🍞 Cinnamon Bread Pudding on the Barbecue
This dessert is a recipe I learned during a training session with Sterling Smith from Loot’n’Booty in Scottsdale, Arizona. Ultra-indulgent and incredibly easy to make, it's even better when made with rich, buttery French pastries like croissants. A nod to American tradition, reimagined with elegance on our European-style barbecues.
📜 History of the Recipe
Bread pudding was born as a humble way to use up stale bread. In the U.S., it became a Southern classic, often served warm with a sweet sauce. Here, croissants are used to elevate the dish, making it soft and moist inside, with a crispy golden top. A BBQ competition-worthy version inspired directly by Sterling Smith's expertise.
⏱️ Prep Time:
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 45 minutes
- Total: 60 minutes
🧾 Ingredients
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 whole egg + 3 egg yolks
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 tsp whiskey
4 croissants
Cinnamon Sugar
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
👨🍳 Instructions
Tear the croissants into large chunks and place them in a baking dish.
In a bowl, mix the remaining ingredients (except the cinnamon sugar) and whisk well.
Pour the mixture over the croissants and let sit for 30 minutes.
Preheat your BBQ for indirect cooking at 375°F (190°C).
Place the dish on the grill, close the lid, and bake for 45 to 60 minutes.
Mix the sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over the dessert.
Let it cool slightly. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
🍨 Recommended Pairings
Crème anglaise, vanilla ice cream, or lightly sweetened Greek yogurt. Perfect with a strong coffee or a glass of dark rum.
🍽️ Presentation Tips
Serve in the baking dish for a rustic feel. Garnish with fresh cinnamon and a sprig of mint.
🌱 Dietary Variations
- Lower sugar: reduce brown sugar or use xylitol
- Alcohol-free: omit whiskey or use vanilla extract
- Dairy-free: use plant-based cream and dairy-free croissants
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1/6 of the cinnamon bread pudding
Calories: 465 kcal 🟥
| Total Fat | 31 g | 🟥 44% DV |
| Saturated Fat | 17 g | 🟥 |
| Omega-3 | 0.2 g | 🟨 |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g | 🟧 13% DV |
| Sugars | 20 g | 🟥 |
| Fiber | 1.5 g | 🟨 |
| Protein | 8 g | 🟨 |
| Cholesterol | 195 mg | 🟥 |
| Sodium | 0.42 g | 🟨 |
| Calcium | 65 mg | 🟨 |
| Iron | 1.1 mg | 🟨 |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.9 µg | 🟨 |
*DV: Daily Value for an average adult (8400 kJ / 2000 kcal)
🧬 Health Insights – Cancer + Diabetes
This recipe is high in energy, saturated fats, and sugar, but it can still fit into an occasional and festive diet. The addition of eggs and cream provides calcium, protein, and vitamin B12. Using quality croissants improves the fat profile—pure butter instead of hydrogenated oils. Best enjoyed in small portions, ideally served with fresh fruit or plain yogurt to balance the meal.
🧬 Click to expand
🧬 Cancer Prevention Analysis
This recipe contains no known carcinogenic elements. It avoids direct flame cooking, so there’s no formation of PAHs or heterocyclic amines. However, its high glycemic load and saturated fat content suggest it should be enjoyed in moderation—especially for individuals with metabolic or inflammatory risk. The addition of cinnamon is a plus, as it’s recognized for its antioxidant properties.
🩺 Diabetes Analysis
With over 30 g of carbohydrates per serving, this dessert has a significant glycemic load. However, the presence of eggs, cream, and butter helps slow carbohydrate absorption. For people with diabetes:
- Reduce serving size to 1/8 or 1/10
- Replace part of the sugar with a natural sweetener
- Serve alongside a protein-rich option like plain yogurt or unsweetened whipped cream
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