Craving a warm, comforting dessert that’s easy to make yet incredibly satisfying? This Best Bread Pudding Recipe delivers rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced flavors with a golden, crispy top and soft, custard-like center. It’s the perfect way to use up leftover bread and transform it into a delectable dessert that everyone will love. 🍞🍮
Bread Pudding has long been a favorite in many households for its simplicity and versatility. The classic combination of stale bread soaked in a rich, sweet custard, then baked to golden perfection, makes this dessert a winner for any occasion. You can customize it with raisins, chocolate chips, or even fresh fruit to suit your tastes.
Why You’ll Love This Bread Pudding
This bread pudding is simple to prepare and has a rich, satisfying texture. The bread absorbs a sweet vanilla custard mixture, and the top turns golden and crispy while the inside stays soft and creamy. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or as a cozy weeknight dessert, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Main Ingredients for the Best Bread Pudding
Each ingredient in this recipe is chosen to create a creamy, flavorful, and indulgent dessert:
- Bread (8 cups, cubed stale bread): Stale bread is the star of the dish, and it absorbs the custard mixture perfectly. You can use any type of bread, such as French, brioche, or even leftover dinner rolls.
- Tip: If your bread is fresh, toast it in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes to dry it out slightly.
- Eggs (4 large): Eggs are the base of the custard, giving the pudding a rich and creamy texture.
- Whole Milk (3 cups): Milk provides the liquid base for the custard, creating a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Substitution: You can use half-and-half for an even richer custard.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup): Cream adds richness to the custard, making it extra indulgent.
- Sugar (¾ cup): Sugar sweetens the custard and balances the flavors.
- Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Vanilla enhances the flavor of the custard and adds warmth.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Cinnamon adds a cozy spice that pairs beautifully with the sweet custard and bread.
- Butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Butter adds richness to the top of the bread pudding, helping to create a golden, crispy crust.
- Optional Add-ins: You can customize this recipe by adding raisins, chocolate chips, or even fresh berries for added flavor and texture.
Benefits of Ingredients
- Eggs and milk provide protein and essential nutrients, while the bread offers a hearty base, making this dessert as nourishing as it is delicious.
How to Make the Best Bread Pudding: Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Cut your bread into cubes and spread them evenly in the dish. If the bread is fresh, lightly toast it in the oven for 10 minutes to dry it out.
- Make the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until well combined. The mixture should be smooth, with no lumps of sugar or egg.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula to ensure every piece is soaked in the custard. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to fully absorb the custard.
- The bread should feel slightly soft but not mushy. If it’s too dry, add a little more milk.
- Add Toppings: If you’re using add-ins like raisins or chocolate chips, sprinkle them evenly over the top. Drizzle the melted butter over the bread for a golden, crispy finish.
- Bake the Bread Pudding: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be crisp, and the center should be set but still slightly soft.
- You’ll know the bread pudding is done when the top has a golden, caramelized color and the custard has fully set. Avoid overbaking, as it may dry out the pudding.
- Serve: Remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving. You can serve it warm or at room temperature, with a drizzle of caramel sauce, vanilla ice cream, or whipped cream.
- For a more decadent twist, serve with a bourbon sauce or crème anglaise.
Tips for the Perfect Bread Pudding
- Use Stale Bread: Stale bread absorbs the custard mixture better, preventing the pudding from becoming too mushy.
- Let the Bread Soak: Allowing the bread to sit in the custard mixture for 10-15 minutes ensures that each piece is fully saturated and flavorful.
- Customize the Recipe: Feel free to experiment with different types of bread, spices, and add-ins to make the bread pudding your own.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bread Pudding
Can I make bread pudding ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the bread pudding up to a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
What’s the best bread to use for bread pudding?
Any type of bread works well, but brioche, challah, or French bread are especially good because of their soft, absorbent texture. Avoid overly dense breads, as they may not absorb the custard well.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I freeze bread pudding?
Yes, bread pudding can be frozen. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the pudding overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.
What can I serve with bread pudding?
Bread pudding is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it by serving it with a drizzle of caramel or bourbon sauce, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or whipped cream.
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