Rebel Float Bread Pudding (Printable Version)

A comforting dessert with vanilla custard-soaked bread and root beer syrup, topped with vanilla ice cream.

# The Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Bread Base

01 - 8 cups day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, for greasing

→ Custard Mixture

03 - 2 cups whole milk
04 - 1 cup heavy cream
05 - 4 large eggs
06 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
07 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Root Beer Syrup

09 - 1 cup root beer, not diet
10 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar

→ Topping

11 - 1 cup vanilla ice cream, for serving
12 - Maraschino cherries, optional, for garnish

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with softened butter.
02 - Distribute the bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
04 - Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Press gently with a spatula to saturate. Let soak for 15 minutes.
05 - While the bread soaks, combine root beer and granulated sugar in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 10–12 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and cool briefly.
06 - Drizzle half the root beer syrup over the soaked bread. Use a knife to gently swirl for a marbled effect.
07 - Transfer the baking dish to the oven. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until set and golden brown on top.
08 - Remove from oven and let cool 10 minutes before serving.
09 - Scoop into bowls, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, the remaining root beer syrup, and a maraschino cherry if desired.

# Additional Notes:

01 - For additional richness, add chocolate chips between bread layers before baking.
02 - French bread or sourdough may be used in place of brioche or challah.
03 - Bread pudding maintains its flavor and texture for up to two days when refrigerated.
04 - Pairs best when served warm with chilled root beer or cream soda.

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