Classic Bread Pudding

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that feels like a warm hug, look no further! Classic bread pudding is the perfect way to use up that stale bread sitting in your kitchen. Trust me, this dish is both simple to make and ridiculously delicious. I’ve had my fair share of culinary adventures, but this one always brings back memories of family gatherings where dessert was the star of the show.

What Is Classic Bread Pudding?

Classic bread pudding is a traditional dessert that turns that old bread into a custardy, sweet treat that feels so indulgent. It’s like a warm, flavorful hug on a plate. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; you only need a handful of ingredients that come together to create a beautiful, comforting dish. The custard soaks into the bread, creating a soft texture while the top gets a lovely golden color. Best of all, it is easily customizable to suit your taste buds!

Ingredients Overview for Classic Bread Pudding

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this comforting dessert:

6 cups stale bread: Any bread works! Think baguettes, brioche, or even leftover dinner rolls.
4 large eggs: These provide richness and help bind everything together.
2 cups whole milk (or almond/oat milk): This forms the base of your custard. Use what you prefer!
1 cup sugar (white or brown): Sweetness is essential! Brown sugar will add a lovely caramel flavor.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: This adds warmth and depth to every creamy bite.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: Sprinkle in some spice for warmth and coziness.
1 cup raisins or chocolate chips (optional): Add these for bursts of flavor and texture. I personally love chocolate chips!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Classic Bread Pudding

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). You want that oven warm and ready for baking.
Tear stale bread into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl. It’s okay if they’re not all even; the rustic charm adds to the flavor.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. This custard mixture is where the magic happens!
Pour the custard mixture over the bread and let it sit for 15 minutes. This allows the bread to absorb all that delicious flavor.
If using, add raisins or chocolate chips and stir gently. You want to get them evenly distributed throughout the bread.
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Make sure it’s nicely greased to prevent sticking!
Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen is about to smell amazing!
Cool for a few minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with cream if you like!

Serving Suggestions

Classic bread pudding is wonderful all on its own, but if you want to jazz it up, consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of fresh cream. You can also sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top, or go for a light dusting of powdered sugar. This dessert can be enjoyed warm or cold, making it versatile for any occasion.

Tips For The Perfect Classic Bread Pudding

Use stale bread: Fresh bread can become mushy. Stale bread soaks up the custard beautifully.
Don’t skip the soaking time: Letting the bread soak for 15 minutes is essential for that lovely texture.
Mix-ins are fun: Feel free to get creative! Try adding nuts or different dried fruits.
Watch the baking time: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on it around the 40-minute mark!

Q&A Section

1. Can I use fresh bread for this recipe?
It’s better to use stale bread, as fresh bread can get too soggy. If you must use fresh bread, toasting it slightly can help.

2. What can I substitute for eggs?
You can use a flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) or a commercial egg replacer.

3. How long does bread pudding last?
When stored in the fridge, classic bread pudding can last up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage!

4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it the night before and bake it just before serving.

Why You’ll Love It

This classic bread pudding is everything you hope for in a dessert: warm, comforting, and satisfying. It brings together simple ingredients in such a delightful way. The best part? You don’t have to be a pro in the kitchen to make it shine! Plus, it’s so versatile that you can tweak it to fit your taste or whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Recipe Developing Adventures

When I first tried making this classic bread pudding, I was super excited but a little nervous, too! My first attempt was a tad too sweet, but I learned that balancing the sugar is key. I also experimented with different types of milk and soon found that almond milk gave it a lovely nutty flavor. After a few trials, I nailed the custard-to-bread ratio and was finally ready to serve it to friends. Seeing their happy faces made all those little flops totally worth it!