Easy Bread Pudding Recipe: Comfort in Every Bite

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As a kid, nothing was more comforting than the smell of bread pudding baking. It brought back memories of family times, where every bite felt like a warm hug. The mix of custard and spices was like a cozy blanket on a cold day.

This old-fashioned bread pudding recipe is a tradition I’m happy to share. It’s not just a treat for your taste buds but also for your soul. With its soft biscuit base, juicy raisins, and toasted coconut, it’s a feast for your senses. Each bite combines a creamy center with a crunchy edge.

Key Takeaways

This is an easy, old-fashioned bread pudding recipe that’s packed with comforting flavors.
The recipe uses leftover biscuits, giving the pudding a unique and delicious twist.
The bread pudding is made with a rich custard base, raisins, and a touch of coconut for added depth.
It’s the perfect dessert for sharing with friends and family, evoking memories of cozy gatherings.
The bread pudding can be stored for up to 5 days in the fridge or frozen for up to 3 months.

Introduction to Bread Pudding

What is Bread Pudding?

Bread pudding is a beloved comfort food loved for centuries. It’s made from stale bread mixed with eggs, milk, cream, and sweeteners. The bread soaks in the custard, then bakes until golden and soft.

The Comfort and Nostalgia of Bread Pudding

Bread pudding brings back memories and comfort. It has a long history in many cuisines. It’s a favorite treat that reminds us of family gatherings and home-cooked meals.

The recipe in this article uses 11 main ingredients. It includes Challah bread, light brown sugar, and a custard of eggs, milk, and heavy cream. It’s baked for 50-55 minutes at 375°F (190°C). You can serve it with a warm vanilla sauce.

“Bread pudding is a comforting, nostalgic dessert that warms the soul. Its ability to transform simple, stale bread into a decadent, custardy treat is truly remarkable.”

Bread Pudding Recipe

Get ready to enjoy a delicious homemade bread pudding recipe. It’s a mix of comfort and nostalgia. You only need 8 ingredients and 15 minutes to prepare it, making it perfect for any event.

This bread pudding is soft, moist, and just right. It’s like a blend of French toast and custard, all in a warm package.

Ingredients Needed

Bread (cubed or torn into pieces)
Milk
Large eggs
Granulated sugar
Vanilla extract
Ground cinnamon
Butter (for greasing the baking dish)
Raisins (optional)

Preparation Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until well combined.
Gently fold in the cubed or torn bread pieces, ensuring they are evenly coated with the custard mixture.
If using, stir in the raisins.
Transfer the bread pudding mixture to the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Allow the bread pudding to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Serve this warm, comforting bread pudding recipe with vanilla creme anglaise or your favorite toppings. Enjoy the perfect mix of flavors and textures in every bite.

Nutrition Facts	Per Serving
Calories	419
Fat	19g
Saturated Fat	11g
Cholesterol	118mg
Sodium	534mg
Carbohydrates	56g
Sugars	40g
Fiber	1g
Protein	7g

Ingredients Needed

To make the perfect easy bread pudding, you only need a few simple ingredients. Day-old bread is key because it soaks up the custard mixture well. Here’s what you’ll need:

Bread – Day-old brioche, challah, or King’s Hawaiian rolls work great
Unsalted butter
Eggs and egg yolks
Whole milk and heavy cream
Granulated sugar
Pure vanilla extract
Cinnamon (optional)
Raisins or other mix-ins (optional)

Bread Options

The bread you choose can change the texture and taste of your pudding. While white sandwich bread works, richer breads like brioche or challah are better. They make the pudding custardy and sweet.

Dairy and Egg Ingredients

The dairy and egg ingredients make the pudding creamy. Whole milk and heavy cream add richness. Eggs and egg yolks help everything stick together. This mix makes the pudding velvety and indulgent.

Sweeteners and Spices

Granulated sugar is the main sweetener, balancing the pudding’s sweetness. Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth. Cinnamon can be added for spice, if you like. These ingredients enhance the pudding’s taste and smell.

With these ingredients, you can make a comforting and tasty bread pudding. It’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making a delicious bread pudding is simpler than you might think. Just follow these easy steps to make a cozy, homemade treat.

