Sweet Tea Bread Pudding with Lemon Curd and Caramel Sauce

This indulgent bread pudding transforms Hawaiian rolls into a Southern-inspired dessert with layers of tangy lemon curd and sweet tea-infused custard. The unique addition of unsweetened iced tea gives the custard a subtle depth, while spoonfuls of bright lemon curd create pockets of citrusy richness throughout. Topped with a glossy tea-caramel sauce that balances bitter and sweet notes, this dessert is perfect for special occasions or when you want to a classic comfort food. The water bath baking method ensures a silky, creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Tear half the rolls into pieces and place in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish
- 2
Mix egg yolks, sugar, and salt in a bowl
- 3
Whisk in heavy cream and ice tea until fully incorporated
- 4
Pour half the custard over the bread pieces
- 5
Press down bread until soaked with custard
- 6
Scatter spoonfuls of lemon curd over the soaked bread
- 7
Add remaining roll pieces on top
- 8
Pour remaining custard over bread, pressing down until soaked
- 9
Place pan in another pan for water bath
- 10
Bake for 45 minutes until golden on top
- 11
Cool for 10 minutes before serving
- 12
For sauce, combine sugar, ice tea, and lemon juice in heavy saucepan over medium heat
- 13
Cook, swirling pan occasionally, until sugar dissolves and starts to color
- 14
Increase heat to high and boil until syrup turns deep amber color
- 15
Remove from heat and carefully pour in cream and salt
- 16
Stir with long-handled wooden spoon, being careful of splashing
- 17
Return to low heat and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened to very thick cream consistency
- 18
Let sauce cool until just warm before serving
Tips
Don't feel obligated to use all the custard - the amount bread absorbs varies depending on the rolls
Watch the caramel carefully as it can burn quickly once it starts turning amber
Use a long-handled spoon when adding cream to caramel to avoid splashing from the hot mixture
Good to Know
Cover and refrigerate bread pudding for up to 3 days. Sauce can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.
Bread pudding can be assembled up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerated before baking. Sauce can be made up to 1 week ahead.
Serve warm with the tea-caramel sauce drizzled on top. Reheat sauce in microwave for 1 minute on high, stirring until smooth.
Common Mistakes
Watch caramel carefully to avoid burning - it can go from perfect to burnt very quickly
Use a water bath to prevent the custard from curdling during baking
Don't overfill with custard - bread absorption varies and excess will make it soggy
Substitutions
similar rich, sweet bread
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the bread pudding up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate before baking. The caramel sauce can be made up to a week in advance and reheated when needed.
What if I don't have Hawaiian rolls?
Brioche or challah work excellently as substitutes. Any rich, slightly sweet bread will give similar results to Hawaiian rolls.
How long will leftovers keep?
Cover and refrigerate the bread pudding for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave. The sauce keeps refrigerated for up to 1 week.