Picture the comforting aroma of warm cinnamon and vanilla wafting through your kitchen as you prepare a classic American dessert: bread pudding.
This cozy, indulgent treat is surprisingly simple to make, turning ordinary bread into a rich, creamy delight.
As the custard soaks into the bread and bakes to golden perfection, the transformation is pure magic.
Ready to create a heartwarming dessert that everyone will love? Let’s bring this dish to life!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Measuring cup
- 1 Oven mitt
- 1 Knife
Ingredients
- 6 cups cubed bread (preferably day-old)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time for preparing and cooking bread pudding, follow this timeline:
- Reading and Preparation (5 minutes)
- Review the recipe instructions and gather all necessary equipment and ingredients.
- Prepping (15 minutes)
- Preheat the Oven (2 minutes): Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the ingredients.
- Grease the Baking Dish (1 minute): Use 2 tablespoons of melted butter to grease the baking dish.
- Cube the Bread (3 minutes): Cut the day-old bread into cubes and place them in the greased baking dish.
- Mix the Custard (5 minutes): In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine Ingredients (4 minutes): Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, press down to soak, sprinkle raisins, and drizzle melted butter.
- Resting (10 minutes)
- Allow the bread to soak in the liquid mixture for 10 minutes.
- Cooking (45 minutes)
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.
- Final Resting (10 minutes)
- Let the bread pudding rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease the baking dish with butter.
Place the cubed bread in the baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
Pour the liquid mixture over the bread cubes.
Gently press down on the bread to guarantee it’s soaked.
Sprinkle the raisins evenly over the top.
Drizzle the melted butter over the bread mixture.
Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.
Allow the bread pudding to rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast to the warm bread pudding.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream provides a light and airy complement to the rich dessert.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top for an extra layer of sweetness and flavor.
- Fresh Berries: Fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries add a fresh and tangy element.
- Powdered Sugar: A dusting of powdered sugar offers a simple yet elegant finish.
Storage
To store bread pudding, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven for best texture.
Freezing
To freeze bread pudding, allow it to cool completely.
Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Store it in an airtight container for up to three months.
Reheating
To reheat bread pudding, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
Cover the pudding with foil.
Heat for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
Avoid microwaves to preserve texture.
Final Thoughts
Bread pudding is a timeless dessert that brings comfort and satisfaction.
With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s perfect for any occasion.
The key to a great bread pudding lies in using slightly stale bread, which absorbs the custard mixture beautifully.
Experimenting with different types of bread like brioche or challah can add a rich dimension to the dish.
Enhance the flavors further by incorporating nuts or a splash of bourbon.
Once baked to a golden perfection, allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Enjoy this delightful dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Non-Dairy Milk Alternatives in Bread Pudding?
You can substitute non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. Use the same 2-cup measurement. Confirm your chosen milk has a creamy consistency to maintain texture. Experiment with flavor variations, but adjust sweetness as needed.
How Can I Make Bread Pudding Gluten-Free?
Substitute 6 cups of gluten-free bread for traditional bread. Make certain it’s slightly stale for best absorption. Use certified gluten-free ingredients, like vanilla extract and cinnamon. Experiment with creative flair by adding gluten-free nuts or dried fruits.
What Are Some Variations to Traditional Bread Pudding?
You can add a creative flair by incorporating 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips, substituting 1 cup almond milk for whole milk, or adding 1 tablespoon orange zest. Experiment with a splash of bourbon for a sophisticated twist.
Can I Make Bread Pudding Ahead of Time?
You can prepare it ahead by assembling the ingredients, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when needed. This method guarantees flavors meld beautifully, softening bread while retaining its rustic texture. Adjust spices to personalize.
Is It Possible to Substitute Sugar With a Healthier Alternative?
You can substitute sugar with honey or maple syrup, using a 3/4 cup measurement for a cup of sugar. These add a unique flavor. Alternatively, try 1/2 cup of coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index.
Bread Pudding
Equipment
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Oven mitt
- 1 Knife
Ingredients
- 6 cup cubed bread preferably day-old
- 2 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease the baking dish with butter.
- Place the cubed bread in the baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the liquid mixture over the bread cubes.
- Gently press down on the bread to ensure it is soaked.
- Sprinkle the raisins evenly over the top.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the bread mixture.
- Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.
- Allow the bread pudding to rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
