This bread pudding is a delightful dessert that transforms stale bread into a rich and comforting treat. Made with simple ingredients like bread, eggs, milk, and sugar, it offers a warm, custardy texture that’s perfect for any occasion.
The recipe is easy to follow and can be customized with various add-ins like raisins, chocolate chips, or nuts to suit your taste.
Comforting Appeal of Bread Pudding
Nothing quite compares to the warmth and nostalgia evoked by a dish of bread pudding. This classic dessert transforms simple ingredients into a rich, custardy delight that warms the heart.
Imagine a rustic ceramic bowl cradling golden brown bread pudding, its surface lightly dusted with powdered sugar. The inviting aroma wafts through the air, beckoning you to take a seat at the cozy kitchen table.
As the soft lighting casts a gentle glow, the scene becomes even more inviting. This dessert is not just a treat; it’s a comforting embrace after a long day.
Ingredients That Create Magic
The beauty of bread pudding lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that feels both indulgent and homey.
Stale bread serves as the foundation, soaking up a creamy custard made from eggs, milk, and sugar.
Optional add-ins like raisins or chocolate chips can elevate the dish, adding bursts of flavor and texture. Each bite offers a delightful contrast between the soft pudding and the rich, melting scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
The Baking Process
Preparing bread pudding is a straightforward process that requires minimal effort.
Start by cubing the stale bread and allowing it to soak in the custard mixture. This step is crucial, as it ensures that every piece is infused with flavor.
After a brief resting period, the mixture is poured into a greased baking dish and baked until golden brown. The anticipation builds as the aroma fills the kitchen, signaling that a delicious treat is on the way.
Serving Suggestions
Once the bread pudding is baked to perfection, it’s time to serve.
Allow it to cool slightly before plating, ensuring that the custard sets just right.
For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle caramel sauce over the top and add a scoop of melting vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm pudding and cold ice cream creates a delightful contrast that is hard to resist.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This bread pudding is versatile enough to be enjoyed on various occasions.
Whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday feast, or simply a cozy night in, this dessert fits seamlessly into any setting.
Its comforting nature makes it a favorite among both young and old, ensuring that everyone leaves the table with a smile.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, storing bread pudding is easy.
Simply cover it tightly and place it in the refrigerator.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. The flavors often deepen overnight, making the second serving just as delightful as the first.
Classic Bread Pudding Recipe
This bread pudding features cubes of bread soaked in a creamy custard mixture, baked until golden brown. It takes about 1 hour from start to finish and serves 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)
- Butter for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter.
- Prepare the Bread: Place the cubed bread in a large bowl and set aside.
- Make the Custard: In another bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Combine: Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are soaked. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to absorb the liquid. If using, fold in raisins or chocolate chips.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread pudding to cool slightly before serving. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, optionally drizzled with caramel sauce or served with whipped cream.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 42g