Oh, let me tell you about my love affair with Tres Leches Bread Pudding! This dessert isn’t just a treat; it’s a celebration on a plate, rich and creamy, with a delightful sweetness that transports me straight to my grandmother’s kitchen. I remember the first time I tasted it at a family gathering, the way the milk-soaked bread melted in my mouth—it was pure magic! Tres Leches, meaning “three milks,” gives this pudding its signature moistness and flavor that’s simply irresistible. It’s a classic Mexican dessert that brings everyone together, and I just can’t resist making it for any occasion. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be dreaming about it long after the last bite. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and create some sweet memories together!
Ingredients for Tres Leches Bread Pudding
To make the most delicious Tres Leches Bread Pudding, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that pack a lot of flavor. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:
- 6 cups of day-old bread, cubed
- 1 cup of evaporated milk
- 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup of whole milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup of raisins (optional, but adds a lovely touch)
- 1/4 cup of sugar (packed for extra sweetness)
These ingredients come together to create a creamy, dreamy dessert that’s simply unforgettable. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every bite!
How to Prepare Tres Leches Bread Pudding
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s jump into making this mouthwatering Tres Leches Bread Pudding! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a dessert that’ll wow your family and friends.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your bread pudding will cook evenly and achieve that lovely golden top. Nobody wants a soggy bottom, right?
Step 2: Combine Milk and Eggs
In a large bowl, pour in the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, and crack in those four large eggs. Add the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon, then whisk everything together until it’s beautifully smooth. This creamy mixture is what makes our bread pudding so rich and flavorful!
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Now it’s time to add the cubed bread to the bowl. Gently fold in the bread pieces, making sure they’re all coated in that luscious milk mixture. If you’re using raisins, now’s the time to toss them in too! Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes so the bread can soak up all that goodness. You want it to be nice and fluffy!
Step 4: Prepare to Bake
Grab a baking dish and grease it up with a little butter or cooking spray to prevent any sticking. Pour your soaked bread mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Don’t forget to sprinkle the packed sugar on top—it caramelizes beautifully while baking and adds a delightful crunch.
Step 5: Baking Time
Pop the baking dish into the oven and let it bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden and slightly puffed. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Once it’s baked to perfection, let it cool for a bit before serving. Trust me, the waiting will be worth it when you dive into that creamy goodness!
Tips for Success with Tres Leches Bread Pudding
Alright, let’s talk about some insider tips to ensure your Tres Leches Bread Pudding turns out absolutely divine! First off, don’t skip the day-old bread; it soaks up the milk mixture perfectly and gives you that wonderful texture. If your bread is too fresh, it might turn mushy—yikes! Also, be generous with your soaking time; letting it sit for those 15 minutes is crucial for flavor and moisture.
Another tip? Keep an eye on your baking time! Ovens can vary, so start checking at the 45-minute mark. You want that lovely golden top without overbaking it. And when it’s done, let it cool before digging in—this helps the flavors meld beautifully, making each bite even richer. Oh, and remember, it’s best served chilled, so if you can, pop it in the fridge for a bit before serving. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Nutritional Information
When you indulge in a slice of this creamy Tres Leches Bread Pudding, you’re treating yourself to a delightful dessert that’s rich in flavor! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (1 slice):
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Sugar: 18g
These values are estimates, so remember that the actual numbers may vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use. Enjoy your sweet treat, knowing it’s a little slice of happiness!
FAQ about Tres Leches Bread Pudding
Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old?
Great question! While you technically can use fresh bread, I really recommend sticking with day-old bread for the best results. Day-old bread has had time to dry out a bit, which helps it soak up that heavenly milk mixture without turning into a mushy mess. Fresh bread tends to be more moist, and you might end up with a pudding that’s too soggy or dense. Trust me, using day-old bread gives you that perfect fluffy texture that makes every bite a dream!
What is the best way to store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious!), storing them is easy! Just cover your Tres Leches Bread Pudding tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can serve it chilled straight from the fridge or pop it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds if you prefer it warm. Just don’t overdo it in the microwave—it’s all about that creamy texture!
Can I customize my Tres Leches Bread Pudding?
Absolutely! One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can add a variety of flavors and ingredients to make it your own. For a fun twist, consider mixing in some chocolate chips or fresh fruit like bananas or berries. You can even swap out the raisins for chopped nuts or shredded coconut if you’re feeling adventurous. If you want to spice things up, a splash of rum or a hint of orange zest can add a lovely depth of flavor. The possibilities are endless—get creative and have fun with it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick to make and perfect for any occasion!
- Rich, creamy layers of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- A delightful twist on traditional bread pudding with the magic of three milks.
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite mix-ins or toppings.
- Perfect for serving a crowd or enjoying as a sweet treat for yourself.
- Best served chilled, making it a refreshing dessert even on warm days.
This Tres Leches Bread Pudding is not just a dessert; it’s a showstopper that brings joy to the table with every bite!
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Tres Leches Bread Pudding: 5 Reasons to Indulge Today
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy dessert made with bread soaked in three types of milk.
Ingredients
- 6 cups day-old bread, cubed
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- 1/4 cup sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
- Whisk the mixture until smooth.
- Add the cubed bread and raisins, if using. Stir to combine.
- Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes to soak the bread.
- Grease a baking dish and pour the bread mixture into it.
- Sprinkle sugar on top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until set and golden.
- Let it cool before serving.
Notes
- Best served chilled.
- Top with whipped cream for added flavor.
- Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Tres Leches Bread Pudding, dessert, Mexican dessert