Cinnamon Caramel Bread Pudding

By englandt

Ingredients

• 20 3 1/2 square slices cinnamon-raisin bread (not ends)
• 12 large eggs
• 2 1/2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups chilled whipping cream (heavy)
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 T vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 t finely grated orange peel
• salt to taste
• 2 T pwd sugar
• Caramel sauce warmed

Preparation

Step 1

Cut crusts off bread to make the right size, then slice into quarters. Place in very large bowl. Whisk eggs, milk, 1 C cream, and next 4 ingredients in large bowl until sugar dissolves. Pour egg mixture on top to submerge bread in egg mixture. Chill at least 4 hours. Stir and let stand for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375. Butter large baking dish and bake in water bath about 40 min or until center comes out clean. Whip remaining cream and pwd sugar until peaks form. Serve warm with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg and crushed pecans if desired.