Oh, bread pudding! Just saying it brings back the warmest memories. For me, it’s the ultimate comfort dessert. I can still picture my grandma pulling a steaming dish out of the oven, the sweet aroma of vanilla and cinnamon wafting through the kitchen. It was always a family favorite, especially on chilly evenings when we’d all gather around the table, spoons in hand, ready to dive into that rich and creamy goodness. Seriously, every bite is like a hug from the inside! The way the custard soaks into the bread, creating that perfect texture, is nothing short of magical. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why bread pudding has a special place in my heart (and my stomach!). Now, let’s get cooking!
Ingredients for Bread Pudding
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best bread pudding! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 cups of cubed bread (stale bread works best for soaking up the custard!)
- 2 cups of whole milk (for that rich creaminess)
- 1 cup of granulated sugar (sweetness is essential)
- 4 large eggs (don’t skip these, they bind everything together)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (for that lovely flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (adds a warm spice)
- 1/4 cup of raisins (or you can use your favorite dried fruit!)
Make sure everything is fresh and ready to go! You’ll be amazed at how these simple ingredients come together to create a dessert that feels so indulgent.
How to Prepare Bread Pudding
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the delightful process of making bread pudding! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll have a delicious dessert in no time.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures that your bread pudding cooks evenly. If the oven isn’t hot enough, the custard might not set properly, and we definitely want that creamy texture!
Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the 2 cups of milk, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 4 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Whisk everything together until it’s well blended and creamy. The smell of vanilla and cinnamon will already have you dreaming about the final product!
Add Bread and Raisins
Next, it’s time to add in those 4 cups of cubed bread and 1/4 cup of raisins. Gently fold the bread into the mixture until every piece is soaked in that lovely custard. You want to make sure all the bread gets the love it deserves, so take your time with this step! Feel free to let it sit for a few minutes to soak up even more flavor.
Bake the Bread Pudding
Now, pour the entire mixture into a greased baking dish. I prefer a 9×13-inch dish, but use whatever you have on hand. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake it for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden and the center is set. Just wait until you see that beautiful golden crust—it’s pure magic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This bread pudding recipe is not just a dessert; it’s an experience! Here are a few reasons why you’ll absolutely adore making (and devouring) this dish:
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings!
- Uses simple ingredients that you likely already have at home.
- Rich, creamy texture that feels indulgent without being overly complicated.
- Versatile—feel free to experiment with different types of bread or add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
- It’s a classic comfort dessert that brings back fond memories and warms the heart.
- Perfect for serving a crowd; this recipe yields about 8 generous portions.
- Your kitchen will smell heavenly while it bakes—trust me, it’s a serious mood booster!
Once you make this bread pudding, it’s bound to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. You’ll be coming back for seconds (and thirds), I promise!
Tips for Success
To make your bread pudding truly shine, here are some pro tips that I’ve gathered over the years:
- Use day-old bread! The staler, the better—it absorbs the custard beautifully without getting mushy.
- Don’t rush the soaking process. Let the bread sit in the custard mixture for at least 10-15 minutes. This helps achieve that rich, creamy texture.
- Experiment with flavors! Try adding a splash of bourbon or rum for an adult twist, or swap out the raisins for chocolate chips or fresh fruit.
- Keep an eye on the baking time. Every oven is different, so check for doneness a few minutes early to avoid overbaking.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making the best bread pudding ever!
Nutritional Information
Curious about what’s in your delicious slice of bread pudding? Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional values per serving (that’s one generous piece):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the exact ingredients you use. But hey, it’s all part of the fun in cooking! Just remember, you’re indulging in a delightful dessert, so savor every rich bite without any guilt!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftover bread pudding is just as delightful as when it’s freshly baked! To store it properly, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds or until warmed through. If you prefer, you can pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to heat it evenly. Trust me, that lovely texture will be just as comforting!
FAQ About Bread Pudding
Got questions about making bread pudding? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear:
Can I use different types of bread?
Absolutely! You can use brioche, challah, or even leftover bagels. Each type will bring its own unique flavor and texture to the pudding.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. Just bake it right before serving for that fresh-out-of-the-oven goodness.
What can I substitute for eggs?
If you need an egg substitute, try using flaxseed meal or unsweetened applesauce. Use 1/4 cup of applesauce or 1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg.
Why did my bread pudding turn out soggy?
Sogginess can happen if the bread isn’t stale enough or if it didn’t soak long enough in the custard. Make sure to use day-old bread for the best results!
Feel free to reach out with any other questions—I’m here to help you master this comforting dessert!
Z nadrukami
Bread Pudding: 7 Comforting Reasons to Savor Every Bite
- Całkowity Czas: 1 hour
- Ustępować: 8 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A rich and creamy dessert made from bread slices soaked in a mixture of eggs, milk, and sugar.
Składniki
- 4 cups of cubed bread
- 2 cups of milk
- 1 cup of sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/4 cup of raisins
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Add the cubed bread and raisins to the mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until set.
Uwagi
- Serve warm or cold.
- Can be topped with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 45 minutes
- Kategoria: Dessert
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 piece
- Kalorie: 250
- Cukier: 18g
- Sód: 150mg
- Kwasy: 8g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 3g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 5g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 38g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 5g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Słowa kluczowe: bread pudding, dessert, baked dessert
