Old Fashioned Bread Pudding: A Comforting Classic Recipe
Are you craving a taste of nostalgia? Nothing quite hits the spot like a warm, comforting bowl of old-fashioned bread pudding. This classic dessert is incredibly versatile, easily adaptable to your favorite flavors and pantry staples, and surprisingly simple to make. This recipe will guide you through creating a truly delightful, melt-in-your-mouth bread pudding that'll become a family favorite.
Ingredients for the Best Old Fashioned Bread Pudding
This recipe focuses on the essential elements of a truly classic bread pudding. Feel free to experiment with additions later!
- 1 loaf (1 pound) stale bread, cubed: The key to great bread pudding is using slightly stale bread. This prevents a soggy result. Day-old bread is perfect!
- 4 large eggs: These bind the pudding together and contribute to its rich texture.
- 1 cup whole milk: Provides moisture and richness. You can substitute with 2% or skim milk, but the flavor will be slightly less decadent.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This is what adds that extra creamy richness. You can use half-and-half, but the pudding will be less luxurious.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adjust to your sweetness preference.
- 2 large teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds warmth and complexity. A pinch of cinnamon is also delicious!
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon: (Optional) Adds warmth and complements the nutmeg perfectly.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness.
Instructions: Baking Your Perfect Bread Pudding
Follow these steps for a perfectly baked bread pudding every time:
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Cube the stale bread into roughly 1-inch pieces.
Step 2: Whisk the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, nutmeg, cinnamon (if using), and salt until well combined. Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved.
Step 3: Combine and Bake
Gently add the cubed bread to the custard mixture, stirring gently to ensure all the bread pieces are coated. Let the bread soak in the custard for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the bread to absorb the custard fully, preventing a dry pudding.
Pour the bread and custard mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the pudding is set and lightly golden brown on top. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving. This allows it to set properly and makes it easier to serve. Enjoy warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!
Tips and Variations for Your Bread Pudding
- Raisins or other dried fruits: Add ½ cup of raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates to the custard mixture for extra sweetness and texture.
- Chocolate chips: Incorporate ½ cup of semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
- Nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch.
- Citrus zest: A little lemon or orange zest brightens the flavor profile.
- Different Breads: Experiment with different types of bread, such as challah, brioche, or even croissants for unique flavors and textures.
This old-fashioned bread pudding recipe is a delightful way to use up stale bread and create a comforting dessert that is sure to impress. Remember to adjust the sweetness and spices to your liking and have fun experimenting with different additions! Enjoy!
