Are you craving a taste of New Orleans without the plane ticket? Then look no further! This recipe for New Orleans Bread Pudding brings the rich, decadent flavors of the Big Easy right to your kitchen. It’s a surprisingly easy dessert, perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade bread pudding, a delicious and comforting dish that's surprisingly easy to make. This recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet and creamy, with a subtle hint of spice that's simply irresistible. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this easy recipe will guide you every step of the way to create a truly authentic New Orleans treat. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf (1 pound) challah bread, day-old is best, cubed into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (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, this step is crucial for absorbing the custard beautifully. If using fresh bread, you may want to lightly toast the cubes to prevent a soggy pudding.
Step 2: Make the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, egg yolks, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined and smooth. This creates the creamy custard that will infuse your bread with flavor.
Step 3: Combine Bread and Custard
Add the cubed bread, raisins (if using), and pecans (if using) to the custard mixture. Gently toss to coat the bread evenly. Make sure all the bread pieces are well saturated for even cooking and optimal texture.
Step 4: Bake the Bread Pudding
Pour the bread pudding mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the pudding is set and lightly golden brown on top. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature. This classic dessert is equally delicious either way!
Tips for the Best Bread Pudding:
- Day-old bread is key: Stale bread absorbs the custard better, resulting in a richer, less soggy pudding.
- Don't overmix: Gently toss the bread and custard to avoid breaking up the bread cubes too much.
- Check for doneness: Use a knife or toothpick to check if the center is set before removing from the oven.
- Get creative with add-ins: Experiment with different fruits, nuts, spices, or chocolate chips to customize your bread pudding.
Variations:
- Chocolate Bread Pudding: Add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the custard mixture.
- Apple Bread Pudding: Add 1 cup of diced apples along with the raisins and nuts.
- Pecan Praline Bread Pudding: Top with a homemade pecan praline sauce before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 18-22g
- Protein: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
This New Orleans bread pudding recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a truly delicious and memorable dessert. It’s a fantastic addition to any dinner party or a wonderful treat for a quiet night at home. Enjoy this taste of the Big Easy!