Bread Pudding: An Easy Recipe for a Classic Comfort Food
Bread pudding. Just the name evokes feelings of warmth, comfort, and maybe even a little bit of nostalgia. This classic dessert is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and the results are incredibly rewarding. Forget complicated recipes and lengthy instructions; this easy bread pudding recipe will have you enjoying a delicious treat in no time.
Ingredients You'll Need (Easily Found at Your Local Grocery Store!)
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, ensuring you can whip up this delightful dessert without a special trip to the store.
- Stale Bread: This is key! Use about 6 cups of day-old bread, cubed. Any kind of bread works – challah, brioche, or even leftover sandwich bread. The slightly dry texture helps absorb the custard beautifully.
- Eggs: 4 large eggs, for binding and richness.
- Milk: 4 cups of milk – whole milk is best for creaminess, but you can use 2% or even skim if preferred.
- Sugar: ¾ cup granulated sugar – adjust to your sweetness preference.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – enhances the flavor beautifully.
- Spices (Optional): A pinch of nutmeg, cinnamon, or a dash of allspice can add warmth and depth. Experiment and find your favorite combination!
- Butter: 2 tablespoons, for greasing the baking dish and adding richness.
- Raisins (Optional): ½ cup raisins, for added texture and sweetness. Other additions like chocolate chips or chopped nuts work wonderfully too!
Easy Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Your Perfect Bread Pudding
Follow these simple steps for a perfectly baked, delicious bread pudding:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and spices (if using). Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Combine Bread & Wet Ingredients: Gently fold the cubed bread into the wet ingredient mixture. Ensure all the bread pieces are coated. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard. This step is crucial for a moist pudding.
- Add Optional Ingredients: Stir in raisins (or your chosen additions) at this stage.
- Bake: Pour the bread pudding 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 & Serve: Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!
Tips for Bread Pudding Perfection
- Don't Overbake: Overbaking can result in a dry pudding. Start checking for doneness around the 45-minute mark.
- Customize Your Flavors: Get creative! Experiment with different spices, extracts, dried fruits, or nuts.
- Make it Ahead: Bread pudding can be made ahead of time and reheated. This makes it perfect for meal prepping or entertaining.
- Storage: Store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This easy bread pudding recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover bread and create a comforting dessert that everyone will love. Enjoy the process and the delicious results! Share your baking adventures and tag us – we’d love to see your creations! Happy baking!
