Ah, bread pudding! Just saying the words brings back warm memories of cozy family gatherings and the comforting aroma wafting through the kitchen. This delightful dessert has roots that stretch far and wide, but no matter where you’re from, one thing is clear: bread pudding is a true classic! What I love most is how ridiculously easy it is to whip up. With just a handful of simple ingredients—like stale bread, eggs, and milk—you can create a rich, custardy treat that feels totally indulgent. Plus, it’s like a blank canvas! You can jazz it up with chocolate, fruit, or spices, making each batch uniquely delicious. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it over and over again.
Ingredients List
To make this fantastic bread pudding, you’ll need the following ingredients. I promise, it’s worth the trip to the store if you don’t have them on hand!
- 6 cups of stale bread, cubed – This is the star of the show! Use whatever bread you have on hand; I love a mix of white and whole grain for texture.
- 2 cups of milk – Whole milk works beautifully, but you can also use any milk you prefer.
- 1 cup of heavy cream – For that luscious, creamy texture that makes this dessert so irresistible!
- 4 large eggs – These are essential for binding everything together and giving the pudding its custard-like consistency.
- 1 cup of sugar – This adds sweetness, but feel free to adjust based on your taste.
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla elevates the flavor to a whole new level.
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon – This warm spice adds a comforting aroma and taste that pairs perfectly with the bread.
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt – Just a touch to balance the sweetness and bring all the flavors together.
- 1/2 cup of raisins (optional) – If you’re feeling adventurous, these tiny bursts of sweetness are a lovely addition!
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s dive into making this amazing bread pudding! I promise you, it’s easier than you think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a comforting dessert that everyone will love!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your bread pudding cooks evenly and gets that golden-brown top we all adore. So, don’t skip this step!
Prepare the Custard Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. I like to use a whisk for this part! Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well blended. You want to make sure there are no lumps, as this will create that lovely custardy base for your pudding.
Soak the Bread
Now it’s time for the star of the show—add your cubed stale bread to the custard mixture! Make sure all the bread pieces are submerged. Let it soak for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial because it allows the bread to absorb all that delicious custard, making it rich and flavorful. Give it a gentle stir halfway through to ensure even soaking!
Add Optional Ingredients
If you’re using raisins, go ahead and fold them in gently after the soaking time. They add a little burst of sweetness that complements the creamy custard perfectly. But if raisins aren’t your thing, feel free to skip this step!
Baking the Bread Pudding
Now, pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. I like to use a 9×13 inch dish, but anything similar will work. Spread it out evenly, and then pop it into the preheated oven. Bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set. To check if it’s done, gently shake the dish; the center should not jiggle too much. Once it’s baked to perfection, let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy that delicious aroma filling your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you why this bread pudding is going to become your new favorite dessert! It’s not just about the incredible taste—though trust me, it’s delicious! Here are a few reasons why you’ll absolutely love making this recipe:
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this dessert in no time. Perfect for last-minute gatherings or cozy nights in!
- Comforting and Satisfying: This bread pudding has that warm, homey feel that just wraps you in a big hug. It’s like a warm blanket on a chilly day!
- Use Up Stale Bread: No more tossing out stale bread! This recipe is a fantastic way to give new life to those leftover slices and reduce waste.
- Customizable: Feel free to get creative! Add in your favorite fruits, nuts, or spices to make it your own. The possibilities are endless!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a simple weeknight treat, this bread pudding is versatile enough to fit any occasion!
- Delicious Warm or Chilled: Enjoy it fresh out of the oven, or let it cool and serve it chilled. It’s delightful either way!
Honestly, once you make this bread pudding, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. So, let’s get cooking!
Tips for Success
Alright, here are some of my top tips to make sure your bread pudding turns out absolutely delicious every single time! These little nuggets of wisdom can help you avoid common pitfalls and elevate your dessert game.
- Use Stale Bread: The best bread pudding starts with stale bread. Fresh bread can get mushy, so don’t be afraid to let your bread go a little stale—it’s actually better for soaking up that custard!
- Mix Thoroughly: When you combine your custard ingredients, make sure to whisk everything together until it’s completely smooth. Lumps can lead to uneven texture, so take your time here!
