Introduction
Have you ever wondered if you could transform the beloved flavors of Tiramisu into an even more comforting and family-friendly dessert? Many home bakers assume that recreating such a complex Italian masterpiece at home is a daunting task, but what if I told you there’s a recipe that captures all that rich goodness in an easy-to-make Tiramisu Bread Pudding?
Let me introduce you. This isn’t just any bread pudding; it’s an experience. Inspired by the classic Italian dessert, this recipe takes the best parts of both worlds – the warm, custardy delight of a homemade bread pudding and the coffee-soaked, cocoa-dusted elegance of Tiramisu. It’s simpler than you think to pull off, and the combination of textures and flavors is absolutely divine.
What makes this Tiramisu Bread Pudding so special? It’s the perfect balance of creamy custard, softened bread, and those signature Tiramisu flavors: coffee, cocoa, and a hint of something deliciously rich. Better yet, it’s incredibly versatile and easily adaptable to your preferences. It’s a family-friendly dessert that’s also elegant enough for a dinner party. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to create a dessert that tastes like it came straight from a fancy Italian bakery. Trust me, your family (and your tastebuds) will thank you.
Why You’ll Love This Tiramisu Bread Pudding – Inspired by the classic Italian dessert.
- Unforgettable Flavor: Layers of coffee-soaked bread meet a luscious custard, crowned with cocoa powder for the authentic Tiramisu experience.
- Perfectly Simple: Forget complicated Tiramisu recipes; this bread pudding is straightforward and beginner-friendly.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Suitable for all ages, making it an ideal dessert for family gatherings and parties.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare it ahead of time and bake it just before serving, saving you valuable time on the day.
- Ultra-Comforting: Warm, soft, and utterly satisfying; it’s the ultimate comfort food with a sophisticated twist.
- Adaptable: Easily customize it with different types of bread, add-ins, or toppings to suit your taste.
Ingredients for Tiramisu Bread Pudding – Inspired by the classic Italian dessert.
- 6 cups cubed bread (stale brioche, challah, or Italian bread work well)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee, cooled
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, for dusting
- Optional: 1/4 cup coffee liqueur (such as Kahlua)
- Optional: Chocolate shavings for garnish
Substitutions:
- Bread: Gluten-free bread can be used for a gluten-free version.
- Milk: Dairy-free milk like almond or soy milk can be substituted.
- Sugar: Coconut sugar or maple syrup can be used as a healthier alternative.
- Coffee: Decaf coffee works just as well if you prefer to avoid caffeine.
- Liqueur: Omit for an alcohol-free version or use a coffee extract.
How to Make Tiramisu Bread Pudding – Inspired by the classic Italian dessert.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the bread cubes in the prepared dish. If using stale bread, lightly toast them in the oven for 5-7 minutes to enhance the texture.
Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, cooled espresso (or strong coffee), eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. If using, stir in the coffee liqueur.
Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it’s fully soaked in the custard. Let the bread soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, for best results. This step allows the bread to absorb all the delicious flavors.
Bake the Pudding: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Dust: Remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Dust generously with cocoa powder.
Garnish and Serve: If desired, garnish with chocolate shavings. Serve warm, and enjoy!
Pro Tips & Variations
- Use Stale Bread: Stale bread absorbs the custard better without becoming mushy. If you only have fresh bread, cut it into cubes and let it sit out overnight to dry slightly.
- Don’t Skip the Soaking: The soaking time is crucial for achieving the right texture. Ensure the bread is thoroughly saturated with the custard.
- Coffee Strength: Adjust the amount of coffee to your preference. For a stronger coffee flavor, use a dark roast or add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the custard.
- Vegan Variation: Substitute the dairy milk and cream with coconut milk. Replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes). Use a vegan-friendly bread.
- Chocolate Chip Addition: For extra indulgence, stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white) before baking.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard for a warm, comforting twist.
Why not use this recipe to make an amazing Banana Cake Recipe ? or perhaps a Moist Banana Bread ?
