Are you craving a taste of the Big Easy? Then look no further! This Nola Bread Pudding recipe is a comforting classic, perfect for a cozy night in or a delightful dessert to impress your guests. Forget those dry, tasteless bread puddings of the past – this recipe delivers a rich, creamy, and utterly delicious experience, bursting with the flavors of New Orleans. It's surprisingly easy to make, making it an ideal choice for both beginner bakers and seasoned chefs seeking a simple yet elegant homemade dessert. This easy recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas or healthy meals if you're mindful of portion sizes.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf (1 pound) challah bread, day-old is best, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup raisins (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until the sugars are dissolved.
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Add Eggs & Vanilla: Whisk in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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Soak the Bread: Gently add the bread cubes to the custard mixture, stirring to ensure all the pieces are evenly coated. Let it sit for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the bread to fully absorb the liquid. This step is crucial for a moist and flavorful bread pudding.
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Add Mix-ins (Optional): If using, gently fold in the raisins and nuts.
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Bake: Pour the bread pudding mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly firm.
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Cool & Serve: Let the bread pudding cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar (optional) and enjoy warm.
Tips for the Best Nola Bread Pudding:
- Day-Old Bread is Key: Using day-old bread prevents the pudding from becoming soggy. If you don't have day-old bread, you can dry it out slightly in a low oven before using.
- Don't Overmix: Gently fold the ingredients together to avoid breaking down the bread cubes too much.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet pudding, reduce the amount of sugar by 1/4 cup.
- Customize Your Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different spices, extracts, or mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or different types of nuts.
Variations:
- Bourbon Bread Pudding: Add 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the custard mixture for an extra kick of flavor.
- Pecan Praline Bread Pudding: Top the baked bread pudding with a homemade pecan praline sauce for an indulgent treat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 18-20g
- Protein: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 45-50g
This delicious Nola Bread Pudding recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and comforting, offering a wonderful taste of New Orleans right in your own home. Whether you're looking for easy recipes, healthy meals, or simply the best recipes for a special occasion, this bread pudding fits the bill. Enjoy!