Pumpkin Souffle Bread Pudding

1 cup (237 ml) whole milk
1 cup (237 ml) heavy cream
9 ounces (8 cups) challah cubes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
8 tablespoons (113 grams) unsalted butter
1/4 cup (45 grams) light brown sugar, packed
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of cloves
Pinch of allspice
4 large egg yolks
1 cup pumpkin puree, room temperature
2 large egg whites
1 tablespoon (12 grams) granulated sugar, plus additional for dusting the dish
1/2 teaspoon (1 gram) kosher salt

1. Heat oven to 375°F (191°C; gas mark 5); position the rack in the middle. In a small saucepan set over low heat, bring the milk and the cream to a simmer. Place challah cubes in a bowl. Remove milk-cream mixture from heat and pour half of the liquid over the challah. Let sit.

2. In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment set on high speed, cream the butter and the brown sugar until light and fluffy (start the mixer on low and gradually increase to high speed). Add the egg yolks, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice, beating well, on medium high, until emulsified. Add the pumpkin puree and the remaining dairy mixture, and mix until thoroughly combined.

3. Fold the soaked challah into the pumpkin batter. Place the egg whites in a clean, dry bowl and add the sugar and the salt. Starting with the mixer on low and gradually increasing the speed to high, beat until the egg whites form stiff peaks. Gently fold the whites into the batter. Butter and sugar a 3-quart soufflé dish or 8 3 1/2-inch ramekins, then place or evenly divide the batter. If baking in a soufflé dish bake the pudding about 1 hour and 30 minutes or until a knife, inserted into the pudding, comes out clean. If using the ramekins, bake the pudding for about 25 minutes, or until a knife, inserted into the pudding, comes out clean. Baked puddings can be wrapped and kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, then heated in the oven wrapped in foil or microwaved until warm.

Serves 8.

Adapted from Epicurious.com Chef Charles Phan’s recipe