Bread Pudding: A Cozy Delight
Nothing says comfort like a warm bowl of bread pudding. Seriously, just thinking about it warms my heart! The soft, custardy goodness of bread pudding with hints of vanilla and cinnamon brings back all the cozy vibes. Whether you have leftover stale bread or you’re looking for a delightful dessert, I promise you, this bread pudding recipe will become a go-to in your kitchen.
What Is Bread Pudding?
So, bread pudding is basically a delightful mash-up of stale bread and a yummy custard mixture. Historically, it was created as a way to use up leftovers, and I totally love that practicality! Think of it as a warm hug in dessert form. It’s easy to make, and you can switch things up according to what you have on hand. You can serve it as a sweet treat for dinner or a special breakfast; bread pudding is versatile and oh-so-satisfying!
Ingredients Overview for Bread Pudding
Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need for this cozy bread pudding. You’ll likely have most of these ingredients already at home!
- Stale Bread or Day-Old Bread (e.g., challah or brioche): This is your main player! Any leftover bread works, but richer kinds like brioche or challah make it extra special.
- Whole Milk (or almond/oat milk): For richness. If you’re going dairy-free, almond or oat milk is a great choice.
- Eggs: They act as the binding agent for that rich, custardy texture.
- Granulated Sugar or Brown Sugar (or honey/maple syrup): Adds sweetness. I love using brown sugar for a deeper flavor!
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and sweetness, making this dessert irresistible.
- Cinnamon (and optional nutmeg): Just the right amount of spice to bring everything together.
- Butter (for greasing the baking dish): Keep it classic with butter; it adds flavor and helps prevent sticking!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Bread Pudding
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C): Getting that oven nice and warm is key for even baking.
- Prepare the bread: Tear or cut that stale bread into bite-sized pieces and place them lovingly in a greased baking dish.
- Make the custard: In a bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. If you want a little extra flavor, toss in your cinnamon and nutmeg. Mix until everything is combined.
- Combine: Pour the custard mixture over the bread, making sure every single piece gets a nice soak. There’s something so satisfying about watching the bread absorb that rich custard!
- Bake: Pop it in the oven for 30-40 minutes, until it’s a golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. The smell will be divine!
- Cool and serve: Let your creation cool slightly before serving. Feel free to top it off with whipped cream, ice cream, or fresh berries for an extra treat!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving bread pudding, the options are endless. You could serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top, or with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a light touch. A sprinkle of fresh berries can add that delightful pop of color and flavor. Personally, I enjoy it just by itself, especially when it’s warm right out of the oven!
Tips For The Perfect Bread Pudding
- Use stale bread: The best bread pudding starts with day-old bread. If your bread is fresh, simply allow it to dry out for a few hours.
- Don’t rush the soaking: Let the bread soak in the custard mixture for at least 15-20 minutes before baking. It helps with absorption.
- Experiment with flavors: Add in some chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits if you want to change it up!
- Cook until set: Make sure the middle is set before taking it out; a little jiggle is okay, but you want it mostly firm.
Q&A Section
Q1: Can I use any type of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! Any stale bread works wonders, but opting for richer types like brioche or challah enhances the flavor.
Q2: How long can I store bread pudding?
You can keep it in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave before serving!
Q3: Can I make bread pudding ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble it the night before and bake it fresh the next day. Just let it soak in the fridge overnight.
Q4: Is bread pudding suitable for breakfast?
Why not? It’s sweet, filling, and delicious—perfect for a special brunch or breakfast treat!
Why You’ll Adore It
This bread pudding is not just a recipe; it’s an experience. Whether you’re indulging on a chilly evening or sharing with loved ones, each bite brings comfort and warmth. The textures and flavors blend beautifully, making it hard to resist having a second helping—trust me, I’ve been there!
Recipe Development Journey
Creating this bread pudding recipe was such a delight! I remember the first time I tried it; I was skeptical about using stale bread. The result blew my mind. After a few attempts, I figured out the perfect balance of spices and custard. Honestly, I had a few flops along the way with the ratios, but those little mistakes taught me the most delicious lessons in baking. I wouldn’t change a single thing about the process because it led me to my favorite cozy dessert!
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Bread Pudding: A Cozy Delight
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm and comforting bread pudding made with stale bread and a delicious custard mixture, perfect for dessert or breakfast.
Ingredients
- 4 cups stale bread or day-old bread (e.g., challah or brioche)
- 2 cups whole milk (or almond/oat milk)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar or brown sugar (or honey/maple syrup)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon (and optional nutmeg)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Tear or cut the stale bread into bite-sized pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. Add cinnamon and nutmeg if desired, and mix until combined.
- Pour the custard mixture over the bread, ensuring each piece is soaked.
- Bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool slightly before serving, optionally topping with whipped cream, ice cream, or fresh berries.
Notes
For best results, use stale bread and soak in the custard for at least 15-20 minutes before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 120mg