One of the best things about being on vacation is hitting the “pause” button on your diet and indulging in the delectable desserts that the local area has to offer. Who doesn’t love the delectable, sweet treats from a different region, culture and kitchen? You’ve probably heard the expression, “It always tastes better when someone else makes it.”

I can’t argue with that, but, trust me, once you return from the coast of Mexico, I guarantee you, you’re going to miss it’s sights, sounds and it’s flavours!

Here’s one of my favorite dessert recipes for you to try at home. This soft, sweet, sticky dessert will bring your mind (and your mouth) right back to the coast of Oaxaca!

Mexican Sweet Dessert – Tres Leches Bread Pudding

INGREDIENTSMexican Sweet Dessert

  • Nonstick spray
  • 2 1/4 cups whole milk
  • 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 9 large egg yolks
  • 1 loaf challah bread, cut or torn into 1-inch pieces (stale is best)
  • 3/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
  • Cinnamon Sugar Sauce, recipe follows
  • Freshly whipped cream, for serving

 

CINNAMON SUGAR SAUCE:Mexican Sweet Dessert

  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

DIRECTIONS

Coat the insert of a slow cooker with nonstick spray. Line the insert with aluminum foil for easy removal, letting some foil overhand for handles.

Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, salt and egg yolks. Toss in the cubed bread and the almonds and mix to coat all the bread.

Add the mixture to the slow cooker, cover and cook on low until the center of the bread pudding is set, about 4 hours. Remove the lid and cool. Use the foil handles to lift the bread pudding from the slow cooker. Drizzle individual servings with Cinnamon Sugar Sauce and top with freshly whipped cream.

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, buttermilk, corn syrup, vanilla and cinnamon and salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Remove from the heat and slowly add the baking soda. At first the sauce will bubble up, just keep stirring. Sauce will thicken as it cools.

Cook’s Note: This syrup is a great addition to pancakes, waffles or any dessert.

Re-published in The Eye magazine