Preparing the Bread

First, heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 1.5-quart (1.5-liter) baking dish well. Cut 10 slices of soft, day-old white bread into 1-inch cubes. Place them in the prepared dish.

Making the Custard

In a saucepan, mix 1 1/2 cups (350 ml) of whole milk, 1/4 cup (50 ml) of heavy cream, 2 large eggs, 4 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon. Whisk until everything is well mixed. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the butter melts. Don’t let the custard thicken too much on the stovetop.

Assembling and Baking

Pour the warm custard over the bread cubes in the dish. Press down gently to soak the bread well. Let it soak for about 30 minutes. Then, bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set.

Remember, don’t overcook the custard on the stovetop. It will thicken more as it bakes in the oven.

Bread pudding recipe

Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food – easy bread pudding! This recipe needs just 8 simple ingredients and only 15 minutes of prep time. The result is a soft, moist, and perfectly balanced bread pudding, full of comforting flavors.

Ingredient	Quantity
Brioche bread	480 grams
Unsalted butter	50 grams
Brown sugar	80 grams
Cinnamon	2 teaspoons
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon
Fine sea salt	1/2 teaspoon
Eggs	4 standard large
Whole milk	280 grams
Heavy cream	100 grams
Dark chocolate	70 grams

The bread pudding is baked at 375°F in an 8.5″ x 4.5″ metal loaf pan. For a personal touch, add your favorite nuts, dried fruits, or other mix-ins.

This easy bread pudding recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the comforting flavors and soft, indulgent texture in every bite. Enjoy!

Serving and Topping Ideas

After your homemade bread pudding comes out of the oven, it’s time to add some special touches. It’s golden and fragrant, ready for some delicious toppings. A few extra steps can make it an unforgettable dessert.

Warm Vanilla Sauce

Warm vanilla sauce is a classic choice for bread pudding. It’s also known as creme anglaise. This topping adds a rich vanilla flavor that goes well with the bread pudding’s creamy texture. To make it, mix milk, cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and a bit of salt. Heat it gently until it thickens.

Other Delicious Toppings

While vanilla sauce is a must-try, there are many other tasty options for your bread pudding:

Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light, airy touch to the dense bread pudding.
Caramel Sauce: Caramel sauce’s sweet, gooey flavor pairs well with the bread pudding’s taste.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of cold vanilla ice cream is perfect, melting into the warm bread pudding.
Fruit Compote: Try topping your bread pudding with a fruity compote, like apples, berries, or tropical fruits.
Toasted Nuts: For a crunchy topping, sprinkle toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds over the bread pudding.

There are endless ways to serve and top your homemade bread pudding. Try different flavors and textures to find your favorite combination.

Storing and Reheating Bread Pudding

Enjoying bread pudding’s flavors means knowing how to store and reheat it. Whether you have leftovers or want to make it ahead, these tips will ensure every bite is perfect.

Refrigerating Bread Pudding

Leftover bread pudding stays fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 days. This keeps the custard moist. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes.

Freezing Bread Pudding

Freeze bread pudding for up to 2-3 months. Cool it down first, then put it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat frozen bread pudding, preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until it’s at least 165°F. You can also use an air fryer at 350°F for 5 to 8 minutes.

Reheating gently is key to keeping bread pudding’s texture and taste. Serve it warm with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Variations and Flavor Twists

The classic vanilla bread pudding is a comforting treat. But, you can easily make it your own. Try different bread pudding variations to find new flavors you love.

Seasonal and Holiday Variations

Make your bread pudding cozy for autumn with cinnamon, nutmeg, or other spices. For a holiday twist, use dried cranberries or cherries instead of raisins. Add a splash of spiced rum or bourbon for a grown-up touch.

Adding Fruits, Nuts, and Other Mix-Ins

Make your bread pudding special with nuts, chocolate chips, or fruits. Try adding diced apples, juicy berries, or pears for a mix of flavors and textures. For a rich holiday bread pudding, mix in crushed peppermint, salted caramel, or pumpkin purée.

