What is bread pudding and how is it made?

Bread pudding is a dessert made by soaking pieces of stale or day-old bread in a mixture of eggs, milk, sugar, and spices like cinnamon and vanilla. The soaked bread is then baked until the top is slightly crisp and the inside remains soft and custard-like. Common ingredients include butter and sometimes raisins or nuts. The dish is simple to prepare and a great way to use up leftover bread.

Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread for bread pudding?

Yes, you can use fresh bread by drying it out first. To do this, cut the fresh bread into cubes and bake them on a tray at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 10 minutes until the bread is dry but not browned. This helps the bread absorb the custard mixture better, preventing a soggy pudding.

What types of bread work best for bread pudding?

Sturdy breads like French bread, brioche, or challah are ideal because they absorb the custard well without falling apart. However, you can also use sandwich bread, croissants, or even stale donuts for different flavors and textures. Avoid very dense breads or those with heavy seeds that might alter the pudding's texture.

How do I know when bread pudding is fully baked?

Bread pudding is done when the custard is set and no longer jiggly in the center. You can test this by inserting a knife or toothpick near the center; it should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs. The edges should be lightly browned and slightly crisp to the touch.

What are some popular toppings or sauces to serve with bread pudding?

Common toppings include whipped cream, powdered sugar, caramel sauce, or chocolate sauce. A classic pairing is vanilla sauce made from a creamy custard (crème anglaise), or a browned butter sauce with brown sugar and cream. Adding a splash of bourbon to sauces is also a popular choice to add warmth and depth.

Bread Pudding Recipe 5 Easy Steps For Delicious Results

Ingredients

Scale

6 slices stale bread

3 tablespoons butter (1 tablespoon for greasing the baking dish and 2 tablespoons melted to drizzle over the bread)

4 beaten eggs

2 cups milk

3¼ cup white sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon cinnamon

raisins for extra flavor

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Instructions

1-First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease the baking dish.

2-Prepare the bread by breaking it into pieces and adding it to the dish, then drizzle with melted butter.

3-Mix the custard ingredients thoroughly in a bowl.

4-Pour the mixture over the bread and let it soak before baking.

5-Bake until done and let it cool slightly.

Last Step:

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Notes

🍞 Use day-old or stale bread to absorb custard better; dry fresh bread in oven or toaster if needed.
❄️ Bread pudding can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before or after baking; freezes well up to 2 months.
🍨 Enhance flavor with raisins, nuts, chocolate or caramel sauce, ice cream, whipped cream, or powdered sugar.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 316 kcal
Sugar: 30 g
Sodium: 272 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 43 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 9 g
Cholesterol: 132 mg