Thanksgiving bread pudding is like a warm hug on a chilly autumn day. The rich, comforting aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg fills the kitchen as it bakes, wrapping you in a cozy embrace. I can’t help but think of my family gatherings where this dessert is the star of the show. I remember my grandmother always saying, “Waste not, want not,” as she’d gather the stale bread and turn it into something magical. The combination of creamy milk, sweet sugar, and those delightful spices creates a dish that’s not only delicious but also brings back cherished memories. Whether it’s topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this bread pudding is sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving table, making everyone feel right at home.
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Bread Pudding
- 6 cups cubed stale bread
- 4 cups milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup melted butter
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Bread Pudding
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because starting with a hot oven helps the bread pudding rise and bake evenly. Trust me, nobody wants a soggy bottom on this delightful dessert!
Mix the Base Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the 4 cups of milk, 1 cup of sugar, 4 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Whisk everything together until it’s nice and smooth. You want to make sure the sugar dissolves completely, so give it a good stir. It should smell heavenly already!
Add Bread and Mix-ins
Now it’s time to gently fold in the 6 cups of cubed stale bread, 1/2 cup of raisins, and 1/2 cup of chopped pecans. I like to use a spatula for this part, carefully mixing until the bread is well coated with that delicious milk mixture. You don’t want to mash the bread, just give it a loving embrace!
Prepare the Baking Dish
Grab a greased baking dish—something around 9×13 inches works perfectly. Pour your mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Drizzle 1/4 cup of melted butter over the top for that golden, crispy finish. It’s like giving your pudding a cozy blanket of flavor!
Bake to Perfection
Pop that baking dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and the center is set. I like to give it a little jiggle; if it’s just lightly jiggly, it’s perfect! Let it cool slightly before serving—this helps it firm up a bit more and makes it easier to scoop out. You’ll want to resist the temptation to dive right in, but just wait a few moments for that sweet payoff!
Tips for Success
- Use Stale Bread: The best bread pudding starts with stale bread! It absorbs the custard mixture better, giving you that perfect texture. If you don’t have any, you can toast fresh bread in the oven for a few minutes to dry it out.
- Mix Gently: When folding in the bread and mix-ins, be gentle! You want to coat the bread without squishing it. Think of it as a warm hug for your ingredients.
- Spice it Up: Feel free to experiment with spices! A pinch of ginger or allspice can give your bread pudding an extra kick. Just remember to balance it with the sweetness.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your pudding as it bakes. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture. It should be set but slightly jiggly in the center when you take it out.
- Let it Rest: Allow your bread pudding to cool for at least 10-15 minutes after baking. This helps it firm up and makes serving easier. Plus, it gives the flavors a chance to meld together!
- Serve Warm: Bread pudding is best enjoyed warm. Top it with whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel, or a scoop of ice cream for that extra indulgence!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, Thanksgiving bread pudding is a game-changer when it comes to holiday desserts! First off, the comforting taste is just unbeatable. Each bite is like diving into a warm, cozy blanket of flavors that instantly makes you feel at home. The blend of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg brings out that seasonal warmth, making it perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings.
But here’s the best part: it’s super easy to prepare! With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up a delightful dessert that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s incredibly forgiving—feel free to use whatever bread you have on hand, and add in your favorite mix-ins!
And if you’re hosting, you can make it ahead of time. Just bake it the day before, let it cool, and pop it in the fridge. When your guests arrive, simply reheat it, and voilà! You’ll have a warm, delicious dessert that everyone will rave about. Trust me, this Thanksgiving bread pudding will quickly become a staple at your holiday table!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for each serving of this delicious Thanksgiving bread pudding. Keep in mind that these are approximate values and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use.
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 6g
Enjoy this warm, comforting dessert knowing that it’s not just delicious, but also a treat you can enjoy in moderation! Perfect for sharing with family and friends at the Thanksgiving table.
FAQ About Thanksgiving Bread Pudding
Can I make this bread pudding ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance, bake it, and let it cool completely. Just cover it and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
What kind of bread should I use?
You can use any type of bread you have on hand! Stale bread works best, but if you don’t have any, you can toast fresh bread in the oven for a few minutes to dry it out. French bread, brioche, or even leftover dinner rolls work wonderfully!
Can I substitute the raisins and pecans?
Of course! Feel free to swap in your favorite mix-ins. Dried cranberries, chocolate chips, or chopped apples are fantastic alternatives. Just keep the quantity similar so the texture stays balanced.
How should I store leftover bread pudding?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop it back in the oven or microwave. It’s still delicious after a day or two!
Can I freeze bread pudding?
Yes, you can! Just let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It should keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What’s the best way to serve Thanksgiving bread pudding?
Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. It’s a delightful way to enhance the flavors and make it even more indulgent!
Why does my bread pudding come out soggy?
Soggy bread pudding can be a result of too much liquid or not enough stale bread. Make sure to use the right amount of bread and let the mixture sit for a bit before baking, so it absorbs the custard evenly.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving Thanksgiving bread pudding, the options are just delightful! This comforting dessert pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments that can elevate your holiday feast.
- Whipped Cream: A light dollop of freshly whipped cream is a classic choice. It adds a lovely creaminess that complements the warm, spiced pudding perfectly.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: For a truly indulgent treat, scoop some vanilla ice cream on top. The cold ice cream melting into the warm pudding is just heavenly!
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over each serving for an extra touch of sweetness and a little bit of a decadent flair.
- Fresh Berries: A handful of fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries adds a refreshing contrast and a pop of color to your plate.
- Spiced Nuts: Serve some toasted spiced nuts on the side for a crunchy texture that balances the softness of the pudding. Pecans or walnuts work wonderfully!
- Maple Syrup: A drizzle of pure maple syrup can enhance the flavors and add a touch of sweetness—perfect for those who love that maple flavor in their desserts!
Feel free to mix and match these suggestions to create the perfect dessert experience for your guests. Trust me, they’ll love every bite of this comforting bread pudding paired with your delicious accompaniments!
Print
Thanksgiving Bread Pudding: 5 Reasons You’ll Adore It
- Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm and comforting Thanksgiving bread pudding made with spices and seasonal flavors.
Ingredients
- 6 cups cubed stale bread
- 4 cups milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Stir in the cubed bread, raisins, and pecans.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Drizzle melted butter over the top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until set and golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Use any type of bread you have on hand.
- Can be made a day ahead and reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: thanksgiving bread pudding
