There’s something incredibly comforting about bread pudding, isn’t there? It’s like a warm hug at the end of a long day. This classic dessert is not only easy to whip up, but it also transforms stale bread into something utterly delightful. I remember the first time I made it; the kitchen filled with the aroma of cinnamon and vanilla—it was pure bliss! Trust me, once you get the hang of it, you’ll find yourself making this bread pudding over and over again. It’s the perfect way to use up leftover bread, and I promise, it’ll be a hit with family and friends!
Ingredients List
For this delightful bread pudding, you’ll need some simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 cups of stale bread, cubed: Any type of bread works—white, whole grain, or even brioche for a richer flavor.
- 2 cups of milk: Whole milk adds creaminess, but you can use any milk you prefer.
- 3 large eggs: These will help bind everything together and create that luscious texture.
- 1 cup of sugar: This sweetens the pudding just right, but feel free to adjust based on your taste.
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract: For that warm, comforting essence.
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon: A must-have spice that elevates the flavor.
- 1/2 cup of raisins (optional): They add a lovely chew and sweetness, but skip them if they’re not your thing!
How to Prepare Bread Pudding
Making bread pudding is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dessert ready to enjoy in no time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because a properly heated oven ensures that your bread pudding cooks evenly and comes out perfectly golden brown.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Whisk them together until everything is well blended. You want that mixture to be smooth and creamy, so take your time! The cinnamon will start to create a warm, inviting aroma—trust me, it’s heavenly!
Step 3: Add the Bread and Mix
Now, add your cubed stale bread into the wet mixture. Gently fold the bread cubes in, making sure each piece is well coated. I like to let it soak for a few minutes to soak up all that deliciousness. The bread will soften and absorb those rich flavors, making each bite a delightful experience!
Step 4: Add Optional Ingredients
If you’re using raisins, now’s the time to stir them in! They’ll add a nice chewiness and burst of sweetness that complements the pudding beautifully. But hey, if you’re not a fan, feel free to skip them!
Step 5: Bake the Mixture
Pour the bread mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until it’s set and turns a lovely golden brown on top. The smell will be irresistible, and you’ll be counting down the minutes until you can dig in!
Nutritional Information
Before you dive into this delightful bread pudding, let’s take a quick peek at the estimated nutritional values per serving. Each slice (about one-eighth of the whole dish) packs in around 250 calories, making it a satisfying treat without overindulging. You’ll also find 7 grams of fat and 20 grams of sugar, which brings that sweet comfort we all love. Plus, there’s 6 grams of protein to give you a little boost! Just keep in mind, these values are estimates, so your actual numbers may vary based on the ingredients you use. Enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy days or unexpected guests.
- Flavorful Comfort: Each bite is a warm hug of cinnamon and vanilla, bringing back memories of cozy family meals.
- Perfect for Stale Bread: Don’t throw away that old bread! This recipe transforms it into a delicious dessert.
- Great for Leftovers: Bread pudding tastes even better the next day, so it’s perfect for meal prep or using up leftovers.
- Endless Variations: You can easily customize it by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or different spices to suit your taste.
Tips for Success
To make your bread pudding truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t hesitate to experiment with different types of bread—brioche or challah will elevate your dessert to new heights with their rich flavor. For baking, ensure your dish is well-greased to prevent sticking, and try covering it with foil for the first half of baking to keep it moist. When serving, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it to the next level! And remember, letting it cool for a bit before serving helps it set perfectly. Enjoy the process!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your delicious bread pudding, the options are delightful! I always recommend a generous dollop of whipped cream on top for that extra creaminess. If you’re feeling indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the warm pudding is simply divine! For a touch of elegance, drizzle some caramel or chocolate sauce to elevate the presentation. Trust me, these additions will take your dessert experience to a whole new level!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover bread pudding is super easy! Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, and trust me, it tastes even better the next day! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also pop individual servings in the microwave for a quick fix—just heat them in short bursts to avoid drying it out. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!
Print
Bread Pudding: 5 Reasons It’s Pure Comfort Food
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic bread pudding dessert made with stale bread, milk, eggs, and sugar.
Ingredients
- 4 cups of stale bread, cubed
- 2 cups of milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 cup of raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Add the bread cubes and mix until well coated.
- If using, stir in the raisins.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until set and golden brown.
Notes
- Serve warm or cold.
- Great with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Use any type of bread you have on hand.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: bread pudding, dessert, baked pudding
