This comforting dessert transforms day-old Italian bread into a luxurious, creamy custard. The bread cubes are soaked in a mixture of skim milk, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla, then baked until set and golden. The true star, however, is the topping: dried mission figs simmered in brandy, sugar, and water until plump and infused with deep, boozy flavor. The combination of the soft, cake-like pudding and the jammy, aromatic figs creates a perfect balance of texture and taste. It’s an elegant yet simple dish that feels special enough for holiday gatherings but easy enough for a cozy weeknight treat. Serve it warm for the best experience.
Creamy Bread Pudding With Brandied Figs
Description
This comforting dessert transforms day-old Italian bread into a luxurious, creamy custard. The bread cubes are soaked in a mixture of skim milk, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla, then baked until set and golden. The true star, however, is the topping: dried mission figs simmered in brandy, sugar, and water until plump and infused with deep, boozy flavor. The combination of the soft, cake-like pudding and the jammy, aromatic figs creates a perfect balance of texture and taste. It&# 226;ÂÂs an elegant yet simple dish that feels special enough for holiday gatherings but easy enough for a cozy weeknight treat. Serve it warm for the best experience.Ingredients
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 325ðF (165ðC).
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Trim the crusts from the day-old Italian bread and cut the loaf into 1/2-inch cubes. Spread the bread cubes evenly in a 1- to 1 1/2-quart shallow baking dish.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole eggs and the egg white until frothy. Set aside.
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In a saucepan, combine the skim milk, nonfat sweetened condensed milk, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir over medium heat until the mixture is quite hot but not boiling.
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Remove the milk mixture from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
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Gradually whisk the hot milk mixture into the beaten eggs to temper them.
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Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Press down gently with a spoon to ensure all cubes are fully soaked.
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Place the baking dish inside a larger roasting pan. Add enough boiling water to the roasting pan to come halfway up the sides of the baking dish.
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Bake in the preheated oven until the top is lightly golden and the custard is set in the center, about 40 to 50 minutes.
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While the pudding bakes, combine the brandy, remaining 1/4 cup sugar, sliced dried mission figs, and 1/3 cup water in a small saucepan.
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Bring the fig mixture to a simmer over low heat. Cover and simmer gently for 10 minutes.
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Uncover the saucepan and continue to simmer until the liquid reduces to approximately 1 cup, about 20 minutes.
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Serve the creamy bread pudding warm, topped with the brandied figs and sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 633.7kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 8.5g14%
- Saturated Fat 3.7g19%
- Cholesterol 104.0mg35%
- Sodium 415.6mg18%
- Total Carbohydrate 75.0g25%
- Dietary Fiber 2.1g9%
- Sugars 47.8g
- Protein 15.4g31%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.