Bread Pudding Recipe with a Luscious Sauce
This recipe will guide you through making a decadent bread pudding, perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion. We'll cover everything from selecting the perfect bread to crafting a rich and flavorful sauce that elevates this classic dessert to new heights. Get ready to impress your taste buds!
Choosing Your Bread: The Foundation of Great Bread Pudding
The bread you choose is crucial for a successful bread pudding. Stale bread is ideal, as it absorbs the custard mixture better than fresh bread. However, if you don't have stale bread, you can easily dry out slices in a low oven (around 250°F/120°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
- Best Bread Types: French bread, challah, brioche, or even leftover croissants work wonderfully. Avoid overly dense breads that might not absorb the custard properly.
Ingredients for the Bread Pudding: A Symphony of Flavors
This recipe makes a generous serving, perfect for sharing (or not!).
For the Bread Pudding:
- 6 cups cubed stale bread (about 1 loaf)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup raisins (optional, but highly recommended!)
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Sauce (choose your favorite!):
- Option 1: Classic Custard Sauce:
- 2 large egg yolks
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Option 2: Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Option 3: Berry Sauce (fresh or frozen berries work):
- 2 cups berries (raspberries, blueberries, strawberries)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water to form a slurry)
Instructions: Baking Your Bread Pudding to Perfection
- Prepare the Bread: Cube the stale bread and spread it out on a baking sheet to dry further if necessary.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Add Bread and Mix-ins: Gently fold the cubed bread, raisins (if using), and nuts (if using) into the custard mixture. Make sure the bread is evenly coated.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45-55 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving. While it's cooling, prepare your chosen sauce. Serve warm with a generous amount of sauce drizzled over the top.
Making Your Chosen Sauce: The Perfect Complement
Follow the instructions for your chosen sauce recipe above. Remember to adjust sweetness to your preference.
Tips for Bread Pudding Success
- Don't Overmix: Gently fold the ingredients together to avoid breaking down the bread.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick or knife to check for doneness – it should come out clean.
- Get Creative with Mix-ins: Experiment with different fruits, spices, or chocolate chips!
- Make it Ahead: Bread pudding can be made ahead of time and reheated.
This recipe is sure to become a family favorite. The combination of warm, comforting bread pudding and a rich, flavorful sauce is simply irresistible! Enjoy!
