Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding! This recipe takes the classic bread pudding and elevates it with the warm spice of cinnamon and the sweet chewiness of raisins. It's the perfect ending to a busy day, a delightful brunch treat, or a cozy addition to any meal. This easy recipe is perfect for both beginner bakers and experienced cooks alike, offering a delicious homemade dessert without hours of kitchen time. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food!
Ingredients:
- 6 cups cubed stale bread (challah, brioche, or sourdough work wonderfully)
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Prepare the bread: In a large bowl, gently toss the cubed stale bread with the raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Make sure the spices are evenly distributed. Stale bread is best for bread pudding as it soaks up the custard mixture better.
Make the custard: In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
Combine and bake: Pour the custard mixture over the bread and raisin mixture, ensuring all the bread pieces are well coated. Gently press down on the bread to submerge it in the custard. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
Bake: Pour the bread pudding into the prepared baking dish and 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.
Cool and serve: Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness, if desired. This delicious bread pudding is best served warm.
Tips for the Best Bread Pudding:
- Use stale bread: Stale bread is key for the best texture. If you don't have stale bread, you can dry out fresh bread slices in a low oven (250°F) for about 15-20 minutes.
- Don't overmix: Gently toss the ingredients together to avoid breaking up the bread too much.
- Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the bread pudding is cooked through. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.
- Get creative with additions: Feel free to experiment with other additions like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried cranberries.
Variations:
- Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding: Add diced apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon to the bread mixture.
- Chocolate Bread Pudding: Add ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the bread mixture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Fat: Approximately 18-22g Protein: Approximately 8-10g Carbohydrates: Approximately 45-50g
This Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding is a simple yet elegant dessert perfect for any occasion. It's a fantastic example of how easy and delicious homemade cooking can be. The warm spices and sweet raisins create a truly comforting and satisfying experience. Enjoy!