Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this bread pudding recipe, elevated with the luscious sweetness of sweetened condensed milk. This recipe transforms leftover bread into a decadent and delicious treat, perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion. It’s a fantastic example of how simple ingredients can create a truly delightful homemade cooking experience, making it a perfect addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals (while still being undeniably delicious!).
Ingredients:
- 4 cups cubed stale bread (challah, brioche, or white bread work well)
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- Butter, for greasing the baking dish
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter. This simple step ensures your bread pudding doesn't stick and allows for easy serving.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. The sweetened condensed milk adds a wonderfully rich and creamy texture.
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Add Bread & Mix-ins: Gently fold in the cubed bread, raisins (if using), and nuts (if using). Make sure the bread is evenly coated with the custard mixture. Don't overmix; you want the bread to absorb the liquid but still retain some texture.
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Bake: Pour the bread pudding mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the pudding is set and golden brown on top. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
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Cool & Serve: Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired, for an extra touch of sweetness. This bread pudding is wonderful served warm or at room temperature, and it tastes even better the next day!
Cooking Tips for the Best Bread Pudding:
- Use stale bread: Stale bread absorbs the custard mixture better than fresh bread, resulting in a more evenly cooked and delicious pudding.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing can make the bread pudding tough. Gently fold the ingredients together until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a toothpick or cake tester to check if the center is cooked through before removing from the oven.
- Get creative with add-ins: Feel free to experiment with different add-ins, such as chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped apples.
Variations:
- Spiced Bread Pudding: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the custard mixture for a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Citrus Bread Pudding: Add the zest and juice of one orange or lemon to the custard mixture for a bright, refreshing twist.
- Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce: Top the baked bread pudding with your favorite caramel sauce for an extra layer of decadent sweetness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 45-50g
This easy recipe for bread pudding, utilizing sweetened condensed milk, is a perfect example of transforming simple ingredients into a delicious and satisfying dessert. It’s a quick dinner idea that's equally suitable for a weeknight treat or a special occasion. Enjoy!