Caramel-Kissed Bread Pudding for One

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Bread pudding is a timeless comfort dessert, made even more delightful when you don’t have to share. This single-serving caramel-kissed version is perfect for a cozy evening in or a well-deserved sweet treat at the end of a long day.

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Ingredients

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  • 1 cup day-old bread, cubed (any type—brioche, French, or even whole wheat)
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tablespoon caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling
  • 1 tablespoon butter or coconut oil (optional, for extra richness)

Instructions

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a small, oven-safe ramekin or dish that can hold about one cup—this will be your personal pudding bowl.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. For a richer dessert, melt the butter (or coconut oil) and stir it into this mixture.

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Now, fold in the bread cubes, allowing them to soak up the custard for a minute or two. Stir in a tablespoon of caramel sauce, gently coating the bread pieces.

Transfer the mixture to your prepared ramekin, drizzle a little extra caramel on top, and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 20–25 minutes, or until the pudding is golden on top and set in the center. Let it cool briefly before digging in.

This recipe is a wonderful reminder that comfort food doesn’t have to come in large batches to be satisfying. Whether you’re craving a sweet treat on a quiet evening or need a miniature indulgence to top off the day, this single-serve bread pudding delivers plenty of flavor. You can opt for low-fat milk or experiment with almond or oat milk for a lighter variation; swap the caramel for chocolate sauce or fruit preserves if you’re feeling adventurous. It’s delicious simplicity in the perfect personal portion.

Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.