Description
This Mardi Gras King Cake-Inspired Bread Pudding is a decadent and festive dessert combining the rich, custardy texture of a classic bread pudding with the iconic flavors of King Cake. Featuring brioche soaked in a vanilla-scented custard, layers of cinnamon-sugar filling, and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze, this dish captures the spirit of Mardi Gras in every bite. It’s perfect for celebrations or a cozy brunch treat.
Ingredients
Bread Pudding Custard and Base
- 5 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
- 2 ½ cups half-and-half
- 16 ounces brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes
Cinnamon Filling
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup packed dark brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: pecans (quantity as desired)
Cream Cheese Glaze
- ¼ cup butter, at room temperature
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup confectioners' sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease or spray a 2.5-quart baking dish and set it aside to prepare for layering the bread pudding.
- Make Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla bean paste or extract, kosher salt, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg until combined. Slowly whisk in the half-and-half until the custard is smooth.
- Combine Bread Cubes: Add the brioche cubes to the custard mixture and gently toss to coat evenly. Be careful to avoid mashing or breaking the cubes. If the bowl is not large enough, divide the bread and custard between two bowls for mixing.
- Layer First Bread Mixture: Pour half of the bread and custard mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish without pressing down, allowing the bread to soak up the custard naturally.
- Prepare Cinnamon Filling: In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, dark brown sugar, ground cinnamon, pinch of kosher salt, and melted butter. Mix until uniform. For added texture and flavor, toss in pecans if desired.
- Add Cinnamon Layer: Sprinkle the cinnamon mixture evenly over the first layer of bread pudding in the baking dish.
- Top With Remaining Bread Mixture: Pour the remaining bread and custard mixture over the cinnamon layer, spreading it evenly without pressing down.
- Bake the Pudding: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the pudding is golden brown and set in the center. Once done, transfer the dish to a wire rack to cool slightly.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Glaze: While the pudding is baking and cooling, beat together the room temperature butter and softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Mix in the confectioners' sugar, lemon juice, and kosher salt until fully combined to create a luscious glaze.
- Glaze and Decorate: Spoon or pipe the cream cheese glaze decoratively over the warm bread pudding. For a festive touch, sprinkle with colored sanding sugars and dust with additional confectioners' sugar if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use brioche or other rich, buttery bread for best results in flavor and texture.
- Try adding chopped pecans to the cinnamon filling for added crunch and authenticity.
- Vanilla bean paste provides a more intense flavor than extract but both work well.
- Allow the bread to soak fully but avoid mashing to maintain layers and texture.
- Serve warm for the best taste and texture experience; leftovers reheat well.
