I’m excited to share this extraordinary dessert that combines three beloved treats into one spectacular cake. This triple-layer masterpiece features a golden caramel base, creamy bread pudding middle, and rich chocolate brownie top, creating an unforgettable fusion of textures and flavors that will elevate any special occasion.
The Story Behind This Fusion Dessert
This innovative recipe represents the perfect marriage of classic comfort desserts: traditional bread pudding, fudgy brownies, and caramel sauce. The inspiration comes from combining beloved dessert elements from different culinary traditions – French bread pudding, American brownies, and classic caramel – into a sophisticated modern creation that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
Essential Ingredients
For the Caramel Layer
- 50g granulated sugar (¼ cup)
- 45ml hot water (3 tablespoons)
For the Bread Pudding Layer
- 2 slices white bread, crusts removed
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 100g granulated sugar (½ cup)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla paste or extract
- Pinch of salt
- 350ml full-fat milk (1½ cups)
For the Brownie Layer
- 250ml full-fat milk (1 cup)
- ½ teaspoon instant coffee powder
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 150g granulated sugar (¾ cup)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla paste or extract
- 100g all-purpose flour (¾ cup)
- 35g unsweetened cocoa powder (⅓ cup)
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- 397g sweetened condensed milk (14 oz can)
- 120ml vegetable oil (½ cup)
Detailed Instructions
Preparing the Caramel Base
- Start with a clean, dry saucepan for the caramel
- Heat the sugar over medium heat, watching carefully
- When the sugar turns golden brown, carefully add the hot water
- Stir until smooth and immediately pour into a greased 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan
- Tilt the pan to ensure even coverage
Creating the Bread Pudding Layer
- Cut the bread into small, uniform cubes (approximately ½-inch)
- In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, vanilla, and salt until well combined
- Heat the milk until warm but not boiling (around 110°F/43°C)
- Gradually whisk the warm milk into the egg mixture to prevent curdling
- Add the bread cubes and let them soak for exactly 5 minutes
- Gently pour over the caramel layer, ensuring even distribution
Making the Brownie Layer
- Warm the milk and dissolve the coffee powder completely
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, and vanilla until light and well combined
- Sift together flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda
- Add dry ingredients to the egg mixture, mixing until just combined
- Stir in condensed milk and oil until smooth
- Add the coffee-milk mixture and combine thoroughly
- Carefully pour over the bread pudding layer
Steaming the Cake
- Place the cake pan in a larger baking dish
- Fill the outer dish with hot water halfway up the sides of the cake pan
- Steam over medium heat for 45-50 minutes
- Test doneness with a toothpick – it should come out mostly clean
- The center should be slightly jiggly but set
- Cool completely at room temperature
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving
Storage and Serving Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Serve chilled or slightly warmed
- For clean slices, dip your knife in hot water between cuts
- Garnish with fresh berries, whipped cream, or additional caramel sauce if desired
Nutrition Information (per slice)
- Calories: 485
- Total Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 245mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 65g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 52g
- Protein: 11g
Serves: 8 slices
Troubleshooting Tips
- If the caramel hardens too quickly, warm the pan slightly before adding the bread pudding layer
- If the brownie layer seems too thick, tap the pan gently on the counter to remove air bubbles
- For best results, use room temperature ingredients to ensure even cooking
- Allow the cake to cool completely before attempting to unmold to prevent breaking
This luxurious dessert combines the best elements of three classic desserts into one impressive creation. The contrast between the sticky caramel base, creamy bread pudding center, and rich chocolate brownie top creates an unforgettable dessert experience that’s perfect for special occasions or when you want to create something truly extraordinary.
