Apricot Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce

My Unexpected Love Affair with Apricot Bread Pudding

Let me tell you a story about a dessert that completely changed my mind. I've always been a bit of a picky eater, especially when it comes to sweets. Bread pudding? Never really my thing. Too heavy, too stodgy, too…blah. That was my opinion until a trip to Ashland, Oregon, transformed my culinary landscape.

We were staying at the charming Winchester Country Inn, and their dessert menu caught my eye. There, nestled amongst the other tempting options, was an apricot bread pudding with caramel sauce. Intrigued, I ordered it. What followed was nothing short of a revelation. This wasn't your grandmother's bread pudding. This was light, airy, bursting with the sweet tang of apricots, and topped with a perfectly decadent caramel sauce. The combination was sublime, a dance of textures and flavors that surprised and delighted my taste buds. It was so good, I actually forgot my usual skepticism toward this often-maligned dessert.

Now, I'm on a bread pudding crusade! I've since recreated this culinary masterpiece countless times, experimenting with different fruits and spices, always seeking that same perfect harmony of flavors and textures. But the original, the one that started it all, remains my absolute favorite. The addition of Grand Marnier to the custard brings a wonderful depth of flavor, an unexpected twist that elevates this simple dessert into something truly special. The croissants, instead of traditional bread, provide a delightful crispness, providing a fantastic textural contrast to the soft, creamy pudding.

This recipe is a keeper, a go-to dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. It's impressive enough to serve to guests, yet easy enough to whip up for a cozy night in. The caramel sauce is the perfect crowning touch, but honestly, the pudding is delightful even without it. If you're pressed for time, you can always use a store-bought caramel sauce. No judgments here!

The best part? It's surprisingly easy to make. The process is incredibly straightforward, and the results are breathtaking. It’s one of those recipes where the simplicity belies the incredible depth of flavor. You won't believe how much joy a little bit of simple ingredients can bring. So, take the plunge, embrace your inner baker, and create your own moment of delicious surprise. Try this recipe, and maybe, just maybe, you'll discover a newfound love for bread pudding, too.

Beyond the deliciousness, this recipe has become a reminder to me of the importance of being open to new experiences. Sometimes, stepping outside of your comfort zone can lead to unexpected delights, whether it's trying a new dessert or venturing to a new place. That trip to Ashland, Oregon, wasn't just about the bread pudding; it was about embracing the unexpected and discovering hidden gems along the way. And this bread pudding recipe? It’s a delicious reminder of that.

So go ahead, make this bread pudding. Share it with friends, family, or simply enjoy it by yourself while curled up with a good book. It's a dessert that deserves to be savored and celebrated, a testament to the power of simple ingredients to create something truly extraordinary. Trust me on this one; you won't regret it.

Step-by-step

• Simmer Grand Marnier and 1/4 cup water in heavy medium saucepan 5 minutes. Cool mixture completely.
• Whisk Grand Marnier-water mixture, cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla and nutmeg in large bowl to blend.
• Place croissant pieces in 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish; add apricots and toss to combine.
• Pour custard over croissant-apricot mixture, pressing down gently with rubber spatula so that croissant and apricot pieces are evenly covered.
• Let stand 20 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover baking dish with aluminum foil.
• Place dish in larger roasting pan. Add enough hot water to roasting pan to come 1 inch up sides of baking dish.
• Bake 1 hour.
• Remove aluminum foil and continue baking until bread pudding is golden brown on top and firm to touch, about 30 minutes longer.
• Carefully remove bread pudding from oven and from water bath; cool slightly.
• Drizzle bread pudding with Caramel Sauce, if desired, and serve warm.