Indulge your taste buds in a delightful twist on a classic French dessert with our Rum Raisin Croissant Bread Pudding Bake! This decadent dish transforms simple croissants into a luscious, custardy masterpiece that's perfect for brunch or a cozy evening treat. Imagine the warm aroma of cinnamon and rum wafting through your kitchen as you prepare this easy yet impressive recipe. With just a handful of ingredients and a little love, you can create a show-stopping dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Ready to elevate your dessert game? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 4 croissants, torn into pieces
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously butter a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- In a large mixing bowl, tear the croissants into roughly 1-inch pieces, creating rustic, uneven chunks that will provide varied texture in the final dessert.
- Sprinkle the raisins evenly over the torn croissant pieces, allowing them to intermingle naturally with the bread.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, heavy cream, eggs, granulated sugar, dark rum, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and well-combined with a consistent light golden color.
- Pour the liquid mixture slowly over the croissant and raisin pieces, gently pressing down to ensure all bread is saturated and absorbing the custard. Let sit for 10 minutes to allow maximum absorption.
- Transfer the soaked mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly and ensuring no dry spots remain.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 15 minutes before serving. The pudding will continue to set during this resting period.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for additional indulgence.
Tips
- Choose Quality Croissants: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh, buttery croissants. Day-old croissants work well too, as they will absorb the custard beautifully.
- Soak for Maximum Flavor: Allow the croissant and raisin mixture to sit in the custard for at least 10 minutes. This helps the bread soak up all that rich, delicious liquid.
- Don’t Skip the Butter: Generously butter your baking dish to prevent sticking and make serving a breeze. It also adds a lovely richness to the final dish.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to customize your bread pudding by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even swapping the raisins for dried cherries or cranberries for a unique twist.
- Perfect Baking Time: Keep an eye on your pudding as it bakes. It should be golden brown on top and slightly jiggly in the center when done. Let it rest for 15 minutes to set before serving.
- Serve with Style: For an extra touch of indulgence, dust your bread pudding with powdered sugar or serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 190mg
