bread pudding recipe

Bread pudding is a timeless classic that brings warmth and comfort to any table. This humble dessert transforms simple, everyday ingredients like day-old bread, eggs, and milk into a rich, custard-like treat. It is the perfect way to reduce food waste while creating something truly indulgent for your family and friends.

Whether you are serving it at a holiday gathering or a cozy Sunday brunch, bread pudding is always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of a crispy, golden top and a soft, pudding-like center creates a texture that is absolutely irresistible. Best of all, it is incredibly easy to customize with your favorite spices, fruits, or sauces.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 340 kcal
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 24g
• Sodium: 310mg

Why Make This bread pudding recipe

Making this bread pudding recipe is a fantastic way to practice sustainable cooking. Instead of throwing away stale bread, you can give it a second life as a gourmet dessert. It is an economical dish that uses pantry staples you likely already have in your kitchen, making it a go-to option for last-minute entertaining.

Beyond being practical, this recipe is deeply nostalgic. The aroma of cinnamon and vanilla baking in the oven creates a welcoming atmosphere in any home. It is a versatile dish that works just as well for a decadent breakfast as it does for a late-night treat. You will love how the custard soaks into the bread, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

How to Make bread pudding recipe

Getting started with this recipe is simple and requires very little equipment. You will just need a large mixing bowl, a whisk, and a baking dish to create this masterpiece.

Ingredients

• 6 cups stale bread cubes (Brioche, Challah, or French bread work best)
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for greasing and drizzling)
• 1/2 cup raisins or chocolate chips (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with melted butter or cooking spray to ensure the pudding does not stick to the sides during baking.

Step 2: Cube the Bread

Cut your stale bread into 1-inch cubes. If your bread is fresh, you can lightly toast the cubes in the oven for 10 minutes to dry them out. Place the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish, spreading them out evenly. Sprinkle with raisins or chocolate chips if you are using them.

Step 3: Mix the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until well combined. Slowly pour in the milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and the spices are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Soak the Bread

Pour the egg and milk mixture over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Use a spatula or your hands to gently press the bread down, ensuring every piece is submerged and can absorb the liquid. Let it sit for about 15 to 20 minutes before baking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the center of the preheated oven. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the middle. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

How to Serve bread pudding recipe

This bread pudding recipe is best served warm. You can serve it plain, but it truly shines when topped with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra touch of indulgence, try serving it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream; the cold ice cream melting over the warm pudding is heavenly. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a beautiful finishing touch.

How to Store bread pudding recipe

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. To reheat, place a portion in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or warm it in the oven at 300°F covered with foil to keep it moist. You can also freeze the baked bread pudding for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Expert Tips for Perfect bread pudding recipe

The secret to the best bread pudding is using the right bread. Rich, eggy breads like Brioche or Challah provide a better texture than standard white sandwich bread. Also, make sure your bread is truly dry; stale bread absorbs the custard much better without becoming mushy. If you want a crispier top, sprinkle a tablespoon of turbinado sugar over the dish right before putting it in the oven.

Delicious Variations

You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste. For a chocolate version, stir in dark chocolate chunks and a tablespoon of cocoa powder. If you prefer a fruity twist, add fresh berries or sliced peaches. For a boozy adult version, soak your raisins in rum or bourbon for an hour before adding them to the mix. You can also swap the spices for pumpkin pie spice during the autumn months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread?

Yes, but you should dry it out first. Cut it into cubes and bake them at 300°F for about 10-15 minutes until they feel toasted and firm.

Q: Does bread pudding need to be refrigerated?

Yes, because of the high milk and egg content, bread pudding should be stored in the refrigerator after it has cooled to room temperature.

Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely. You can substitute the milk and cream with full-fat coconut milk or almond milk, and use a dairy-free butter substitute for greasing the dish.

Q: Why is my bread pudding soggy?

Sogginess usually happens if the bread wasn’t dry enough or if the ratio of liquid to bread was too high. Ensure you use dense, stale bread for the best results.

Q: Can I prepare this the night before?

Yes! You can assemble the pudding, cover it, and let it soak in the fridge overnight. Just bake it the next morning for a fresh, easy breakfast.

Conclusion

This bread pudding recipe is a wonderful addition to any cook’s repertoire. It is simple, delicious, and brings a sense of comfort that few other desserts can match. By following these steps and tips, you will be able to create a rich, flavorful pudding that your family will ask for again and again. Enjoy the process of baking and the even better process of eating!

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