Sunny Pioneer Woman Lemon Bread Pudding Recipe: Tangy Bliss!

Lemon bread pudding bursts with zesty charm, turning humble ingredients into a spectacular dessert masterpiece.

Pioneer Woman’s recipe unlocks a world of culinary delight through unexpected flavor combinations.

Soft bread cuddles a silky custard saturated with bright citrus whispers, promising pure comfort in every spoonful.

Creamy textures intertwine with sharp lemon undertones, creating a symphony of taste that surprises and delights.

Each bite delivers a perfect harmony of sweet and tangy sensations that transport you beyond ordinary desserts.

This irresistible treat blends rustic simplicity with gourmet elegance, making it a must-try for anyone craving a memorable culinary adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients List for Lemon Bread Pudding

• Challah Bread: Choose a soft, slightly stale loaf with a rich, eggy texture that absorbs custard beautifully.
• Butter: Select high-quality unsalted butter for smooth, even greasing of the baking dish.

• Half-and-Half: Opt for fresh, full-bodied cream for a luxurious, silky base.
• Eggs: Use large, farm-fresh eggs at room temperature for smooth blending.
• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Select bright, fragrant lemons with thin, vibrant skin for maximum citrus punch.
• Sugar: Choose fine granulated sugar that dissolves quickly and evenly.

• Heavy Cream: Pick heavy whipping cream with high fat content for stable, fluffy peaks.
• Sugar: Use powdered sugar for smoother whipped cream texture.
• Bourbon: Select a smooth, rich bourbon that complements the dessert's sweet profile.

Equipment for Lemon Bread Pudding Success

• Baking sheet: Large, flat pan for drying bread cubes.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Rectangular ceramic or glass dish for assembling pudding.
• Large mixing bowl: Spacious container for whisking custard ingredients.
• Whisk: Wire tool for blending ingredients smoothly.
• Mixing bowl: Medium bowl for preparing bourbon cream.
• Electric mixer: Handheld device for whipping cream to stiff peaks.
• Measuring cups: Tools for accurately portioning ingredients.
• Zester or grater: Kitchen tool for extracting lemon zest.
• Fork: Utensil for pressing bread into custard mixture.
• Oven: Appliance for baking pudding at specified temperature.

Easy Steps to Make Lemon Bread Pudding

• Transform Bread Into Delectable Cubes

Slice challah into bite-sized pieces and spread across a baking sheet. Let bread rest uncovered in a cool spot for an hour, allowing it to develop a perfect texture for soaking up creamy goodness.

• Prep Baking Vessel

Massage softened butter generously across every inch of a large baking dish, creating a slick surface that prevents sticky situations and simplifies post-feast cleanup.

• Craft Zesty Custard Mixture

Whisk half-and-half with eggs, incorporating bright lemon zest and juice. Blend until the mixture becomes silky smooth, with sugar melting completely into a luxurious liquid base.

• Merge Bread And Liquid Magic

Lovingly arrange dried bread pieces in the buttered dish. Cascade custard over cubes, gently pressing to ensure each morsel drinks in the vibrant flavors. Every piece should swim in the luscious mixture.

• Bake To Golden Perfection

Fire up the oven to a warm 325°F. Slide the dish into the heat, allowing it to transform for 50-55 minutes. Watch for a sun-kissed golden top and a set wobble. Rest the pudding briefly to let flavors settle.

• Create Boozy Cloud Topping

Whip heavy cream with a splash of bourbon and touch of sweetness. Beat until billowy peaks form, creating a cloud-like crown for your delectable dessert.

• Serve With Celebration

Scoop the warm, fragrant pudding onto waiting plates. Crown with a generous dollop of bourbon-kissed cream. Dive into this tangy, comforting creation that whispers pure indulgence.

Ways to Add Flavor to Lemon Bread Pudding

• Boost Bread Texture: Stale bread works best for this recipe, allowing maximum custard absorption and creating a rich, creamy interior with crispy edges.
• Customize Flavor Profiles: Swap lemon zest with orange or lime zest for a different citrus punch. Experiment with alternative extracts like vanilla or almond to transform the dessert's overall taste experience.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire pudding up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking. This technique allows flavors to develop and intensify, creating a more complex dessert without extra preparation time.
• Smart Storage Solution: Leftover bread pudding stays delicious when refrigerated in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Gently reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds to restore its warm, comforting texture and revive the bourbon cream's softness.

Serving Lemon Bread Pudding with Style

• Elegant Dinner Party Delight: Elevate this lemon bread pudding as a sophisticated dessert for intimate gatherings, garnishing with fresh mint leaves and serving on beautiful white plates.
• Weekend Brunch Centerpiece: Present the warm pudding as a star attraction during lazy weekend brunches, complemented by fresh berries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
• Cozy Comfort Dessert: Enjoy this pudding straight from the oven on chilly evenings, pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm cup of earl grey tea.
• Seasonal Celebration Treat: Customize the dessert for holidays by adding seasonal spices like cinnamon during winter or fresh lavender during spring, making each serving special and memorable.

Lemon Bread Pudding Storage and Prep Advice

• Store Fresh and Flavorful: Keep leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cool environment preserves the pudding's delicate texture and prevents moisture loss.
• Reheat with Care: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or restore oven-fresh warmth by placing the pudding in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Avoid overheating to maintain the creamy consistency.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Wrap the pudding tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve its original taste and texture.
• Cream Companion Tip: Prepare bourbon whipped cream just before serving to ensure maximum freshness and fluffy peaks. Store any unused cream in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, whisking briefly before use to restore its light texture.

Sunny Lemon Bread Pudding Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy lemon bread pudding celebrates Southern dessert traditions with tangy citrus notes. Rich custard and zesty lemon create a delightful finale you’ll savor after any hearty meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 loaf challah bread
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups (480 ml) half-and-half
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 2 tbsps (30 g) softened butter
• 2 medium lemons (¼ cup/60 ml juice and 2 tbsps zest)
• 1 cup (240 ml) very cold heavy cream
• 2 tbsps sugar
• 2 tbsps bourbon

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Instructions

1. Bread Preparation: Cube challah loaf into 1-inch pieces and let air-dry on a baking sheet for a minimum of 1 hour, creating a texture ideal for custard absorption.
2. Dish Setup: Thoroughly butter a 9-inch-by-13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking during the baking process.
3. Custard Mixing: Whisk half-and-half and eggs in a large bowl, blending lemon zest, juice, and sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and fully incorporated.
4. Assembly: Arrange dried bread cubes in the buttered dish, then gently pour the custard mixture over the bread. Softly press cubes with a fork to ensure complete saturation.
5. Baking Process: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and bake for 50-55 minutes, achieving a golden-brown surface with a firm, set center.
6. Resting and Cream Preparation: After removing from oven, let pudding rest for 15 minutes. Simultaneously, whip heavy cream, sugar, and bourbon using an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
7. Serving: Plate the warm bread pudding and top with a generous dollop of bourbon-infused whipped cream, creating a decadent dessert that harmonizes rich, tangy, and creamy flavors.

Notes

• Bread Preparation Tip: Allow challah cubes to dry completely for optimal custard absorption, ensuring a luxurious texture and preventing soggy results.
• Butter Coating Technique: Generously grease the baking dish to guarantee effortless serving and prevent stubborn sticking.
• Custard Mixing Precision: Whisk ingredients thoroughly, incorporating lemon zest and juice gradually to develop a smooth, well-integrated flavor profile.
• Serving Suggestion: Rest the bread pudding briefly after baking to stabilize the custard and enhance overall texture, creating a perfectly set dessert.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 180mg