk and half heavy cream)
1cupbrown sugar
1cupgranulated sugar
3eggs, lightly beaten
1tablespoon vanilla
1teaspoon cinnamon
Brown Sugar Syrup
½cupbutter
½cupbrown sugar
½cupbuttermilk
1dashsalt
1teaspoonbaking soda
1teaspoonvanilla
Instructions
Bread Pudding
Fill a greased 9x13-inch baking dish with the bread pieces, spreading them evenly in the pan.
Whisk the milk, cream, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and lightly beaten eggs in a mixing bowl until well mixed.
Pour the milk mixture over the bread pieces. Lightly press the bread into the milk mixture until all the bread is covered.
Let the baking dish sit for at least an hour, until the bread has absorbed all the milk mixture. You can place it in the refrigerator during this time.
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Cook for 55-60 minutes or until the bread is lightly browned. If the bread starts over-browning, place a sheet of aluminum foil over it.
Brown Sugar Syrup
Melt butter in a medium-sized saucepan. Add the brown sugar, buttermilk, and salt. Bring to a boil and stir for 1 to 2 minutes or until the sugar is dissolved.
Remove the pan from the heat; add the vanilla and baking soda and stir. The mixture will foam from the baking soda.
Pour the desired amount of the syrup over the cooked bread pudding. Serve immediately.
To reheat cooked bread pudding, preheat the oven to 350°F. Cover the pudding with foil and cook for 5 to 15 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This bread pudding can also be reheated in a microwave oven. Use a low power setting, check frequently, and avoid overheating.
Notes
Toasted Nuts
This recipe is also good with toasted pecans or other nuts. Toast 1/2 cup of chopped nuts in a pan for 1 to 2 minutes or until fragrant, stirring constantly. Cool and sprinkle nuts over the cooked bread before pouring the syrup over the top. If not all your guests are nut eaters, consider toasting 1 to 1/2 cups of chopped nuts and serving them in a small bowl beside the bread pudding. Guests can sprinkle the desired amount of toasted nuts over their serving of bread pudding.
Buttermilk
If you don’t have buttermilk, substitute 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice or white vinegar in 1 cup of whole or 2 percent milk or cream. Stir and let it sit for 10 minutes or until the milk has thickened. This milk mixture is measured and used just like regular buttermilk.