ELEGANT BREAD PUDDING

Elegant Bread Pudding image

At holiday potlucks, our whole family looks forward to my sister-in-law bringing this best-of-the-season dessert. The scrumptious caramel sauce is a unique touch.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h

Yield 14 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

10 cups cubed croissants or French bread
1/2 cup raisins
8 large eggs
2 cups half-and-half cream
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
CARAMEL SAUCE:
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whipped cream, optional

Steps:

Arrange bread cubes evenly in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish; sprinkle with raisins. In a large bowl, beat the eggs, half-and-half cream, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and orange zest; pour over bread. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30 minutes. Cover with foil and bake 15 minutes longer or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. , For sauce, in a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter and whipping cream; cook and stir over low heat until smooth. Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla. Serve bread pudding in bowls with caramel sauce and whipped cream if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 377 calories, Fat 17g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 168mg cholesterol, Sodium 270mg sodium, Carbohydrate 49g carbohydrate (37g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 7g protein.