Salted Caramel Bread Pudding with Bittersweet Chocolate ~ Topped with Homemade Whipped Cream

My daughter's mother-in-law gave me a fabulous jar of Williams-Sonoma Salted Caramel Sauce for the holidays and said she was anxious to see how I'd use it.  I knew immediately that I wanted to use it in a bread pudding!

Large morsels of bittersweet chocolate dot this decadent caramel pudding.  You may think that 1/2 c. of these morsels may not be enough for the recipe; but, believe me, it's just the right amount.  Homemade whipped cream perfectly mellows the rich pudding.

Serve this sinfully delicious caramel pudding for Valentine's Day, and you'll be sure to leave them swooning!

                                     
                                                  It's So Good...

                                       I Just Can't Stop Eating It!


as adapted from Bon Appétit's recipe for Dulce de Leche and Chocolate Chunk Bread Pudding

Serves approx. 8-10

Ingredients

The Whipped Cream

• 1 pint (2 c.) heavy whipping cream
• 3 TB powdered sugar

The Pudding

• 1 lb. loaf challah bread, crust trimmed and cut into 3/4" to 1" cubes*
• 3 TB salted butter, melted
• 1 1/2 c. heavy whipping cream
• Approx. 2 c. (divided) premium salted caramel sauce (I used Williams-Sonoma Salted Caramel Sauce, available in a 17 oz. jar...a seasonal product which can possibly be back-ordered)
• 4 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• 2 TB dark rum or 2/3 tsp. rum extract
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt (about 1/16th tsp.)
• 1/2 c. (about 3 oz.) bittersweet chocolate morsels (60% cocoa)
• 2 TB granulated white sugar
• about 1/4 c. powdered sugar for dusting
• Non-stick butter-flavored cooking spray

                                           Well, Have Some More!

Directions

The Whipped Cream

• In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the whipping cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form and the mixture holds its shape.  Refrigerate until ready to use.

The Pudding

1. Preheat the oven to 350º.
2. Place the bread cubes into a large bowl...drizzle with the melted butter and gently toss.  Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet and bake, stirring occasionally, until the bread just begins to color, about 12 minutes.  Cool.
3. Spray a 11"x7"x2" glass baking dish with the non-stick cooking spray.
4. Using a whisk, blend the whipping cream and 1 c. of the caramel sauce* in a medium saucepan over medium heat until bubbling.  Remove from the heat and cool slightly.  
5. Whisk the eggs and yolks together in a large bowl.  Add the rum, vanilla and salt.  In a slow drizzle, whisk in the warm caramel mixture.  Stir in the bread cubes, cover with plastic wrap and let soak 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Mix the chocolate morsels into the custard mixture and pour into the prepared baking dish.  Sprinkle with the 2 TB of granulated sugar.  Bake until puffed and set in the center, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, about 35 minutes.  Let cool 15 minutes. (The pudding will rise while baking and settle when cooled.)
7. Drizzle with about 1 c. of the remaining caramel sauce and sprinkle with the powdered sugar.  Serve warm with the whipped cream.  Store leftover pudding in the refrigerator.  This pudding is great cold or warm...individual servings can be gently reheated in the microwave.

Tips*

For low-fat croutons from the bread crust:

1. Cut or tear the crust into about 1" pieces and place on a foil-lined baking sheet that has been sprayed with the non-stick butter-flavored cooking spray.  Spray the pieces of bread with more of the cooking spray and toast, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.  
2. Turn the oven off and remove the croutons until the oven has cooled down a little.  Return the pan of croutons to the turned-off oven and leave for about 15 minutes, or so, to become firm.  Store in an air-tight container...preferably tin.  I make croutons like this from other bread crusts and occasionally, for seasoning, sprinkle with Mrs. Dash seasoning blend or other dried herbs.

To release the caramel sauce easily:

1. Spray your utensil(s) with the non-stick cooking spray.  
2. Also, to use that last drop of your precious caramel sauce, pour some hot coffee or hot chocolate into the jar for a nice caramel-flavored hot drink!

Take this decadent caramel pudding to the Valentine party and they'll love <3 you for it!  Enjoy!


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