Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, is renowned for her heartwarming recipes, and her Lemon Bread Pudding is a testament to her dessert expertise. Knowing her husband’s fondness for lemon meringue pie and creamy custard desserts, Ree crafted this delightful Lemon Bread Pudding, a seamless blend of citrusy zest and comforting bread pudding goodness. It’s a dessert that perfectly marries the bright, refreshing taste of lemon with the cozy, satisfying texture of a classic bread pudding, making it an ideal choice for anyone seeking a delightful homemade treat.
The Pioneer Woman’s Lemon Bread Pudding: A Taste of Comfort
Pioneer Woman Lemon Bread Pudding, a delicious custard dessert by Ree Drummond.
This recipe isn’t just about bread pudding; it’s about elevating a comforting classic with a vibrant lemon twist. The Pioneer Woman’s approach to dessert dishes is all about approachable deliciousness, and this recipe is no exception. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to create this kitchen magic.
Ingredients for Lemon Bread Pudding Perfection
- 1 loaf of eggy bread (challah or brioche recommended), for that perfect texture
- Softened butter, for greasing your baking dish and ensuring easy removal
- 2 cups of half-and-half, for a rich and creamy custard base
- 4 large eggs, binding the pudding and adding to the custard richness
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons, the stars of the show, providing a vibrant citrus flavor
- 1 cup of sugar, balancing the lemon’s tartness with sweetness
For the Bourbon Whipped Cream (Optional, but Highly Recommended):
- 1 cup of heavy cream, very cold – essential for perfect whipping
- 2 tablespoons of sugar, adding a touch of sweetness to complement the bourbon
- 2 tablespoons of bourbon, for a sophisticated flavor kick
Essential Tools for Pioneer Woman-Style Baking
Having the right tools can make baking even more enjoyable and efficient, especially when creating Pioneer Woman Dessert Dishes.
Microplane zester, a useful kitchen tool for making Pioneer Woman dessert dishes like lemon bread pudding.
- Microplane Zester: For finely zesting lemons, releasing their aromatic oils without the bitter white pith.
- Hand Mixer: To effortlessly whip up the bourbon cream to fluffy perfection.
Hand mixer, essential for whipping cream for Pioneer Woman desserts.
- 13×9-inch Baking Pan: The ideal size for baking this bread pudding evenly. Consider a Pioneer Woman baking dish for extra style!
Baking Your Lemon Bread Pudding: Step-by-Step
- Prepare the Bread: Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. For slightly drier cubes (ideal for bread pudding), either let them air dry overnight or toast them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes until lightly toasted.
- Custard Creation: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the half-and-half, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined. Then, whisk in the sugar until it’s fully dissolved into the mixture.
- Assemble and Bake: Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish. Arrange the bread cubes in the dish and pour the lemon custard mixture evenly over the bread. Gently press down on the bread cubes to ensure they are submerged in the liquid.
- Baking Time: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the bread pudding is golden brown and set. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes after baking.
Bourbon Whipped Cream: The Crowning Glory
While the bread pudding rests, prepare the bourbon whipped cream. In a chilled bowl, combine the very cold heavy cream, sugar, and bourbon. Beat at high speed with your hand mixer until stiff peaks form (about 4 minutes).
The Delightful Outcome: A Pioneer Woman Dessert Success
This Pioneer Woman Lemon Bread Pudding recipe is wonderfully straightforward, with the lemon zesting being the most involved step – easily tackled with a Microplane zester. The result is a blissfully simple yet incredibly flavorful dessert. The combination of the tangy lemon custard and the comforting bread pudding is truly memorable. This is a dessert you’ll find yourself craving long after the last bite is gone, a true testament to Pioneer Woman dessert dishes and her knack for creating irresistible treats.
Explore More Pioneer Woman Dessert Dishes
If you’re captivated by this Lemon Bread Pudding and eager to explore more of Ree Drummond’s dessert creations, her cookbooks are a treasure trove of deliciousness.
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays Cookbook, featuring many dessert recipes.
The Pioneer Woman Cooks—Super Easy! Cookbook, for quick and easy dessert dishes.
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: The New Frontier Cookbook, a collection of fantastic dessert favorites.
From holiday-themed delights to super easy recipes and fantastic favorites, the Pioneer Woman’s cookbooks offer a wide array of dessert dishes to satisfy any sweet tooth. Dive in and discover your next favorite Pioneer Woman dessert!
