Custard Bread Pudding

Picture a warm, golden custard bread pudding, its aroma filling your kitchen with the comforting scent of vanilla and cinnamon.

This delightful dessert is effortlessly easy to prepare, offering a cozy and indulgent experience that’s sure to become a favorite.

As the bread soaks up the rich custard, it transforms into a luscious treat with a perfectly crisp top.

Ready to create this heartwarming dessert? Let’s bring this dish to life!

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 Baking dish
• 1 Mixing bowl
• 1 Whisk
• 1 Measuring cup
• 1 Measuring spoon set
• 1 Oven

Ingredients

• 6 cups cubed bread, day-old
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup raisins (optional)

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while making Custard Bread Pudding, you can follow this timeline:

1. Reading the Recipe (5 minutes)
   • Start by thoroughly reading the entire recipe to understand the steps and ingredients needed.
2. Prep Time (15 minutes)
   • 0 – 5 minutes: Gather all the ingredients and equipment.
   • 5 – 10 minutes: Cube the day-old bread and grease the baking dish.
   • 10 – 15 minutes: Whisk together the milk, cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt in a mixing bowl.
3. Assembling (5 minutes)
   • 15 – 20 minutes: Place the cubed bread in the baking dish, pour the custard mixture over it, press down gently, and sprinkle raisins if using. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes.
4. Resting Time (10 minutes)
   • 20 – 30 minutes: Let the mixture rest, allowing the bread to soak up the custard.
5. Preheat Oven (10 minutes)
   • 20 – 30 minutes: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) while the bread is soaking.
6. Cook Time (45 minutes)
   • 30 – 75 minutes: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
7. Cooling Time (10 minutes)
   • 75 – 85 minutes: Remove from oven and allow to cool for 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 a baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Place the cubed bread evenly in the baking dish.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together milk, cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes evenly.

Press down gently on the bread to guarantee it absorbs the custard mixture.

Sprinkle raisins over the top if using.

Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the custard.

Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Serving Tips

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm slices of custard bread pudding with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic and creamy contrast.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top for an added layer of sweetness and a touch of decadence.
• Fresh Berries: Accompany the pudding with a side of fresh berries to add a revitalizing and fruity element.
• Whipped Cream: Top each serving with a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the dessert’s richness and texture.
• Powdered Sugar Dusting: Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant touch.

Storage

To store custard bread pudding, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Reheat before serving for best taste.

Freezing

To freeze custard bread pudding, cool completely.

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

Store in an airtight container.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat custard bread pudding, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.

Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

Final Thoughts

Custard bread pudding is a classic dessert that combines simplicity with rich flavors.

Its creamy texture and comforting taste make it a favorite for many. Whether served warm with ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this dessert is sure to satisfy.

Ideal for using leftover bread, it’s both economical and delicious. With minimal prep time, it’s perfect for any occasion.

Enjoy the delightful blend of vanilla and cinnamon in every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use a Different Type of Bread for the Pudding?

You can substitute with challah or brioche. Make certain the bread is day-old for ideal absorption. If using fresh bread, toast lightly or extend custard soaking time. Maintain 6 cups cubed. Adjust sugar or spices as needed.

Is It Possible to Make a Dairy-Free Version?

You can create a dairy-free version by substituting 2 cups almond or oat milk and 1 cup coconut cream for the milk and heavy cream. Guarantee thorough mixing for consistency. Adjust sweetness if using unsweetened milk alternatives.

Can I Add Chocolate Chips Instead of Raisins?

You can substitute chocolate chips for raisins. Add 1/4 cup chocolate chips, distributing evenly over the bread. Make certain chips are pressed slightly into the custard. Adjust baking time if needed, checking for golden-brown top and set custard.

How Can I Make the Pudding Less Sweet?

To make it less sweet, reduce sugar to 1/2 cup. Use unsweetened milk and cream. Guarantee even mixing by whisking thoroughly. Taste the custard mixture before baking, adjusting sweetness to preference with precision.

What Variations Can I Try for a Unique Flavor?

You can infuse unique flavors by adding 1 teaspoon almond extract, substituting 1/2 cup of sugar with maple syrup, or incorporating 1/2 cup chopped pecans. Experiment with spices like cardamom or nutmeg for a twist.

Custard Bread Pudding

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Resting Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Equipment

• 1 Baking dish
• 1 Mixing bowl
• 1 Whisk
• 1 measuring cup
• 1 measuring spoon set
• 1 Oven

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 6 cup bread cubed, day-old
• 2 cup milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup raisins optional

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
• Place the cubed bread evenly in the baking dish.
• In a mixing bowl, whisk together milk, cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
• Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes evenly.
• Press down gently on the bread to ensure it absorbs the custard mixture.
• Sprinkle raisins over the top if using.
• Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the custard.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
• Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of nutmeg or a sprinkle of brown sugar on top before baking. If using fresh bread, lightly toast it first to help it absorb more custard, or let the mixture soak a bit longer. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cynthia Weatherford

Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.