Are you craving a comforting, delicious dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this classic bread pudding recipe, infused with the warm, inviting aroma of cinnamon. It's the perfect ending to a busy day, a delightful treat for unexpected guests, or simply a cozy indulgence for yourself. This recipe is perfect for beginners, requiring minimal skills and readily available ingredients. Let's dive into this easy, healthy, and homemade recipe that's sure to become one of your best recipes!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups cubed stale bread (challah, brioche, or a hearty white bread work best)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
- Butter, for greasing the baking dish
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Cube your stale bread into roughly 1-inch pieces. If using fresh bread, lightly toast the cubes before using to prevent a soggy pudding.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gently toss to coat the bread evenly with the spices and sugar. This ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until well combined. The smoother the mixture, the more evenly the custard will coat the bread.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet ingredients over the bread mixture, gently stirring to ensure all the bread pieces are well saturated with the custard. If using raisins, add them now and stir gently. Don't overmix; a few dry spots are okay.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the bread pudding mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the pudding is set and golden brown on top. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar (optional) and enjoy warm. This delicious dessert is perfect served plain, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips for the Best Bread Pudding:
- Stale bread is key: Using stale bread prevents a soggy pudding. If you don't have stale bread, you can dry out fresh bread slices in a low oven for about 10 minutes.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing can result in a tough pudding. Gently stir the ingredients until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a knife or toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, it's ready.
- Get creative with add-ins: Experiment with different add-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or different spices.
Variations:
- Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding: Add 1-2 cups of diced apples to the bread mixture.
- Chocolate Bread Pudding: Add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the wet ingredients.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This delicious bread pudding recipe is a perfect example of a quick dinner idea that transforms into a delightful healthy meal. It's a simple homemade cooking project that delivers big on flavor and satisfaction. Enjoy!