Variation	Ingredients	Occasion
Banana Bread Pudding	Ripe bananas, cinnamon, nutmeg	Year-round
Pumpkin Bread Pudding	Pumpkin puree, spices, maple syrup	Fall, Thanksgiving
Chocolate-Cherry Bread Pudding	Dark chocolate, dried cherries, almond extract	Valentine’s Day, Christmas

There are endless ways to add mix-ins to bread pudding. Try new flavors and textures to make a dessert that’s all your own.

Tips and Tricks

Making the perfect bread pudding is an art. With a few simple tips, you can make your homemade bread pudding amazing. From picking the right bread to getting the custard just right, these tips will help you become a bread pudding master.

Choose the Right Bread

The bread is the base of a great bread pudding. Use day-old or lightly toasted bread to soak up the custard without getting soggy. French bread, challah, or brioche are great choices because of their sweetness and airy texture.

Nail the Custard

The custard is the heart of bread pudding. Be careful not to overcook it on the stovetop. Heat the milk, cream, eggs, and sweeteners gently until the butter melts and everything is just combined. Don’t let it boil, or the custard will be grainy and overcooked.

Bake with Care

When baking, avoid overcooking. You want the pudding to be set but still slightly wobbly in the center. Keep an eye on it during the last 10-15 minutes, and cover the top with foil if it browns too fast.

Make-Ahead Magic

For a more flavorful pudding, make the vanilla sauce ahead of time. This lets the flavors mix well. Then, drizzle it over the warm pudding just before serving for a special touch.

Tip	Recommended Action
Bread Selection	Use day-old or lightly toasted bread, such as French, challah, or brioche
Custard Preparation	Gently heat the custard ingredients, avoiding boiling to prevent overcooking
Baking Technique	Bake until set but still slightly wobbly in the center, tenting with foil if needed
Make-Ahead Option	Prepare the vanilla sauce in advance for an easy, flavorful topping

By following these tips for making bread pudding and tricks for perfect bread pudding, you’ll be well on your way to creating a showstopping dessert. It’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Conclusion

This easy, homemade bread pudding recipe is the ultimate comfort food dessert. It has a soft, custardy interior and crisp edges. The warm, vanilla-kissed flavors make it a new family favorite.

Enjoy it plain or with a silky vanilla sauce. This bread pudding turns simple ingredients into a delightful, nostalgic treat.

The bread pudding recipe has a rich history. It started as a way to use up stale bread and evolved into a celebrated dish. A Louisiana family has made this dessert for at least three generations.

This recipe captures the essence of comfort and nostalgia. It’s known for its comforting flavors.

Indulge in this easy bread pudding recipe and enjoy the comforting flavors passed down through the ages. You can use traditional French baguettes or try richer brioche or croissants. The result is a delicious and satisfying treat that will leave you craving for more.

FAQ

What is bread pudding?

Bread pudding is a comforting dessert made from old bread and custard. It’s baked until golden. You can enjoy it plain or add spices, raisins, chocolate, and fruits.

What are the key ingredients in this bread pudding recipe?

This recipe needs day-old bread, unsalted butter, eggs, and egg yolks. You’ll also need whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract.

How do you make the bread pudding?

First, preheat the oven and butter a baking dish well. Cut the bread into cubes and arrange them in the dish. Mix the remaining ingredients in a saucepan, whisking until the butter melts.Pour the custard over the bread, gently pressing to soak. Bake for 35-40 minutes until it’s golden and set.

What type of bread works best for bread pudding?

King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls or brioche bread are great choices. Any day-old or lightly toasted bread will work too.

What toppings or sauces can you serve with bread pudding?

Serve it plain or with vanilla creme anglaise, whipped cream, caramel sauce, or vanilla ice cream.

How do you store and reheat leftover bread pudding?

Store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, but watch the custard’s texture. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months and thawed in the fridge before reheating.

Can you customize the bread pudding recipe?

Yes, you can customize it. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or other spices for a cozy fall flavor. Try dried cranberries or cherries for a holiday twist. Mix in chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or fresh fruits to change the texture and flavors.