Craving a warm, comforting dessert? Look no further than this delightful bread pudding recipe! It’s a classic dish that brings together stale bread, creamy custard, and a hint of spices, creating a cozy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed warm with a drizzle of caramel or served chilled, this bread pudding will surely satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests.
Ingredients
– 4 cups of stale bread, cubed
– 3 cups of milk
– 1 cup of sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 cup of raisins (optional)
– 1/4 cup of melted butter
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 8 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 45 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 slice) contains approximately:
– Calories: 220
– Protein: 5g
– Fat: 8g
– Carbohydrates: 34g
– Fiber: 1g
This nutritional information is based on a typical serving size.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter.
3. In a large bowl, combine the milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until well combined.
4. Add the cubed bread to the mixture, ensuring all pieces are soaked.
5. If using, stir in the raisins.
6. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
7. Drizzle melted butter over the top.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set.
9. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
10. Serve warm with caramel sauce or whipped cream.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute the milk with almond milk for a dairy-free option. Additionally, feel free to use different types of bread, such as brioche or challah, for varying flavors and textures.
Serving and Pairings
This bread pudding can be served with a drizzle of caramel sauce, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of whipped cream. It pairs beautifully with coffee or a warm cup of tea.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Bread pudding can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using fresh bread instead of stale can result in a soggy texture.
- Not soaking the bread long enough can leave dry spots.
- Overbaking can cause the pudding to dry out.
- Skipping the butter can lead to a less rich flavor.
- Not whisking the egg mixture thoroughly can leave a grainy texture.
Helpful Tips
- Experiment with spices like nutmeg or cardamom for added flavor.
- For a richer pudding, replace some of the milk with cream.
- Letting the pudding sit for a few minutes before serving enhances the flavor.
- Top with fresh fruit for a refreshing twist.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free bread for this recipe?
Yes, gluten-free bread can be used to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten intolerances. Just ensure that the rest of the ingredients are also gluten-free.
How can I enhance the flavor of my bread pudding?
Adding spices like nutmeg or using flavored extracts such as almond can elevate the taste. You can also mix in chocolate chips or fresh fruits.
Is bread pudding served warm or cold?
Bread pudding is typically served warm, but it can also be enjoyed chilled, depending on personal preference.
Can I prepare bread pudding in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the bread pudding mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just bake it on the day you plan to serve it.
What type of bread is best for bread pudding?
Stale bread works best, such as brioche, challah, or even day-old bagels. The staler the bread, the better it absorbs the custard mixture.
Conclusion
This bread pudding recipe is a delicious and comforting dish that can be enjoyed any time of the year. Its versatility allows for a variety of flavor combinations, making it a favorite for many. Whether served as a dessert or a sweet breakfast treat, this classic recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.
Bread Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups of stale bread cubed
- 3 cups of milk
- 1 cup of sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of raisins optional
- 1/4 cup of melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter.
- In a large bowl, combine the milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until well combined.
- Add the cubed bread to the mixture, ensuring all pieces are soaked.
- If using, stir in the raisins.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Drizzle melted butter over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm with caramel sauce or whipped cream.
