Bread pudding is a warm, comforting dessert that transforms simple ingredients into a rich, satisfying treat. Made with cubed bread, eggs, milk, sugar, and spices, it’s a cozy dessert that can be served warm, making it perfect for chilly evenings or as a hearty addition to any holiday meal. The beauty of bread pudding lies in its versatility, while the base ingredients remain the same, you can customize it with various add-ins like raisins, cinnamon, chocolate chips, or even fresh fruit to suit your tastes.
The process of making bread pudding is simple. Day-old bread (or any bread you have on hand) is torn or cubed and soaked in a custard mixture of eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla. The bread absorbs the custard, becoming soft and flavorful while maintaining some of its structure. The mixture is then baked until golden and slightly crispy on top, with the inside remaining rich and custardy.
Bread pudding is a dessert that combines both texture and flavor. The bread becomes custardy and creamy, with a hint of sweetness from the sugar and vanilla. The top layer often develops a nice, golden crust, adding a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior. Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cardamom add warmth, while fruits like raisins, apples, or berries bring an added touch of natural sweetness and flavor.
What makes bread pudding truly special is its comfort factor. It’s a dessert that feels like a warm hug, especially when served with a drizzle of warm caramel sauce, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream. For an indulgent twist, it can also be topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, allowing the heat of the pudding to melt the ice cream slightly for a perfect pairing.
Bread pudding is also a fantastic way to use up stale or leftover bread, turning it into something delicious and satisfying. Whether you enjoy it as a dessert, breakfast, or a comforting snack, bread pudding offers simple ingredients that come together to create a dish that feels special and indulgent every time.
Ingredients
- 6 cups stale bread cubed
- 4 cups milk whole or 2%
- 4 eggs beaten
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Add the cubed bread to the bowl and stir until the bread is fully soaked in the custard mixture.
- Pour the bread mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
