Oh, bread pudding! It’s like a warm hug on a chilly day, isn’t it? This classic dessert has been a staple in my family for as long as I can remember. I can still picture my grandmother in her cozy kitchen, whipping up a batch with leftover bread, and the sweet aroma wafting through the house. It always felt so special to gather around the table and dig into that creamy, slightly sweet goodness. What I love most about bread pudding is how versatile it is—you can add whatever you have on hand, whether it’s raisins, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of nuts. It’s the kind of dessert that feels homemade, filled with love, and perfect for any occasion. Trust me, once you try making it, you’ll understand why it holds such a special place in my heart!
Ingredients
(You’ll find that these ingredients are simple and likely already in your pantry!)
- 4 cups of stale bread, cubed
- 2 cups of milk
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 cup of raisins
How to Prepare Bread Pudding
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because a properly heated oven ensures that your bread pudding cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden top. So go ahead, turn it on now while you get everything else ready!
Soak the Bread
Now, grab your cubed stale bread and toss it into a large bowl. Pour in the milk and let it soak for about 10 minutes. This step is vital! It helps the bread absorb all that creamy goodness, making your pudding soft and delicious. You want it to soak up the milk but not turn into mush—just enough to get nice and squishy!
Prepare the Egg Mixture
While the bread is soaking, let’s whip up the egg mixture. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until they’re nice and frothy. Then, mix in the sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. This is where the magic happens—combine everything until it’s smooth and well blended. The aroma of vanilla and cinnamon is just heavenly!
Combine Mixtures
Once your bread has soaked up all that milk, it’s time to combine the two mixtures! Gently pour the egg mixture over the soaked bread and mix it all together. Make sure every piece of bread is coated with that creamy goodness. You want it all to be well combined, but be careful not to overmix—just enough to get everything nicely incorporated!
Add Raisins
Now for the fun part! Fold in the raisins (or your choice of chocolate chips or nuts if you’re feeling adventurous). I love the little bursts of sweetness from the raisins, but feel free to customize it to your taste. Whatever you choose, just mix them in carefully so they’re evenly distributed throughout the pudding.
Bake
Finally, pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then pop it in the oven. Bake for about 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set in the middle. You’ll know it’s ready when it has a slight jiggle but isn’t liquidy. Oh, the aroma that fills your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super quick to put together—perfect for those last-minute dessert cravings!
- The comforting, warm flavor is like a hug for your taste buds, making it a favorite for all ages.
- It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover bread; no waste here, just deliciousness!
- Endless versatility! You can switch up the add-ins with whatever you have on hand—think chocolate chips, nuts, or even fresh fruit.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser, great for family dinners, potlucks, or even just a cozy night in.
- Served warm with a drizzle of sauce or a dollop of whipped cream, it’s pure bliss!
Tips for Success
Making the perfect bread pudding is all about a few simple tricks! Here are my top tips to ensure your dessert turns out delicious every single time:
- Use Stale Bread: The key to a great bread pudding is using stale bread. If your bread is fresh, it won’t absorb the milk properly, and you’ll end up with a soggy mess. If you don’t have stale bread, just let it sit out overnight or lightly toast it to dry it out a bit.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to tweak the sugar to your taste! Depending on your preferences or the sweetness of the bread you’re using, you might want to add a bit more or less sugar. Taste the egg mixture before combining it with the bread—trust me, you can always add more sweetness!
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to play around! Add a splash of bourbon or rum for a richer flavor, or swap out the raisins for dried cranberries or chopped nuts. The possibilities are endless, and it’s all about what you enjoy!
- Serve It Right: Bread pudding is best served warm, and it pairs beautifully with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also top it with whipped cream or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar for that extra touch!
- Let It Rest: After baking, let your bread pudding sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set up a bit more and makes it easier to slice and serve.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of bread pudding. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
When you dive into a slice of this comforting bread pudding, you might be curious about what’s in it! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 12g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 150mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use—like if you choose to add chocolate chips instead of raisins, or if you opt for a richer milk. But no matter how you make it, this bread pudding is sure to deliver a delightful taste experience!
FAQ Section
Can I make bread pudding ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the bread pudding a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When you’re ready, pop it in the oven, and you’ll have a warm dessert ready in no time!
How do I store leftover bread pudding?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare, but you never know!), let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat individual portions in the microwave or pop it back in the oven for a few minutes to warm it up!
What can I use instead of raisins?
The beauty of bread pudding is its versatility! If raisins aren’t your thing, feel free to swap them out for chocolate chips, nuts, or even diced apples or pears. Dried cranberries or cherries also make a delightful addition. Get creative!
Why is my bread pudding soggy?
A soggy bread pudding can happen if the bread isn’t stale enough or if it soaks in the milk for too long. Make sure to use stale bread and soak it just long enough to absorb the milk without becoming mushy. You want that perfect balance!
Can I freeze bread pudding?
Yes, you can freeze bread pudding! Just let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. It’s like having a comforting dessert ready whenever you need it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftover bread pudding properly is key to keeping it delicious for days to come! Once it’s cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container. This will help prevent it from drying out or absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you have a larger batch, consider slicing it into individual portions—this makes it super easy to grab a slice when you need a sweet pick-me-up!
Now, if you want to enjoy that comforting bread pudding again, reheating it is a breeze! For the best results, I recommend using the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the slices in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist, and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You’ll be greeted by that lovely aroma all over again!
If you’re in a rush, you can also use the microwave. Just pop a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat it for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on your microwave’s power. Keep an eye on it so you don’t end up with a hot spot! A little drizzle of sauce or a scoop of ice cream on top after reheating can take it to the next level. Enjoy your cozy dessert anytime you want!
Imprimer
Bread Pudding: 5 Heartwarming Reasons to Love It
- Temps Total: 1 hour
- Rendement: 8 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Bread pudding is a comforting dessert made from stale bread, milk, eggs, and sugar.
Ingrédients
- 4 cups of stale bread, cubed
- 2 cups of milk
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 cup of raisins
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread and milk. Let it soak for 10 minutes.
- Beat the eggs in a separate bowl and mix in sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
- Add the egg mixture to the soaked bread and mix well.
- Fold in the raisins.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until set.
Notes
- Serve warm with sauce or whipped cream.
- Can substitute raisins with chocolate chips or nuts.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 45 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sucre: 12g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 5g
- Graisses Saturées: 2g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 3g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 35g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 4g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: bread pudding, dessert, comfort food
