Bread pudding is like a warm hug on a chilly day, wrapping you in its soft, custardy embrace. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, making it hard to resist sneaking a spoonful before it even hits the table. With every bite, you experience a delightful medley of textures—the tender bread mingling with rich creaminess and hints of sweet spices. It’s comfort food at its finest, perfect for cozy evenings or festive gatherings where family and friends come together.
This dish has a special place in my heart, reminding me of Grandma’s kitchen filled with laughter and the smell of cinnamon. Bread pudding became our secret weapon for using up stale bread and transforming it into something extraordinary. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a rainy Sunday afternoon, this dessert never fails to deliver smiles and satisfied sighs.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delicious bread pudding is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time while delivering maximum flavor
- Its warm, golden-brown crust contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior
- You can customize it with your favorite fruits or spices for a personal twist
- Ideal for any occasion, from brunch to dessert!
I vividly remember the first time I made this dish for my friends; their eyes lit up as they took their first bites.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Stale Bread: Use any kind of bread—French, brioche, or even leftover bagels work wonders.
Eggs: Fresh eggs provide richness and help bind everything together perfectly.
Milk: Whole milk will give you that creamy texture; feel free to substitute with almond milk for a lighter version.
Cream: A splash of heavy cream takes the flavor over the top—don’t skip this if you can help it!
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the mix; brown sugar adds deeper flavor notes.
Cinnamon: This spice brings warmth and nostalgia—it’s like a sprinkle of hugs in every bite.
Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for an aromatic boost that enhances all flavors.
Dried Fruits (optional): Raisins or cranberries add chewy sweetness and a pop of color.
Nuts (optional): Chopped pecans or walnuts provide crunch and texture contrast.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Bread Mixture: Tear your stale bread into bite-sized pieces and place them in your prepared baking dish. Let them sit while you whip up the custard mixture.
Create the Custard Mix: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth. It should look like liquid gold ready to transform your bread!
Pour Over Bread**: Gently pour the custard mixture over your torn bread pieces. Press down lightly so every piece gets soaked in that deliciousness.
Add Fruits and Nuts (Optional): If you’re using dried fruit or nuts, sprinkle them evenly over the top now. They’ll add delightful surprises with every forkful!
Bake to Perfection**: Bake in your preheated oven for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and set in the middle. Enjoy that heavenly aroma filling your kitchen!
Now that you’ve mastered this comforting classic let’s dive into serving suggestions that will elevate your bread pudding experience even further!
Serve warm with whipped cream on top or drizzle caramel sauce over each portion for an indulgent treat. You could also pair it with vanilla ice cream—because who doesn’t love melting ice cream mingling with warm desserts?
Bread pudding isn’t just an ordinary dessert; it’s a nostalgic journey wrapped in flavors and memories. So grab those ingredients and let’s get baking!
You Must Know
- Bread pudding is a delightful way to use up stale bread and create a comforting dessert
- The rich textures and sweet aromas fill your kitchen with nostalgia, making it perfect for gatherings or family dinners
- Don’t forget the sauce—it’s the cherry on top!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cubing your bread and letting it dry out overnight. This prevents sogginess. Then, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla before combining everything in one bowl. Bake until golden brown for that perfect texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out regular bread for brioche or croissants for extra richness. Add chocolate chips, dried fruits, or nuts for texture and flavor variation. A sprinkle of cinnamon elevates the dish to another level!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring it stays moist and delicious without drying out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve a custardy texture, let the bread soak in the egg mixture long enough before baking
- Use day-old bread; it absorbs flavors better without turning mushy
- Don’t skip the sauce—it’s essential for flavor balance!
Sometimes I whip up this recipe during family gatherings, and everyone fights over who gets the last piece. It’s a crowd-pleaser that always sparks joy!
FAQ
Can I use gluten-free bread for this bread pudding?
Absolutely! Gluten-free bread works well but may need extra soaking time.
How can I make my bread pudding more flavorful?
Consider adding spices like nutmeg or cardamom to enhance its taste.
What should I serve with my bread pudding?
A drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with it.
Indulgent Bread Pudding
Warm and comforting, this bread pudding envelops you in its rich, custardy embrace. With crispy edges and a soft interior, it’s the ultimate dessert for chilly evenings or festive gatherings. Filled with delightful spices and the option to customize with your favorite fruits and nuts, this recipe transforms stale bread into a delectable sweet treat that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 10 people 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 6 cups stale bread (e.g., French or brioche), torn into pieces
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup raisins (optional)
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Place torn bread pieces in the prepared baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour the custard mixture over the bread, pressing down gently to ensure soaking.
- If using, sprinkle raisins and nuts evenly over the top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and set in the center.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
