Description
A rich and indulgent croissant bread pudding infused with vanilla bean and topped with a light, foamy champagne zabaglione.
Ingredients
- 8 large croissants, cut into 1-inch squares
- 2 vanilla beans, split lengthwise
- 6 cups heavy cream
- 15 egg yolks
- 1 cup sugar
- 1½ cups dried cherries
- 4 egg yolks (for zabaglione)
- 1/2 cup sugar (for zabaglione)
- 1 cup dry champagne
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Spread croissant pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15–17 minutes until golden and slightly crisp.
- Split vanilla beans lengthwise.
- Heat heavy cream with vanilla beans in a large pot over medium-low until scalded (small bubbles form along the bottom).
- In a large bowl, whisk together 15 egg yolks and 1 cup sugar. Gradually add the hot cream mixture, scraping in the vanilla seeds.
- Place toasted croissants in a large casserole dish and sprinkle dried cherries over the top.
- Pour custard over croissants and gently fold to combine.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45–50 minutes until custard is set.
- About 10 minutes before the pudding is done, prepare the zabaglione: whisk 4 egg yolks and 1/2 cup sugar in a heatproof bowl.
- Place over a double boiler on high heat, add champagne, and whisk continuously for 6–8 minutes until thick and foamy.
- Serve bread pudding warm, topped with zabaglione.
Notes
- Day-old croissants work best for better texture and absorption.
- Ensure the cream is warm but not boiling when mixing with eggs to prevent curdling.
- You can substitute dried cranberries or raisins for cherries.
- Zabaglione should be served immediately for best texture.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 310 mg
