“This recipe absolutely belongs on the breakfast table,” says Jerrelle Guy. And it's not hard to see why. These muffin - size puddings, when drizzled with a luscious maple - caramel sauce, are nothing short of a breakfast masterpiece, reminiscent of decadent French toast.

Let's start with the ingredients. For the muffin - size puddings, you'll need a combination of classic breakfast staples. Begin with some high - quality bread. You can choose a thick - sliced white bread or a more rustic whole - wheat option, depending on your preference. The bread forms the base of these puddings, providing a soft and absorbent texture.

Next, gather your eggs. Eggs are the binding agent that holds the pudding together and gives it a rich, custardy flavor. You'll also need milk. Whole milk is ideal as it adds a creamy richness, but you can use skim or low - fat milk if you're watching your calories. A touch of vanilla extract will enhance the overall flavor profile, adding a warm and sweet note.

To sweeten the deal, add some sugar. You can use granulated sugar, but brown sugar will give the puddings a deeper, more caramel - like flavor. A pinch of salt is also essential. It might seem counterintuitive to add salt to a sweet dish, but it actually helps to balance out the sweetness and bring out the other flavors.

Now, let's talk about the maple - caramel sauce. This is what takes these muffin - size puddings from good to great. To make the sauce, you'll need maple syrup, which provides a natural sweetness and a distinct maple flavor. Combine it with butter. The butter adds a rich, creamy texture and a depth of flavor. Brown sugar is also a key ingredient in the sauce. It caramelizes beautifully, creating a thick and syrupy consistency.

To start making the puddings, preheat your oven to the appropriate temperature. Cut the bread into small cubes and place them in a muffin tin. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, and salt until well combined. Pour this mixture over the bread cubes in the muffin tin, making sure each cube is thoroughly soaked. Let the bread absorb the liquid for a few minutes.

While the bread is soaking, start making the maple - caramel sauce. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the brown sugar and stir constantly until it dissolves. Then, pour in the maple syrup and continue to cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt caramel can ruin the flavor of the sauce.

Once the sauce is ready, set it aside. Place the muffin tin with the soaked bread in the preheated oven. Bake the puddings for the recommended time, usually until they are golden brown on top and set in the middle. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a pudding. If it comes out clean, the puddings are ready.

When the puddings are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, drizzle the warm maple - caramel sauce over the top of each pudding. The sauce will seep into the cracks and crevices of the pudding, creating a deliciously moist and flavorful treat.

These muffin - size puddings are perfect for a leisurely weekend breakfast or a special brunch with friends and family. They are easy to make, and the combination of the soft, custardy pudding and the sweet, sticky maple - caramel sauce is simply irresistible. You can serve them as is, or you can top them with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of decadence.

In conclusion, these muffin - size puddings are a must - try for any breakfast lover. They offer a unique twist on traditional breakfast fare and are sure to become a favorite in your household. So, the next time you're looking for a delicious and indulgent breakfast option, give these puddings a try. Your taste buds will thank you!