Almond Bread Pudding

Name: Almond Bread Pudding
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12-15 servings
Ingredients: 6 croissants; 8 eggs; 3 cups milk; 2 cups sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 1/4 cup almond paste, cut into small cubes; 1/2 cup chopped almonds; STRAWBERRY CARAMEL SAUCE:; 2 cups sugar; 2 cups heavy whipping cream; 1/2 cup frozen sweetened sliced strawberries, thawed

Total Time Prep: 20 min. Bake: 35 min.

Yield 12-15 servings

Test Kitchen Approved

I played with a recipe from my mom, and the result has been popular with all of our customers at the Washington House in Sellersville.—Deb Mathie, Sellersville, Pennsylvania

Ingredients

6 croissants
8 eggs
3 cups milk
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 cup almond paste, cut into small cubes
1/2 cup chopped almonds
STRAWBERRY CARAMEL SAUCE:
2 cups sugar
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup frozen sweetened sliced strawberries, thawed

Directions

Cut croissants into 1/2-in. pieces; place in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, milk, sugar and extracts. Pour over croissants; let stand for 10 minutes. Dot with almond paste; sprinkle with almonds (dish will be full).
Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Meanwhile, in a heavy saucepan over medium heat, cook and stir sugar with a wooden spoon until sugar has melted and turned a deep amber color, about 20 minutes.
Add 1 cup cream (mixture will bubble). Stir in remaining cream; cook 10-15 minutes longer or until caramelized sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from the heat; stir in strawberries. Serve with bread pudding.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 531 calories, 24g fat (12g saturated fat), 179mg cholesterol, 240mg sodium, 72g carbohydrate (59g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.