Lemon Bread Pudding with Fig & Creamy Lemon Sauce
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Indulge in a zesty, comforting dessert that combines the bright flavors of lemon with a rich, custardy twist—perfect for any sweet tooth!
Ingredients:
Image Credit: Our Best Bites
Ingredients:
- PUDDING
- 8 cups day-old ciabatta or French bread cut into 1/2" cubes
- 2 tablespoons lemon olive oil
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 lemon
- 2 1/2 cups sugar
- SAUCE
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3 ounces cream cheese light is fine
- 1.5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. Spread the bread cubes evenly on a baking sheet, drizzle with lemon olive oil, and toss to coat. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven.
- While the bread cubes toast, lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- In a large bowl or blender, mix the milk, cream, eggs, and vanilla. If using a blender, pulse until the eggs are fully combined. Whisk in the sugar and lemon zest.
- Transfer the toasted bread cubes to the prepared baking dish. Pour the milk mixture over the bread, stirring to evenly distribute and begin absorption. Cover with foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight (no longer than 24 hours).
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the covered dish for about 60 minutes, checking around 50 minutes. Remove the foil after 50 minutes and continue baking until the top is golden and slightly firm (it should move slightly but not jiggle excessively). Once out of the oven, squeeze the juice of the reserved lemon over the pudding.
- While baking, prepare the sauce. Blend the milk, cream cheese, flour, and sugar until smooth, then transfer to a saucepan and add the lemon. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened to a custard-like consistency. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
- Serve warm by plating individual portions, drizzling with about 1 tablespoon of fig balsamic vinegar, and topping with warm sauce. Enjoy immediately or reheat in the microwave if serving later.
