Bread Pudding

Bread Pudding, a humble yet luxurious dessert, transforms stale bread into a rich, custardy delight. Infused with sweet spices and often laced with raisins or other fruits, it’s baked to a perfect balance of creamy inside and golden crust outside, epitomizing comfort food with its warm, inviting flavors.

Tasting Notes

This bread pudding strikes a balance between sweetness and a hint of spice, creating a luscious and indulgent dessert. The combination of creamy custard-soaked bread and plump raisins makes each bite a comforting delight. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Ingredients

• 6 cups cubed day-old bread (French bread or brioche works well)
• 1 cup raisins
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• Pinch of salt

Kitchen Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Aluminum foil
• Saucepan

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread and raisins.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and a pinch of salt until well combined.
4. Pour the custard mixture over the bread and raisins, ensuring that all the bread is evenly coated. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, allowing the bread to absorb the custard.
5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown, and the custard is set.
7. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Pro Tips

• Experiment with different types of bread for varied textures and flavors.
• Add a handful of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for extra crunch.
• For a boozy twist, soak the raisins in your favorite liquor before adding them to the bread mixture.

Variations

• Chocolate Lover’s Delight: Add chocolate chips or chunks to the bread mixture for a decadent chocolate bread pudding.
• Berry Bliss: Replace raisins with fresh or frozen berries for a fruity twist.
• Pumpkin Spice: Incorporate pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice for a fall-inspired bread pudding.

FAQs