Are you craving a comforting, decadent dessert that whispers tales of Southern hospitality? Look no further than Charleston's bread pudding – a timeless classic that’s both incredibly easy to make and utterly irresistible. This recipe delivers a rich, custardy pudding with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making it the ideal ending to any meal or a delightful afternoon treat. Get ready to experience a taste of Charleston's culinary charm in your own kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf (1 pound) challah bread, cubed (day-old is best!)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup raisins (optional)
- ¼ cup dark rum or bourbon (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. If using day-old bread, simply cube it; if using fresh bread, lightly toast the cubes for 5-10 minutes in a 300°F (150°C) oven to prevent a soggy pudding.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until the sugar is dissolved. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and vanilla extract until light and frothy. Gently pour the egg mixture into the milk mixture, whisking constantly to combine. If using, stir in the raisins and rum or bourbon.
Step 3: Assemble the Pudding
Add the cubed bread to the wet ingredients, gently stirring to ensure all the bread pieces are coated evenly with the custard mixture. Let the bread soak for at least 15-20 minutes, allowing it to absorb the liquid. This step is crucial for a perfect texture.
Step 4: 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 toothpick inserted into the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving. This allows the pudding to set further and prevents a messy presentation. Dust with powdered sugar (optional) and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Tips for the Best Bread Pudding:
- Day-old bread is key: Stale bread soaks up the custard better, preventing a soggy pudding.
- Don't overmix: Gently stir the bread into the custard to avoid breaking it down too much.
- Check for doneness: Start checking for doneness around 45 minutes to prevent overbaking.
- Get creative with add-ins: Try chopped pecans, chocolate chips, or dried cranberries for variations on this classic recipe.
Variations:
- Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding: Add diced apples and increase the cinnamon to 1 ½ teaspoons.
- Chocolate Bread Pudding: Add ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the custard.
- Citrus Bread Pudding: Add the zest and juice of one orange or lemon to the custard mixture for a bright, refreshing twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 18-22g
- Saturated Fat: 12-15g
- Cholesterol: 180-220mg
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Sugar: 25-30g
- Protein: 6-8g
This Charleston bread pudding recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply a cozy night in. Enjoy this delicious taste of Southern charm!