Recipe Overview
Imagine a dessert that blends the irresistible sweetness of churros with the comforting texture of bread pudding. This Churro Bread Pudding is a perfect hybrid that combines crispy cinnamon-sugar topping with a soft, custardy bread base. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy brunch or a sweet treat to share with loved ones, this recipe is sure to impress.
With its warm, comforting flavors, this dessert will quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Let’s dive into the details of this easy-to-make dessert that can be prepared in less than an hour!
What is Churro Bread Pudding?
Churro Bread Pudding is a dessert that combines two of the most beloved treats: churros and bread pudding. The base of the pudding is made from cubed, day-old bread soaked in a delicious, spiced custard mixture of eggs, milk, cream, cinnamon, and sugars. Once baked, the pudding has a soft and creamy texture, with golden, crispy edges that are perfect for a churro topping of cinnamon and sugar. The result? A sweet, indulgent dessert that’s both comforting and exciting.
This dessert is perfect for anyone who loves cinnamon and sugar combinations and has a fondness for warm, baked goods that feel like a hug in a bowl.
Origin of Churro Bread Pudding
The origin of churros can be traced back to Spain, where the fried dough pastry has been enjoyed for centuries. Churros have become widely popular in many parts of the world, often served with hot chocolate for dipping. Bread pudding, on the other hand, has roots in European cuisine and was traditionally a way to use up leftover bread.
The fusion of these two beloved treats—churros and bread pudding—creates a new twist on a classic dessert. The churro topping adds an irresistible crunchy, sugary coating to the soft bread pudding base, giving a fresh perspective on a traditional dish.
Ingredients for Churro Bread Pudding
The ingredients for this Churro Bread Pudding recipe are simple and easy to find, but when combined, they create an unforgettable dessert.
For the Bread Pudding:
- 6 cups day-old bread, cubed (use French bread, brioche, or challah for the best texture)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk (you can substitute with half-and-half for a richer pudding)
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional, but adds extra creaminess)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (for a deeper flavor)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Churro Topping:
- ¼ cup butter, melted (to create a crispy, buttery topping)
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (the signature churro flavor)
Optional Drizzle:
- Caramel sauce, dulce de leche, or chocolate sauce for extra indulgence
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
Making this Churro Bread Pudding is simple and requires just a few steps. Here’s how you can prepare this delicious treat:
1. Prepare the Bread
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the bread pudding from sticking.
- Evenly distribute the cubed bread in the prepared baking dish. You want the bread to be in a single layer, so it soaks up the custard mixture evenly.
2. Make the Custard
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream (if using), granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Make sure the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Use a spoon or your hands to gently press down the bread to ensure that every piece is soaked in the liquid.
- Let the bread soak in the custard mixture for 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb the liquid.
3. Bake
- Once the bread has soaked up the custard, place the dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes. The pudding should have a golden top with a soft and slightly custardy center. It will firm up as it cools, so don’t worry if the middle is a bit soft when you take it out of the oven.
4. Add the Churro Topping
- While the pudding is baking, prepare the churro topping by melting the butter in a small bowl.
- In a separate bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon.
- Once the bread pudding has finished baking, brush the melted butter over the top of the warm pudding.
- Generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top of the pudding, creating that signature churro crunch.
5. Serve
- Serve the Churro Bread Pudding warm for the best texture and flavor.
- For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle with caramel sauce, dulce de leche, or chocolate sauce.
- You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make it even more decadent!
Tips & Variations
This dessert is versatile, and there are several ways you can tweak it to suit your taste:
Make Ahead:
Assemble the bread pudding the night before and refrigerate it. The next day, just bake it for a quick dessert with minimal effort.
Add-ins:
Want to make it even more exciting? Try folding in some chocolate chips, toffee bits, or a few swirls of Nutella for added flavor.
Mini Version:
For individual servings, bake the pudding in small ramekins. This reduces the baking time to around 25 minutes, and each serving will have a golden, crispy top.
FAQs About Churro Bread Pudding
Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?
While day-old bread is preferred because it soaks up the custard better, you can use fresh bread if needed. Simply toast the bread cubes in the oven for a few minutes to help them dry out.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the milk and cream with dairy-free alternatives, such as almond milk or coconut milk. Replace the heavy cream with a dairy-free option if you prefer.
Can I freeze Churro Bread Pudding?
Yes, you can freeze this bread pudding. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Conclusion: Churro Bread Pudding
This Churro Bread Pudding is a perfect dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping things cozy and comforting. The combination of warm, cinnamon-sugary churro topping with the creamy, soft bread pudding base is a match made in dessert heaven. With its easy preparation, simple ingredients, and variations to suit your taste, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Whether served as a brunch treat or a comforting dessert, it’s sure to impress your family and friends. So why not make this Churro Bread Pudding for your next gathering? We’re sure it will be a hit!
[tasty-recipe id=”15302″]
