Bread pudding is a classic dessert that’s warm, comforting, and perfect for using up stale bread. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a deliciously decadent dish that’s great for family gatherings or a cozy night in. With a rich custard base and the option to add fruits or spices, this bread pudding will surely become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into the ingredients and preparation steps to create this delightful dessert!
Ingredients
- 6 cups of stale bread, cubed
- 2 cups of milk
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1/2 cup of raisins (optional)
- 2 tablespoons of butter (for greasing)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, with an additional cooking time of 45 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (approximately 1 cup) contains about 350 calories, 15g of fat, 45g of carbohydrates, and 8g of protein. This nutritional value is based on one person’s serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter.
- In a large bowl, combine the cubed stale bread and raisins.
- In another bowl, whisk together the milk, cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are well soaked.
- Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to soak up the liquid.
- Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce or whipped cream.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version. Additionally, feel free to use different types of bread like brioche or challah for added richness.
Serving and Pairings
This bread pudding pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce. It’s perfect for brunch or as a delightful dessert after dinner.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual servings. Bread pudding can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using fresh bread instead of stale.
- Not soaking the bread long enough.
- Overbaking, which can lead to dryness.
- Underseasoning the custard mixture.
- Skipping the butter on the baking dish.
- Using too much sugar, making it overly sweet.
Helpful Tips
- Experiment with different spices like cardamom or ginger.
- Try adding chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Ensure even soaking by gently stirring the bread mixture.
- Let the pudding cool slightly before cutting for cleaner slices.
FAQs
Can I use any type of bread for this recipe?
Yes, feel free to use any bread you have on hand. Stale bread works best, but you can also use fresh bread if needed.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute regular bread with gluten-free bread and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I add fruits to the bread pudding?
Absolutely! Fruits like apples, pears, or berries can enhance the flavor and texture of your bread pudding.
Is bread pudding served warm or cold?
Bread pudding is best served warm, but it can also be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
How do I know when the bread pudding is done?
The pudding is done when the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Conclusion
Bread pudding is a delightful dessert that combines simple ingredients into a comforting dish. Whether you serve it warm with ice cream or enjoy it on its own, this recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. Give it a try, and you may find it becomes a new favorite in your dessert repertoire!
Bread Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 cups stale bread cubed
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup raisins optional
- 2 tablespoons butter for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter.
- In a large bowl, combine the cubed stale bread and raisins.
- In another bowl, whisk together the milk, cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are well soaked.
- Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to soak up the liquid.
- Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce or whipped cream.
