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The COZY Maple Walnut Bread Pudding

The COZY Maple Walnut Bread Pudding

Soft, flaky croissants and toasted walnuts are baked in a rich maple custard, then drizzled with a luxurious brown butter maple sauce. This cozy, decadent bread pudding is a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for fall gatherings or holiday celebrations.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 4 hours
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 640
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 14 ounces croissants cut or torn into pieces (or substitute brioche or challah)
  • 1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts toasted
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar for topping
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar for brown butter sauce
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt for sauce
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream for sauce
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup for sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract for sauce

Equipment

  • oven
  • mixing bowls
  • whisk
  • 8-inch baking dish
  • saucepan
  • baking sheet
  • spatula or wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Scatter torn croissants on a baking sheet and toast for 8–10 minutes until dry and lightly golden. Toast walnuts in the same oven for 8–10 minutes, then let cool.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk maple syrup, brown sugar, egg yolks, egg, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth. Add heavy cream and milk; whisk until well combined.
  3. Fold in the croissants until fully saturated in the custard, then gently fold in toasted walnuts.
  4. Pour the mixture into a greased 8-inch square baking dish, pressing down gently to submerge all pieces. Let soak for at least 2 hours (or overnight in the refrigerator).
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Sprinkle 1 tablespoon sugar evenly over the top and bake for 40–45 minutes, until golden and set.
  6. For the brown butter maple sauce: Combine sugar, flour, and salt in a small bowl. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring until golden brown and nutty. Whisk in the sugar mixture, then slowly add cream. Simmer until thickened, then stir in maple syrup and vanilla.
  7. Serve warm bread pudding drizzled generously with brown butter maple sauce. Garnish with extra walnuts if desired.

Notes

Make-Ahead Tips:
• The pudding can soak overnight in the refrigerator; bring to room temperature before baking.
• Substitute brioche or challah for croissants if desired.
• For an extra-decadent twist, add a splash of bourbon to the sauce.
Serving: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Perfect for holidays or Sunday brunch.