Are you craving a dessert that's both comforting and sophisticated? Look no further than this incredible bread pudding with peaches recipe! This easy recipe transforms stale bread into a decadent, warm treat, perfect for a cozy night in or a delightful brunch. The juicy sweetness of the peaches perfectly complements the creamy custard, creating a flavor explosion in your mouth. It's a surprisingly quick and simple recipe, ideal for even the busiest weeknights, making it a fantastic addition to your healthy meal repertoire. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups cubed stale bread (challah, brioche, or sourdough work wonderfully)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown 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
- 2 ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced
- Optional: 1/4 cup raisins or chopped pecans for added texture and flavor
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. In a large bowl, gently toss the cubed bread with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures even sweetness and spice distribution throughout the pudding.
Step 2: Make the Custard
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until well combined. Pour the custard mixture over the bread, gently stirring to ensure all the bread pieces are moistened. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to fully absorb the liquid. This step is crucial for a perfectly textured bread pudding.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Gently fold in the sliced peaches and any optional additions like raisins or pecans. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the pudding is set and golden brown on top. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover it with foil during the last 20 minutes of baking.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving. This allows it to firm up and makes it easier to cut into neat slices. Dust with powdered sugar (optional) and enjoy warm!
Tips for the Best Bread Pudding:
- Use stale bread: Stale bread absorbs the custard better, resulting in a more moist and delicious pudding. If you don't have stale bread, you can dry it out in a low oven for about 15-20 minutes.
- Don't overmix: Gently fold the ingredients together to avoid breaking down the bread.
- Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the pudding is cooked through. If it comes out clean, it's ready.
- Customize it: Feel free to experiment with different fruits, spices, or nuts to create your own unique bread pudding variations.
Variations:
- Apple Bread Pudding: Replace peaches with apples for a warm, autumnal twist.
- Berry Bread Pudding: Use a mix of fresh or frozen berries for a burst of fruity flavor.
- Chocolate Bread Pudding: Add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the custard for a rich chocolatey indulgence.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 8-10g
- Fat: 18-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
This delicious bread pudding recipe offers a fantastic way to use up stale bread while creating a comforting and flavorful dessert or even a delightful breakfast treat. The combination of soft bread, juicy peaches, and creamy custard is simply irresistible. Give it a try and experience the magic of homemade cooking! Enjoy!