Serving Suggestions
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the warm Tiramisu Bread Pudding beautifully. The contrast of temperatures and textures is absolutely delightful.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream, lightly sweetened with powdered sugar, adds a touch of elegance.
- Berry Compote: A tart berry compote, such as raspberry or strawberry, provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the bread pudding.
- Espresso Drizzle: For an intense coffee flavor, drizzle the bread pudding with a shot of strong espresso just before serving.
- Bourbon Sauce: Make a Bread Pudding With Bourbon Sauce to put a distinctive twist on proceedings.
And don forget, recipes for Homemade Banana Bread and even Healthy Banana Bread are just a link away, so check them out
Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover Tiramisu Bread Pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: The bread pudding can be frozen, although the texture may change slightly upon thawing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat, cover the bread pudding with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
Also, if you are using overripe bananas, a Best Banana Bread or even options for Banana Recipes Overripe could be the best option, whilst if you feel like using another vegetable, consider a Zucchini Banana Bread
FAQ about Tiramisu Bread Pudding – Inspired by the classic Italian dessert.
Q: Can I use a different type of bread?
A: Absolutely! While brioche, challah, or Italian bread are ideal, you can also use other types of bread like sourdough or croissants. Just be mindful of the bread’s texture and adjust soaking time accordingly. A Croissant Bread Pudding can be very delicious.
Q: Can I make this bread pudding without alcohol?
A: Yes, you can easily omit the coffee liqueur for an alcohol-free version. You can substitute it with a coffee extract or simply add an extra splash of strong coffee to the custard mixture.
Q: How do I prevent the bread pudding from becoming soggy?
A: Using stale bread is key to preventing sogginess. Also, ensure you don’t over-soak the bread in the custard mixture. Let it soak just long enough to be thoroughly saturated, but not mushy, try a Sourdough Bread Pudding .
Q: Can I make this bread pudding ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the bread pudding a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Bake it just before serving for the best results.
Q: What if I don’t have espresso?
A: You can substitute espresso with strong brewed coffee or instant espresso powder dissolved in hot water. The goal is to achieve that bold coffee flavor that is essential to Tiramisu. Or, indeed why not a Brioche Bread Pudding ?
Let’s not forget other types of Bread Pudding such as Custard Bread Pudding Recipe , Best Bread Pudding Recipe , Southern Bread Pudding , Savory Bread Pudding , Crockpot Bread Pudding , Bread And Butter Pudding
Final Thoughts on Tiramisu Bread Pudding – Inspired by the classic Italian dessert.
This Tiramisu Bread Pudding recipe is more than just a dessert—it’s an invitation to reimagine classic flavors in a new, comforting, and accessible way. With its straightforward steps and customizable options, it’s an excellent recipe for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert for your next dinner party or a cozy treat for a rainy afternoon, this bread pudding is guaranteed to impress.
Don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest for future inspiration! And if you try it out, please leave a comment below to share your experience and variations. Your feedback helps other bakers discover the joy of this delicious creation.
Subscribing to the blog will get you notified of future recipe innovations, too. Enjoy your next batch of Tiramisu Bread Pudding, and happy baking!Also, why not add a little Super Moist Banana Bread to proceedings.
Tiramisu Bread Pudding
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish,
- – Whisk
- Large bowl
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
Bread
- 6 cups cubed bread stale brioche, challah, or Italian bread work well
Custard
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee cooled
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Toppings & Flavorings
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder for dusting
- 1/4 cup coffee liqueur (optional) such as Kahlua
- chocolate shavings (optional) for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the cubed bread in the dish. If using stale bread, lightly toast the cubes for 5-7 minutes to enhance texture.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, cooled espresso or coffee, eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Stir in coffee liqueur if using.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press down to ensure all bread is soaked. Let soak for at least 30 minutes, up to 1 hour.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking 15-20 minutes until custard is set and top is golden. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Dust generously with cocoa powder.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
