Why You’ll Love this Gooey Dulce De Leche Bread Pudding
If you’ve never experienced the magic of dulce de leche bread pudding, you’re in for a life-changing dessert moment.
This isn’t your grandma’s bread pudding—it’s a gooey, caramel-infused dream that combines buttery bread cubes with rich dulce de leche sauce.
I’m obsessed with how the bittersweet chocolate chips create perfect pockets of melty goodness throughout.
What makes this recipe truly special? The way the bread soaks up that decadent custard, transforming into something that’s simultaneously fluffy and dense.
It’s elegant enough for dinner parties but comforting enough for cozy nights in. Can you imagine anything more satisfying?
What Ingredients are in Gooey Dulce De Leche Bread Pudding?
The beauty of bread pudding lies in transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary, and this dulce de leche version elevates the classic to new heights. What makes this particular recipe so irresistible is the combination of rich, creamy elements with that perfectly caramelized dulce de leche sauce. The egg bread provides the ideal canvas, soaking up all that gorgeous custard while still maintaining enough structure to give you those coveted crispy edges and soft center.
- 8 slices egg bread (crusts trimmed, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (divided)
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup dulce de leche, plus more for serving
- 4 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons dark rum
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup bittersweet chocolate chips (about 3 oz)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Powdered sugar for dusting
When shopping for these ingredients, quality really matters. Look for a rich, eggy bread like brioche or challah—they’ll create the most luxurious texture. And for the dulce de leche, you can certainly use store-bought, but homemade takes this dessert to another level if you have the time. The dark rum adds a subtle complexity that balances the sweetness, but you could substitute with bourbon or even just a splash more vanilla if you prefer to keep it alcohol-free. The bittersweet chocolate chips create those pockets of molten chocolate that make each bite a little different from the last.
How to Make this Gooey Dulce De Leche Bread Pudding
Creating this decadent bread pudding is like orchestrating a beautiful dance between bread, custard, and caramel—each step building toward that moment when you finally dig your spoon into its gooey perfection.
You’ll start by preheating your oven to 350°F, then tossing your 8 slices of cubed egg bread with 3 tablespoons of melted butter in a large bowl. This buttery coating helps the bread develop those irresistible crispy edges we all secretly fight over.
Spread the bread cubes on a rimmed baking sheet and toast them for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they just begin to turn golden. This pre-toasting step might seem fussy, but trust me, it makes all the difference in texture.
While your bread cools, brush a 11x7x2-inch glass baking dish with the remaining tablespoon of melted butter.
Now for the magic—in a medium saucepan, combine 1½ cups heavy whipping cream and 1 cup dulce de leche over medium heat, stirring until the mixture is well blended and begins to bubble gently.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 2 egg yolks, 2 tablespoons dark rum, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. The trick here is to gradually whisk the warm dulce de leche mixture into the egg mixture—go slowly to avoid scrambling those eggs!
Now add your toasted bread cubes to this heavenly custard, letting them soak for 30 minutes and stirring occasionally so every piece gets properly saturated.
Just before baking, fold ½ cup of bittersweet chocolate chips into your soaked bread mixture, creating pockets of melty chocolate throughout the pudding.
Pour this mixture into your prepared baking dish, sprinkle with 2 tablespoons sugar (which will create a subtle crackly top), and bake for about 35 minutes until it’s puffed and set in the center but still has that slight jiggle that promises gooeyness.
Let it cool for 15 minutes—I know waiting is torture—then dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
And here’s where it gets truly over-the-top: serve each portion warm with additional dulce de leche drizzled alongside. The way it melts into the warm pudding? Pure dessert nirvana.
For commercial kitchens making this recipe in large batches, a commercial food processor can make quick work of cubing the bread and mixing the custard ingredients.
Gooey Dulce De Leche Bread Pudding Substitutions and Variations
Though this dulce de leche bread pudding is already divine as written, your kitchen adventures shouldn’t be limited by strict ingredient requirements.
Don’t have egg bread? Any rich bread works beautifully—brioche, challah, or even day-old croissants can create magical results.
The rum adds depth, but vanilla extract or bourbon makes a lovely substitute. Can’t find dulce de leche? Caramel sauce works in a pinch, or make your own by simmering condensed milk.
For chocolate variations, try white chocolate chips or skip them entirely for purists.
And let’s talk toppings—a scoop of vanilla ice cream, fresh berries, or toasted nuts can transform this gooey delight into your own signature dessert.
What to Serve with Gooey Dulce De Leche Bread Pudding
While this decadent dulce de leche bread pudding stands perfectly delicious on its own, pairing it with complementary sides elevates the entire dessert experience to new heights.
I always recommend a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to contrast with the warm pudding, creating that magical hot-and-cold sensation.
For a sophisticated touch, try serving with fresh berries—raspberries or blackberries offer a lovely tartness against the caramel sweetness.
Coffee lovers, grab an espresso or cappuccino; the bitter notes perfectly balance the dessert’s richness.
And if you’re feeling truly indulgent? A small glass of aged rum takes this comfort food into dinner party territory.
Final Thoughts
After making this dulce de leche bread pudding countless times, I’m convinced it’s one of those desserts that creates lasting memories around your table.
There’s something magical about the combination of that caramelized sweetness, rich chocolate, and custardy bread that simply speaks to the soul.
What I love most? It’s impressive without being fussy. You can prepare it ahead and still wow your guests with minimal effort when serving time arrives.
Can you imagine anything more satisfying than watching someone’s eyes close in bliss at that first warm, gooey bite? Perfect for any season, any celebration.
