There’s something so incredibly comforting about Thanksgiving bread pudding. It’s like a warm hug in dessert form, filled with rich flavors and cozy spices that instantly remind me of holiday gatherings. I remember the first time I made this for my family; the aroma wafting through the house was enough to make everyone rush to the kitchen! The blend of sweet raisins and crunchy pecans creates a delightful texture that just makes it even more special. Trust me, when you serve this warm, with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, you’ll see everyone gather around the table again for seconds. It’s a holiday classic that never disappoints!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Bread Pudding
- 5 cups of cubed day-old bread
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Using day-old bread is key here; it soaks up all that delicious custard without turning mushy. I love using a mix of white and whole wheat bread for added flavor and texture, but you can go with whatever you have on hand! Whole milk gives the pudding a rich creaminess, but feel free to substitute with your favorite milk if you prefer. The sugar, eggs, and spices create that classic holiday flavor profile that everyone loves. And let’s not forget the raisins and pecans—they add a lovely chewiness and crunch that makes each bite so satisfying!
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Bread Pudding
Preparing Thanksgiving bread pudding is a straightforward process that fills your kitchen with delightful scents! Let’s get started step-by-step, so you’re ready to impress your guests in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot for that perfect bake!
- While the oven warms up, grab a large bowl and combine the cubed day-old bread and raisins. Toss them together gently so the raisins are evenly distributed throughout the bread.
- In another bowl, whisk together the whole milk, granulated sugar, large eggs, pure vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. This is where the magic happens, blending those sweet and warm spices!
- Next, pour this delicious milk mixture over the bread and raisins. Stir everything together until the bread is well coated and soaking up all that goodness.
- Now, fold in the chopped pecans, giving it a nice crunch that complements the softness of the bread.
- Transfer this mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Make sure every piece of bread gets its share of that creamy goodness!
- Now, it’s time to bake! Place the dish in your preheated oven and let it bake for about 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Once it’s finished baking, let it cool slightly before serving. This little wait will help it firm up just a bit for easier slicing!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super easy to make, perfect for any skill level!
- The comforting flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg create a cozy holiday vibe.
- It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, bringing everyone together for a slice.
- Ideal for using up leftover bread, reducing waste while making something delicious.
- Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream for an indulgent treat!
Tips for Success
To make the best Thanksgiving bread pudding, start by using day-old bread; it soaks up the custard beautifully without turning mushy. If you can, mix different types of bread—like a combo of white and whole grain—for a richer texture. When it comes to spices, don’t hesitate to adjust the cinnamon and nutmeg to your taste; a pinch more can elevate the flavor! While mixing, make sure every piece of bread is coated with the custard to avoid dry spots. Keep an eye on the baking time—every oven is different! It’s done when the top is golden brown and the center is slightly puffed. And remember, letting it cool a bit before serving helps it set up nicely and makes for easier slicing. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
Variations on Thanksgiving Bread Pudding
If you want to switch things up with your Thanksgiving bread pudding, there are so many fun variations to try! For a fruity twist, add in some diced apples or pears for a fresh crunch. You can also mix in dried cranberries for a festive touch—perfect for the holidays! If you’re a fan of chocolate, how about tossing in some chocolate chips? For a nutty flavor, feel free to substitute walnuts or even add a sprinkle of almond extract. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note: the following nutritional information is an estimate for one slice of Thanksgiving bread pudding. Each slice contains approximately 320 calories, 10g of fat, 8g of protein, and 50g of carbohydrates. It also has about 15g of sugar and 2g of fiber. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but it gives you a good idea of the deliciousness you’re indulging in!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Thanksgiving bread pudding is super easy! Once it’s completely cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll last in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy those delicious leftovers, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices for a quicker option—just be careful not to overheat, or it can get a bit rubbery. Serve it warm, and don’t forget that whipped cream or ice cream on top!
FAQ Section
I often get asked about Thanksgiving bread pudding, so let’s tackle some common questions! One popular query is about ingredient substitutions. If you’re out of raisins, feel free to swap them for dried cranberries or chopped apples for a fruity twist. You can also use almond or oat milk if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. As for baking time, ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your pudding; it’s ready when the top is golden and the center is set, usually around 45-50 minutes.
When it comes to serving, this dish is fantastic warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature. I love serving it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that extra indulgence. And don’t worry if you have leftovers—this pudding is just as delicious the next day!
Imprimer
Thanksgiving Bread Pudding: 7 Reasons to Indulge Today
- Temps Total: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Rendement: 8 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A delicious thanksgiving bread pudding made with rich flavors and comforting textures.
Ingrédients
- 5 cups of cubed bread
- 4 cups of milk
- 1 cup of sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1 cup of raisins
- 1/2 cup of chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread and raisins.
- In another bowl, whisk together the milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Pour the milk mixture over the bread and raisins, stirring to combine.
- Add the chopped pecans and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until set and golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for better texture.
- Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 50 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sucre: 15g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 3g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 7g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 50g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 8g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: thanksgiving bread pudding, dessert, holiday recipe
