Bread Pudding Recipe

Cynthia May

2 min read

·

26-01-2025

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Bread pudding. The very name conjures images of warm, comforting kitchens and lingering aromas of vanilla and spice. While it might sound simple, a truly great bread pudding requires a little finesse. This recipe will guide you through creating a bread pudding that's far from basic, a dessert that elevates this classic comfort food to new heights.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe focuses on quality ingredients to achieve maximum flavor. Don't skimp!

• Stale Bread: About 6 cups, cubed. Day-old bread is ideal; it absorbs the custard better. Avoid overly fresh bread, as it will make a soggy pudding. French bread, challah, or brioche work particularly well.
• Milk: 4 cups whole milk. Whole milk adds richness and creaminess.
• Eggs: 4 large eggs. Room temperature eggs incorporate better into the custard.
• Sugar: ¾ cup granulated sugar. Adjust to your sweetness preference.
• Butter: ¼ cup melted unsalted butter. Adds richness and helps prevent dryness.
• Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract. Essential for that classic bread pudding flavor.
• Spices (Optional): ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, pinch of salt. These spices enhance the warmth and depth of flavor. Experiment with other spices like cardamom or allspice for unique twists.
• Raisins (Optional): ½ cup raisins, plumped in warm water for 10 minutes. Adds texture and sweetness. Substitute with other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped apricots.

Instructions:

Follow these steps for a perfectly baked bread pudding:

1. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and spices (if using). Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved.
3. Assemble the Pudding: Gently toss the bread cubes with the custard mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid. This step is crucial for preventing a dry pudding.
4. Bake: Pour the bread pudding mixture into the prepared baking dish. If using raisins, gently press them into the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly firm.
5. Cool & Serve: Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a beautiful finish. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence.

Tips for Success:

• Don't over-soak the bread: While you want the bread to absorb the custard, avoid over-soaking, as this will result in a soggy pudding.
• Use quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the taste.
• Adjust sweetness to your liking: Taste the custard before adding the bread and adjust the sugar accordingly.
• Experiment with flavors: Add different spices, extracts, or dried fruits to create your own unique variations.

This recipe provides a framework for a delicious bread pudding. Feel free to adapt and experiment to create your perfect version! Enjoy!