Traditional Cuban bread pudding, fluffy and topped with shiny caramel.

 

Cuban Bread Pudding: A Homemade Dessert to Remember

Bread pudding is a humble dessert that becomes a true gem thanks to the tradition behind its preparation. With day-old bread, milk, and spices, we achieve a fluffy, fragrant creation with that shiny caramel that makes it irresistible.

🥄 Ingredients

  • For the pudding:
    • ½ loaf of white bread (crust removed, approx. ½ pound)
    • 2 cups whole milk
    • ¾ cup sugar
    • 4 eggs
    • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 2 tablespoons raisins
    • 2 tablespoons butter
    • 1 tablespoon dry wine
    • A pinch of salt
  • For the caramel:
    • 1 ¼ cups white sugar
    • 3 tablespoons water

 

 

🍯 Golden and aromatic caramel

Place the sugar and water in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat without stirring until it reaches a deep amber color. Carefully pour into the mold and tilt it to coat the bottom and sides. Let it rest until it hardens.

👨‍🍳 Creamy bread base

In a blender, combine milk, eggs, sugar, melted butter, vanilla, dry wine, and salt. Blend slowly to integrate without creating foam. Strain the mixture into a large bowl, add the crumbled bread and raisins. Let it soak until it reaches a smooth, even texture.

🔥 Baking in a water bath

Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Pour the preparation into the caramel-coated mold, cover with aluminum foil, and place it inside a larger tray filled with hot water halfway up the mold. Bake for 60 to 90 minutes or until, when inserting a knife in the center, it comes out clean.

❄️ Resting and unmolding

Remove the mold from the oven and let it cool at room temperature. Then refrigerate it for 1 hour so the flavors blend better. To unmold, loosen the edges with a thin knife, place a plate over the mold, and flip it firmly. The caramel will coat the surface with an irresistible shine.

ℹ️ Useful information

  • Servings: 6
  • Preparation time: 30 minutes
  • Baking: 60–90 minutes
  • Chilling time: 1 hour
  • Category: Desserts
  • Cuisine: Cuban

💡 Final tip

For a tastier result, soak the raisins beforehand in rum or dry wine. The flavor contrast will elevate the pudding to another level. If you like, you can also prepare a light syrup and drizzle it on top when serving—this will give it a masterful finishing touch.

Do you prefer it warm or cold? Both ways are delicious, but cold brings out its aromas and velvety texture best.

🏷️ Tags: bread pudding, Cuban desserts, caramel, traditional recipes

For the Spanish recipe, visit: Pudín de Pan Cubano: Receta Tradicional.