Easy Individual Bread Pudding

The decadent taste of bread pudding in a quick and easy, individual serving — topped with a luscious orange juice bourbon sauce!

One day over the Christmas holidays, we were having a breakfast “out” with our boys and started reminiscing about the first time as a family we ate out with them and it felt “normal.” And by normal I mean, they weren’t on tablets, sitting in high chairs, asking for PB&Js… if you’re a parent, you can imagine the scene.

They were both still in elementary school at the time, but they had each matured to the point that we ate together, talked about a few things and really enjoyed each others company. It was a pivotal moment. I’ll never forget it. It was a glimpse into what other parents with grown kids tell me is one of the best parts of parenting… when your kids get old enough to be almost like a peer.

This whole scene I described was the first Christmas we’d ever spent at the beach. We’ve spent many more there since and have had many more memorable meals with them there. ‘Like the one where my youngest first discovered he liked bread pudding.

We’d gone to a local restaurant known for their seafood and semi-upscale dining (at the beach NOTHING is too upscale, nor should it be!) We are a dessert sharing family and when it came to ordering one for the table, we were encouraged to get their famous bread pudding.

Yuck! He wanted NO part of that!

After much discussion (and some not so mature protests on his part), his father, brother and I won out and bread pudding was ordered. When it arrived, he protested, but ultimately caved to curiosity and a very strong sweet tooth.

The verdict? He loved it… as I’m sure you imagined. I mean, what’s NOT to love!

This Christmas instead of going out for the famous bread pudding at the beach, I opted to create these little individual bread puddings for our quiet family dinner at our beach house. Developed in partnership with the Juice Products Association, they’re the perfect sweet treat when you’re looking to bake a little something special, but don’t want a complicated day of cooking.

By simmering 100% fruit juice until it’s reduced and thickened, it becomes a deeply rich citrus sauce that gives just the right amount of sweetness to each custardy bit of the pudding.

While most of the time my fruit juice consumption is in the form of a glass of OJ in the morning, I’m totally on board for cooking with it as well.  Juice is an easy and affordable way for both children and adults to meet their daily fruit goals. 

And I love creating dishes with fruit juice and here’s why. According to the Dietary Guidelines, one cup of 100% fruit juice is equivalent to one cup of fruit and contains similar nutrients to the fruit it is squeezed from.

If you’ve never made a bread pudding, let me encourage to try this one. It’s easy and served with a heapin’ helping of some very fond family memories… with many more to be made. Enjoy! ~Regan

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