- Don’t Rush the Soaking: Give your bread enough time to soak up that custard—30 minutes is ideal. If you’re in a hurry, you can let it soak a bit longer; just be sure all the pieces are well-coated.
- Check for Doneness: It can be tempting to rush this step, but gently shaking the dish is key! If the center still jiggles too much, give it a few more minutes. You want it set but still creamy!
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to mix in different spices or flavors! A pinch of nutmeg or some orange zest can add a delightful twist. Get creative with what you have on hand!
- Allow to Cool Slightly: After baking, let your bread pudding cool for a bit before serving. This helps it firm up and makes it easier to slice or scoop, plus it allows those flavors to meld beautifully!
- Serve with a Twist: Think outside the box for toppings! A drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of ice cream can take your bread pudding to the next level. Yum!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making the best bread pudding ever! Happy baking, and I can’t wait for you to taste the magic!
Nutritional Information Section
Now, let’s talk about the nutrition of this delicious bread pudding! Keep in mind that the nutritional values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just estimates. But they give you a good idea of what you’re working with!
- Calories: Approximately 300 per serving
- Fat: About 15g
- Saturated Fat: Roughly 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: Around 150mg
- Sodium: About 150mg
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 35g
- Fiber: About 2g
- Protein: Approximately 6g
- Sugar: About 20g
Remember, these values can change based on what you add or swap in your recipe, so feel free to adjust according to your dietary needs. Enjoy your baking adventure, and don’t forget to savor every bite of this scrumptious bread pudding!
FAQ Section
I’ve gathered some of the most common questions folks have about bread pudding, and I’m here to help! Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, these FAQs will make your baking experience even smoother.
Can I use fresh bread instead of stale?
While fresh bread is tempting, I really recommend sticking with stale bread for the best results. Stale bread soaks up the custard better and gives you that perfect, creamy texture. If your bread is fresh, just let it sit out for a few hours or toast it lightly to dry it out a bit!
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
No problem at all! You can substitute the heavy cream with additional milk. Just keep in mind that using all milk will make your bread pudding a little less rich, but it will still be delicious!
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the custard mixture and soak the bread a day ahead. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, simply pour it into your greased dish and pop it in the oven!
What are some delicious variations I can try?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even fresh fruit like apples or berries. Experimenting with different spices like nutmeg or ginger can also jazz things up! Just make sure to keep the bread-to-custard ratio similar for the best results.
How should I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), simply cover the dish with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just reheat slices in the microwave or enjoy cold—it’s delightful either way!
Can I freeze bread pudding?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It should be good for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed!
What toppings do you recommend?
For a classic touch, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Drizzling caramel or chocolate sauce on top makes it even more indulgent! Fresh berries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can also add a lovely finishing touch.
Hopefully, these answers clear up any questions you might have! Now, go forth and make that amazing bread pudding—you’ve got this!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delicious bread pudding, and now you’re wondering how to keep it fresh for later. No worries! Proper storage will help maintain its lovely texture and flavor, so let’s go over the best ways to do that.
First, if you have any leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is a rare occurrence), let the bread pudding cool completely before covering it. You can either keep it in the baking dish by covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay good in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to keep it sealed to prevent it from drying out!
If you want to enjoy your bread pudding even later, you can freeze it! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can pull out just what you need without thawing the whole batch. It’ll last in the freezer for about 2 months. Just remember to label your containers with the date so you know when you made it!
When you’re ready to enjoy your stored bread pudding, simply let it thaw overnight in the fridge. For reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place it in a baking dish, covered with foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat it for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also use the microwave for quick reheating—just pop a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on your microwave’s power. Keep an eye on it to avoid overheating!
And there you have it! With these storage and reheating tips, you can savor your bread pudding whenever the craving hits. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Bread Pudding: 7 Easy Steps to a Cozy Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and comforting dessert made from stale bread, eggs, and milk.
Ingredients
- 6 cups of stale bread, cubed
- 2 cups of milk
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine milk, cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the cubed bread to the mixture and let it soak for 30 minutes.
- If using, fold in the raisins.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden and set.
Notes
- Serve warm or chilled.
- Top with whipped cream or caramel sauce if desired.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: bread pudding, dessert, easy recipe
