Pan De Calatrava Spanish Bread Pudding

Whenever the holiday season approaches, the scent of warm spices and sweet treats fills the air, making it the perfect time to indulge in comforting and traditional recipes. In Spanish culture, Christmas celebrations are incomplete without the delightful dessert known as Pan de Calatrava. This rich and creamy bread pudding is a classic favorite, loved for its custardy texture and decadent flavor. So, gather your ingredients and let’s dive into making this delicious Spanish Christmas treat!

Ingredients:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
– 8 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 6 cups day-old bread cubes (such as baguette or brioche)
– Caramel sauce, for serving
– Fresh berries, for garnish

Instructions:
1. Begin by preparing the caramel sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, water, and cinnamon stick. Let it simmer without stirring until it turns into a deep amber color, about 10-12 minutes. Remove the cinnamon stick and carefully pour the caramel into the bottom of a baking dish, swirling to coat the bottom evenly. Set aside to cool and harden.

2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and place a large roasting pan filled with hot water on the bottom rack to create a water bath for baking the pudding.

3. In a saucepan, heat the milk, heavy cream, and sweetened condensed milk over low heat until just simmering. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon zest until well combined. Slowly pour in the warm milk mixture while whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling.

5. Place the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl and pour the custard mixture over them. Gently fold the bread into the custard, ensuring all the pieces are well coated. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.

6. Transfer the bread pudding mixture into the prepared baking dish with the hardened caramel on the bottom. Smooth the top with a spatula and cover the dish with aluminum foil.

7. Carefully place the baking dish in the water bath in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the pudding is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.

8. Once done, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the top to caramelize slightly.

9. Remove the Pan de Calatrava from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Then, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the pudding to set completely.

10. To serve, run a knife around the edges of the dish and place a serving platter on top. Quickly invert the dish to release the pudding onto the platter with the caramel sauce on top. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce, garnish with fresh berries, and enjoy this delightful Spanish Christmas dessert with friends and family!

Pan de Calatrava is a true holiday indulgence that brings warmth and sweetness to any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating a traditional Spanish Christmas or simply looking to add a touch of culture to your festivities, this decadent bread pudding is sure to delight your taste buds. So, embrace the spirit of the season and treat yourself to a slice of this creamy, comforting dessert!