This Best Bread Pudding Recipe is a classic dessert that transforms day-old bread into a rich, custardy, and comforting dish. Soaked in a creamy mixture of eggs, milk, and sugar, then baked until golden, this bread pudding is the perfect dessert for any occasion. It’s a versatile recipe that can be served plain, with a dusting of powdered sugar, or drizzled with a rich caramel or vanilla sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Bread Pudding Recipe
- Simple & Comforting: Made with basic pantry ingredients, this bread pudding is a nostalgic and comforting dessert.
- Rich & Custardy: The bread soaks up the creamy custard, creating a soft, moist texture with a golden, crispy top.
- Versatile: You can customize this recipe with different flavors, add-ins, and toppings to make it your own.
- Perfect for Leftover Bread: Use up day-old bread or leftover rolls for a delicious, no-waste dessert.
Key Ingredients for Bread Pudding
1. Bread
- Use day-old bread like French bread, challah, brioche, or even leftover dinner rolls. Stale bread works best because it absorbs the custard without getting mushy.
2. Eggs
- Eggs form the base of the custard, giving the pudding structure and richness.
3. Milk & Cream
- A combination of milk and cream adds moisture and a creamy texture to the bread pudding. You can also use half-and-half for convenience.
4. Sugar
- Granulated sugar sweetens the custard and helps create a beautifully caramelized top.
5. Vanilla & Spices
- Vanilla extract and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg add flavor and depth to the bread pudding.
How to Make the Best Bread Pudding
This easy bread pudding recipe comes together quickly, and the result is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dessert. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
- Cut 6-7 cups of day-old bread into 1-inch cubes. Place the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Make the Custard
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 2 cups of whole milk, 1 cup of heavy cream, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of ground nutmeg.
Step 4: Soak the Bread
- Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, making sure all the bread is evenly coated. Press down gently on the bread to help it absorb the custard. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to soak.
Step 5: Bake the Bread Pudding
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set.
Step 6: Serve
- Let the bread pudding cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips for Making the Best Bread Pudding
1. Use Stale Bread
- Stale bread is key to making the best bread pudding because it absorbs the custard without becoming soggy. If your bread is fresh, you can dry it out by toasting it in the oven for a few minutes.
2. Let the Bread Soak
- Allow the bread to soak in the custard for at least 10-15 minutes before baking. This ensures that the bread absorbs all the flavors and moisture.
3. Customize the Flavor
- Add raisins, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor. You can also add a splash of bourbon or rum for an adult twist.
4. Don’t Overbake
- Bake the bread pudding just until the custard is set and the top is golden. Overbaking can cause the pudding to dry out.
Recipe Variations
1. Chocolate Bread Pudding
- Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the bread cubes before pouring over the custard for a rich, chocolaty version.
2. Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding
- Stir in 1 cup of diced apples and increase the cinnamon to 1 1/2 teaspoons for a fall-inspired dessert.
3. Pumpkin Bread Pudding
- Add 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree to the custard mixture and replace the cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist.
4. Savory Bread Pudding
- Skip the sugar and vanilla and instead add cheese, cooked sausage or bacon, and sautéed vegetables for a savory bread pudding perfect for breakfast or brunch.
5. Brioche Bread Pudding
- Use brioche bread for an extra buttery, rich pudding. You can also add dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for a sweet addition.
FAQs: Bread Pudding
1. Can I Make Bread Pudding Ahead of Time?
- Yes! You can assemble the bread pudding and refrigerate it overnight before baking. When ready to bake, simply bring it to room temperature and bake as directed.
2. How Do I Store Leftover Bread Pudding?
- Store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a low oven.
3. Can I Freeze Bread Pudding?
- Yes, bread pudding freezes well. Cool it completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
4. What Can I Serve with Bread Pudding?
- Bread pudding is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with caramel sauce, vanilla ice cream, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar.
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