My bread pudding recipe is easy to make and perfect for using up leftover bread. You can add fun extras like chocolate chips or fruit, or keep it simple for a classic, comforting dessert!

I decided to make this bread pudding because my husband loves it. He often talks about how comforting and delicious it is, so I wanted to surprise him with a homemade version. I gathered the ingredients and felt excited to see how it would turn out. The smell of the pudding baking filled the house with warmth.

When it was ready, it was absolutely delicious! The soft, custardy bread with just the right amount of sweetness made every bite wonderful. I was happy that it turned out so well and that my husband enjoyed it so much. It feels great to make something that brings joy to my family.

You can easily change this recipe to fit your taste by adding ingredients like chocolate chips, dried fruits, or nuts if you have some. This lets you make it different each time, keeping it interesting. Plus, you can use up any leftover bread, so nothing goes to waste.

Even if you have never tried bread pudding before, I really recommend serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of sauce. It’s a perfect dessert for any occasion and brings comfort that everyone can enjoy.

Why you will love this Bread Pudding?

You will love this bread pudding because it is a warm and comforting dessert that is easy to make. With simple ingredients like stale bread, milk, and eggs, you can create a delicious treat that feels cozy and satisfying. The soft, custardy texture makes it a favorite for many.

Another reason to enjoy this bread pudding is how flexible it is. You can add your favorite flavors, like chocolate chips, fruits, or spices, to make it just the way you like it. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover bread, so you reduce waste while making something tasty. Serve it warm with ice cream or sauce, and every bite will be delightful!

Ingredients

• 6 cups stale bread, cubed (such as French bread or brioche)
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup raisins or chocolate chips (optional)
• Butter, for greasing the baking dish

How to make Bread Pudding

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with butter.

Step 2:

Add the cubed stale bread in a large bowl. If your bread is fresh, you can dry it by baking it in the oven for about 10 minutes.

Step 3:

Whisk together the milk, heavy cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt in another bowl until well combined.

Step 4:

Pour the wet mixture over the cubed bread, making sure all the bread is soaked. Gently fold in the raisins or chocolate chips if using. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the mixture.

Step 5:

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for about 40-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6:

Allow the bread pudding to cool slightly before serving. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, and it pairs wonderfully with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Recipe Tips

• Opt for artisan or enriched breads like challah, brioche, or sourdough. Their unique textures and flavors will elevate your bread pudding, creating a more complex and delicious dessert.

• Instead of using plain milk and cream, infuse them with flavors by heating them with spices like cinnamon sticks, vanilla beans, or citrus peels. Allow the mixture to cool before using it in your custard for an added depth of flavor.

• When assembling your bread pudding, consider layering different types of bread or alternating layers of custard and mix-ins. This will create pockets of flavor throughout the pudding, enhancing the overall taste.

• For a more delicate texture, bake the bread pudding in a water bath. Place the baking dish in a larger pan filled with hot water while baking. This will help maintain an even temperature and prevent the edges from overcooking.

• For an elegant touch, sprinkle a layer of sugar on top of the baked pudding and use a kitchen torch to caramelize it. This creates a crunchy, caramelized crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft pudding underneath.

How to serve Bread Pudding?

One great way to serve bread pudding is warm with a drizzle of your favorite sauce, like caramel or chocolate. This adds sweetness and makes the pudding even more delicious. You can also top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which melts into the warm pudding for a creamy treat.

Another tasty option is to serve the bread pudding with a dollop of whipped cream on top. This adds a light and fluffy texture that pairs nicely with the rich, dense pudding. You can also make it more interesting by adding a warm fruit compote made from berries or apples for a fresh and fruity flavor.

For a nice presentation, you can sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a touch of sweetness and a pretty look. You might also add toasted nuts like pecans for extra crunch. Serving the bread pudding in individual ramekins makes it easy for guests to enjoy and adds a special touch to any meal!

Variations

If you want to mix things up, here are five delicious variations of bread pudding that you can try. Each variation brings a unique flavor and twist to this classic dessert, making it even more enjoyable!

Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding: Add chocolate chips to the bread mixture for a sweet and indulgent treat. The melted chocolate adds richness and flavor, making it a favorite among chocolate lovers.

Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding: Use cinnamon raisin bread instead of regular bread for a warm, spiced flavor. The raisins add sweetness and a chewy texture that complements the creamy custard.

Apple Bread Pudding: Mix in diced apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon to create a delicious fall-inspired dessert. You can also add caramel sauce on top for an extra sweet touch.

Banana Bread Pudding: Incorporate sliced bananas into the bread pudding mixture for a fruity twist. You can also use leftover banana bread for a unique flavor and texture.

Savory Bread Pudding: For a twist, make a savory version by adding cooked vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers, along with cheese. This can be a great side dish or a main course option.

How to store Bread Pudding

To store bread pudding, let it cool to room temperature first. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

If you want to store it for a longer time, you can freeze bread pudding. Cut it into individual portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. This way, you can easily reheat just the amount you need. Frozen bread pudding can be stored for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the bread pudding in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven or microwave until warm.

FAQ

Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread?

• While stale bread is best for absorbing the custard, you can dry fresh bread in the oven for a few minutes to help it soak up the liquid.

What type of bread works best for bread pudding?

• Breads like brioche, challah, or French bread are excellent choices due to their texture and ability to soak up the custard.

Can I make bread pudding without eggs?

• Yes, you can substitute eggs with a mixture of flaxseed meal and water or use a commercial egg replacer for a vegan option.

How can I make bread pudding more flavorful?

• Try adding spices like nutmeg or cardamom, or mix in flavored extracts like almond or orange for a unique taste.

Can I prepare bread pudding in advance?

• Yes, you can prepare the bread pudding mixture and refrigerate it overnight before baking it the next day.

How do I know when my bread pudding is done?

• It is done when the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

Bread Pudding Recipe

Recipe by Wasian CookeryCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Total time

55

minutes

My bread pudding recipe is easy to make and perfect for using up leftover bread. You can add fun extras like chocolate chips or fruit, or keep it simple for a classic, comforting dessert!

Ingredients

• 6 cups stale bread, cubed (such as French bread or brioche)

• 2 cups milk

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 3/4 cup sugar

• 4 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup raisins or chocolate chips (optional)

• Butter, for greasing the baking dish

Directions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with butter.
• In a large bowl, add the cubed stale bread. If your bread is fresh, you can dry it by baking it in the oven for about 10 minutes.
• Whisk together the milk, heavy cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt in another bowl until well combined.
• Pour the wet mixture over the cubed bread, making sure all the bread is soaked. Gently fold in the raisins or chocolate chips if using. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the mixture.
• Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for about 40-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Allow the bread pudding to cool slightly before serving. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, and it pairs wonderfully with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

• Opt for artisan or enriched breads like challah, brioche, or sourdough. Their unique textures and flavors will elevate your bread pudding, creating a more complex and delicious dessert.