Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that's both easy to make and incredibly delicious? Look no further than Olga's Bread Pudding! This recipe takes a classic comfort food and elevates it with simple yet flavorful additions. Perfect for a cozy night in, a delightful brunch, or even a sophisticated dessert, this bread pudding is guaranteed to become a family favorite. It's one of those easy recipes that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. Let's dive into this amazing recipe!
Ingredients:
- 6 cups cubed day-old bread (challah, brioche, or a crusty loaf work well)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup raisins (optional, but highly recommended!)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (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 bread with the raisins and nuts (if using). This ensures even distribution throughout the pudding.
Make the custard: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined and slightly frothy. This creates a luscious custard base.
Combine and bake: Pour the custard mixture over the bread, ensuring all the bread cubes are nicely soaked. Gently press down on the bread to submerge it fully in the custard. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
Bake to golden perfection: Place the baking dish in a larger baking pan. Pour enough hot water into the larger pan to come about halfway up the sides of the baking dish (this creates a water bath for even baking). Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the pudding is set and golden brown on top and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar (optional) and enjoy warm!
Tips for Bread Pudding Success:
- Day-old bread is key: Using slightly stale bread prevents a soggy pudding. If your bread isn't quite stale enough, you can lightly toast the cubes in the oven for a few minutes.
- Don't overmix: Gently fold the custard into the bread to avoid breaking down the bread cubes too much.
- The water bath is important: This method helps to create a moist and evenly baked pudding.
- Adjust sweetness to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to your preference.
Variations:
- Chocolate Bread Pudding: Add 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder to the custard mixture.
- Apple Bread Pudding: Add 1 cup chopped apples to the bread mixture.
- Citrus Bread Pudding: Add the zest and juice of one orange or lemon to the custard mixture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Fat: 18-22g Carbohydrates: 40-45g Protein: 8-10g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This Olga's Bread Pudding recipe is a true testament to the magic of homemade cooking. It's a delicious dish that's perfect for any occasion and a fantastic way to use up leftover bread. Enjoy this easy recipe and savor every bite!