Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that evokes feelings of nostalgia and home? Look no further than this old-fashioned bread pudding recipe. This easy recipe is perfect for using up leftover bread, and the result is a deliciously moist and flavorful pudding that's sure to become a family favorite. Whether you're looking for quick dinner ideas or a delightful treat to end the day, this recipe fits the bill. It’s a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest, transforming simple ingredients into a truly special dish.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups cubed stale bread (challah, brioche, or white bread work best)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup raisins (optional)
- ¼ cup butter, melted (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This preparation ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
Prepare the bread: In a large bowl, gently toss the cubed stale bread with the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Make sure the bread is evenly coated with the spice mixture. The use of stale bread is key for a pudding that doesn’t become soggy.
Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until well combined. If using, stir in the melted butter and raisins.
Assemble the pudding: Pour the wet ingredients over the bread mixture, ensuring all the bread pieces are well soaked. Gently stir to combine, but be careful not to overmix. Allow the mixture to sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to fully absorb the custard. This step ensures a beautifully moist pudding.
Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. 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. Enjoy warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. This delicious dish is perfect as a comforting dessert or even a unique breakfast option.
Tips for the Best Bread Pudding:
- Use stale bread: Stale bread is essential for preventing a soggy pudding. If your bread isn’t stale enough, you can dry it out slightly in a low oven for 10-15 minutes.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing can result in a tough pudding. Gently combine the ingredients to prevent this.
- Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the pudding is fully baked. It should come out clean when inserted into the center.
- Get creative with add-ins: Feel free to experiment with different add-ins such as chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or even a sprinkle of orange zest.
Variations:
- Chocolate Bread Pudding: Add ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a rich chocolate flavor.
- Apple Bread Pudding: Add 2 cups of diced apples to the bread mixture for a delicious fruity twist.
- Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce: Drizzle a homemade caramel sauce over the warm pudding for an extra decadent treat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the type of bread and added ingredients. However, a general estimate per serving is approximately:
- Calories: 300-350
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
This old-fashioned bread pudding recipe is a delightful example of delicious dishes you can create with simple ingredients. It's a perfect addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and easy recipes. Enjoy this comforting classic!