German Chocolate Bread Pudding: The Ultimate Decadent Dessert

Lemon Honey Mustard Chicken: Prepare to be amazed by this incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make dish that will quickly become a weeknight staple! Imagine tender, juicy chicken, glazed with a vibrant and tangy sauce that perfectly balances sweet honey, zesty lemon, and the subtle kick of mustard. This isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience for your taste buds!

While the exact origins of combining these flavors in this specific way are somewhat modern, the individual components boast rich histories. Honey and mustard have been used as flavor enhancers for centuries, dating back to ancient civilizations. Lemons, prized for their bright acidity, add a contemporary twist to this classic combination. The beauty of Lemon Honey Mustard Chicken lies in its simplicity and adaptability. It’s a dish that feels both comforting and sophisticated, making it perfect for a casual family meal or a more elegant dinner party.

People adore this dish for several reasons. First, the taste is simply irresistible. The sweet and savory combination is a crowd-pleaser, appealing to both adults and children. Second, the texture is divine – the chicken remains incredibly moist, while the glaze creates a beautiful, slightly sticky coating. Finally, and perhaps most importantly for busy individuals, it’s incredibly convenient. This Lemon Honey Mustard Chicken recipe requires minimal ingredients and comes together in under an hour, making it the perfect solution for those hectic evenings when you crave a delicious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to fall in love with this easy and flavorful chicken recipe!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Bread Pudding:
• 1 (14-ounce) loaf brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 8 cups)
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups shredded sweetened coconut
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
• Optional Garnish:
• Chocolate shavings
• Toasted pecans

Preparing the Bread Pudding Base

Okay, let’s get started! First, we need to prepare the base of our bread pudding. This involves cubing the bread and creating the custard that will soak into it.

1. Cube the Brioche: Cut the brioche loaf into 1-inch cubes. You should aim for about 8 cups of cubed bread. Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly uniform; a little variation adds to the rustic charm of the pudding. Place the cubed bread in a large bowl.
2. Whisk the Eggs: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the 6 large eggs until they are light and frothy. This will ensure a smooth and even custard.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt to the whisked eggs. Whisk everything together until the sugar and cocoa powder are fully dissolved and the mixture is well combined. Make sure there are no lumps of cocoa powder remaining.
4. Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture over the cubed bread in the large bowl. Gently toss the bread to ensure that all the cubes are evenly coated with the custard. Don’t be afraid to get your hands in there!
5. Let it Soak: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the bread soak in the custard for at least 30 minutes, or even better, for an hour. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a moist and delicious bread pudding. If you have the time, you can even let it soak in the refrigerator overnight for an even richer flavor.

Baking the Bread Pudding

Now that our bread has had a good soak, it’s time to bake it to golden-brown perfection!

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature will ensure that the bread pudding cooks evenly without burning.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the bread pudding from sticking to the dish and make it easier to serve.
3. Pour into Baking Dish: Pour the soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
4. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the bread pudding is golden brown and set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
5. Cool Slightly: Once baked, remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the coconut-pecan frosting. This will prevent the frosting from melting too much when you spread it on top.

Making the Coconut-Pecan Frosting

This is the star of the show! The coconut-pecan frosting is what transforms this bread pudding into a German Chocolate masterpiece.

1. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add Brown Sugar and Milk: Stir in the packed light brown sugar, whole milk, and salt.
3. Bring to a Boil: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
4. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the frosting thickens slightly. Be careful not to burn the frosting.
5. Remove from Heat: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, shredded sweetened coconut, and chopped pecans. Mix well to combine.

Assembling and Serving

The final step! Let’s put it all together and enjoy this delicious German Chocolate Bread Pudding.

1. Spread the Frosting: While the bread pudding is still warm (but not piping hot), spread the coconut-pecan frosting evenly over the top. The warmth of the bread pudding will help the frosting to melt slightly and adhere to the surface.
2. Optional Garnish: If desired, garnish with chocolate shavings and toasted pecans for an extra touch of elegance.
3. Let it Cool: Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving. This will allow the frosting to set a bit and the flavors to meld together.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Cut the bread pudding into squares and serve warm. This German Chocolate Bread Pudding is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Tips for Success:

• Bread Choice: While brioche is highly recommended for its rich flavor and texture, you can also use challah or even day-old French bread. Just make sure the bread is slightly stale so it absorbs the custard well.
• Soaking Time: Don’t skimp on the soaking time! The longer the bread soaks, the moister and more flavorful the bread pudding will be.
• Cocoa Powder: Use a good quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa powder will give a richer, darker flavor.
• Nuts: Feel free to experiment with different nuts in the frosting. Walnuts or almonds would also be delicious.
• Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar in the frosting to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the amount of brown sugar.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the bread pudding base ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Just add the frosting before baking.

Variations:

• Chocolate Chips: Add chocolate chips to the bread pudding base for an extra chocolatey treat.
• Bourbon: Add a tablespoon of bourbon to the custard mixture for a boozy twist.
• Dried Fruit: Add dried cherries or cranberries to the bread pudding base for a festive touch.
• White Chocolate: Substitute white chocolate chips for the coconut in the frosting for a different flavor profile.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a perfect way to indulge in the flavors of German Chocolate cake in a comforting and delicious bread pudding form. Happy baking!

Conclusion:

This German Chocolate Bread Pudding isn’t just dessert; it’s an experience. The rich, decadent flavors of German chocolate, combined with the comforting texture of bread pudding, create a symphony of deliciousness that will have everyone begging for seconds. Trust me, once you take that first bite of the moist, chocolate-infused bread, the creamy custard, and the sweet, nutty coconut pecan topping, you’ll understand why I’m so passionate about this recipe. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for holidays, special occasions, or even just a cozy weekend treat.

But what truly elevates this bread pudding to must-try status is its versatility. While it’s absolutely divine served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, there are so many other ways to enjoy it. For a truly decadent experience, try drizzling it with a homemade chocolate sauce or a salted caramel sauce. The contrast of sweet and salty is simply irresistible!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* For a brunch twist: Serve individual portions of the bread pudding with a side of fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar.
* Make it boozy: Add a splash of rum or bourbon to the custard mixture for an extra kick.
* Spice it up: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the custard will add warmth and depth of flavor.
* Nut-free option: Simply omit the pecans from the topping or substitute them with toasted sunflower seeds.
* Coconut lovers rejoice: Add shredded coconut to the bread pudding mixture itself for an even more intense coconut flavor.
* Chocolate overload: Fold in some chocolate chips into the bread pudding mixture before baking.

I’ve made this German Chocolate Bread Pudding countless times, and each time it’s a resounding success. It’s surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and the results are always impressive. The key is to use good quality chocolate and don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations to find your perfect combination.

I truly believe that this recipe is a winner, and I’m so excited for you to try it. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a dessert that will impress your family and friends. Don’t be intimidated by the name; it’s much simpler than it sounds, and the payoff is huge.

Once you’ve made this incredible bread pudding, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you try any of the variations I suggested? Did you add your own special touch? Share your photos and comments with me – I’m always eager to see your creations and learn from your culinary adventures. Happy baking, and I hope you enjoy every delicious bite of this German Chocolate Bread Pudding! I am confident that this will become a staple in your recipe collection. Let me know what you think!