This classic bread pudding recipe combines stale bread with a rich custard mixture, creating a warm and comforting dessert. Topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it offers a delightful contrast of warm and cold textures.
The recipe is simple and perfect for using up leftover bread. You can enhance the flavor with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, and add raisins or chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
Creating the Perfect Bread Pudding
To achieve a delightful bread pudding, start with stale bread. This ingredient is essential, as it absorbs the custard mixture beautifully, resulting in a soft and moist texture.
Choosing the right type of bread can elevate the dish. Options like brioche or challah offer a rich flavor, while classic white bread works just as well. The key is to cut the bread into cubes, allowing for maximum soaking.
Crafting the Creamy Custard
The custard is the heart of this dessert, combining milk, heavy cream, eggs, and sugar. Whisking these ingredients together creates a smooth mixture that will envelop the bread cubes.
Adding vanilla extract and a hint of ground cinnamon enhances the flavor profile, making each bite more aromatic. For those who enjoy a touch of sweetness, consider incorporating raisins or chocolate chips into the mix.
Baking to Golden Perfection
Once the bread is soaked in the custard, transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Baking at 350°F (175°C) for about 40-45 minutes allows the top to develop a golden brown crust while the inside remains tender.
Keep an eye on the pudding as it bakes; the custard should set, and the top should achieve a slightly crispy texture. This contrast is what makes bread pudding so appealing.
Serving Suggestions
After baking, let the bread pudding cool for a few minutes. This step makes serving easier and allows the flavors to settle.
For an indulgent touch, serve each portion warm with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on top. The combination of warm pudding and cold ice cream creates a delightful contrast that is hard to resist.
Enhancing the Experience
Drizzling caramel sauce over the top adds an extra layer of sweetness and richness. The glossy finish not only looks appealing but also enhances the overall flavor.
Presenting the dish on a rustic plate with a spoon beside it adds to the cozy kitchen aesthetic. This setting invites everyone to dig in and enjoy a comforting dessert.
Nutrition and Serving Size
This bread pudding recipe serves six, making it perfect for family gatherings or small get-togethers. Each serving contains approximately 320 calories, with a balance of carbohydrates and protein.
With its satisfying texture and rich flavors, this dessert is a wonderful way to use up leftover bread while treating yourself and your loved ones to a warm, comforting dish.
Delicious Bread Pudding with Ice Cream
This bread pudding is made with cubed bread soaked in a creamy custard, baked until golden, and served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The recipe takes about 1 hour to prepare and bake, serving 6 people.
Ingredients
- 6 cups stale bread, cubed
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup raisins or chocolate chips (optional)
- Vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Bread: Place the cubed bread in a large mixing bowl.
- Make the Custard: In another bowl, whisk together the milk, cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Combine: Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are soaked. If using, stir in raisins or chocolate chips.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
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