This classic bread pudding recipe is perfect for serving a large group. It’s a comforting dessert made with stale bread, eggs, milk, and sugar, resulting in a warm, custardy treat that everyone will enjoy.
The recipe is simple to follow and can be easily scaled up or down depending on your needs. You can also customize it with your favorite add-ins like raisins, nuts, or spices.
Overview of Bread Pudding
Bread pudding is a classic dessert that brings comfort and warmth to any gathering. This dish transforms stale bread into a delightful treat, perfect for sharing with friends and family. The combination of eggs, milk, and sugar creates a rich custard that envelops the bread, resulting in a soft, custardy texture.
Often enhanced with add-ins like raisins and nuts, this dessert can be customized to suit various tastes. The golden-brown top, dusted with powdered sugar, adds an inviting touch, making it a centerpiece for any table.
Gathering-Friendly Recipe
This recipe is designed for large gatherings, serving approximately 12-15 people. It’s straightforward and can be prepared in about an hour, making it an ideal choice for parties or family dinners.
With just a few simple ingredients, this bread pudding comes together quickly. The preparation involves soaking bread cubes in a creamy custard mixture, which is then baked to perfection. The result is a warm, satisfying dessert that everyone will love.
Key Ingredients
The foundation of this bread pudding is day-old bread, which absorbs the custard beautifully. Milk, eggs, and sugar are combined to create the custard, while vanilla extract and ground cinnamon add depth of flavor.
Optional ingredients like raisins and chopped nuts can be included for added texture and taste. These elements not only enhance the flavor profile but also contribute to the overall visual appeal of the dish.
Preparation Steps
To start, preheat your oven and grease a large baking dish. The bread should be cut into cubes and placed in the dish, ready to soak up the custard.
Next, whisk together the custard ingredients until well combined. Pour this mixture over the bread, ensuring every piece is soaked. If desired, sprinkle raisins and nuts on top before baking.
Baking and Serving
The baking process involves covering the dish with foil initially to allow for even cooking. After about 30 minutes, the foil is removed to let the top brown beautifully.
Once baked, let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, and pairs wonderfully with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
Creating the Perfect Setting
To enhance the presentation, serve the bread pudding on a rustic wooden table, accompanied by slices of bread and a scoop of ice cream. The warm, inviting atmosphere will make this dessert even more appealing.
With its golden-brown crust and comforting flavors, this bread pudding is sure to be a hit at any gathering, leaving your guests satisfied and happy.
Easy Bread Pudding Recipe for Gatherings
This bread pudding features chunks of bread soaked in a rich custard mixture, baked until golden brown. The recipe takes about 1 hour and serves approximately 12-15 people.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of day-old bread, cut into cubes (about 10-12 cups)
- 4 cups milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup raisins or other dried fruit (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- Butter for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Prep the Bread: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large baking dish with butter. Place the bread cubes in the dish.
- Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Combine: Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to ensure all the bread is soaked. If using, sprinkle raisins and nuts on top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Serve: Allow the bread pudding to cool slightly before serving. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, and pairs well with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of ice cream.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 12-15 servings
- Calories: 300kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
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