The Best Bread Pudding

Name: The Best Bread Pudding
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups cubed day-old bread (French bread or brioche recommended); 2 cups milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 cup raisins (optional); 2 tablespoons melted butter, for drizzling; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water

Isabella

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A classic, comforting dessert, this The Best Bread Pudding combines soft bread, creamy custard, and warm spices to create a treat that’s rich, satisfying, and irresistible. Finished with a luscious vanilla sauce, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s an excellent way to use up day-old bread, making it both economical and delicious.

The combination of creamy custard and spiced bread creates a heartwarming flavor and texture.

The vanilla sauce elevates the dish, adding a touch of decadence.

It’s versatile, with optional add-ins like raisins or chocolate chips to suit any preference.

It’s easy to make, yet impressive enough to serve at a dinner party.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Bread Pudding:

6 cups cubed day-old bread (French bread or brioche works best)

2 cups milk

1 cup heavy cream

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 cup raisins (optional)

2 tablespoons melted butter, for drizzling

For the Vanilla Sauce:

1 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Spread the bread cubes evenly in the dish, and sprinkle raisins over the bread if using.

In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Pour the custard mixture over the bread, pressing down gently to soak the bread completely. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.

Drizzle melted butter over the top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes until the top is golden and the custard is set.

While baking, prepare the vanilla sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream and sugar. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.

Stir in the vanilla extract and the cornstarch slurry. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.

Serve the warm bread pudding drizzled with the vanilla sauce.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Servings: 8

Variations

Chocolate Chips: Swap raisins for chocolate chips for a sweeter, kid-friendly twist.

Fruit Additions: Add diced apples or berries for a fruity spin.

Spice Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for extra warmth.

Savory Option: Skip the sugar and spices, and add cheese, herbs, and cooked vegetables for a savory bread pudding.

Alcohol Infusion: Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the custard for a boozy flair.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Related Recipes:

Old Fashioned Rice Pudding

FAQs

What type of bread works best for bread pudding?

I find that day-old French bread, brioche, or challah provides the best texture, as they soak up the custard without becoming too mushy.

Can I make bread pudding in advance?

Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate it (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking. Bake it fresh before serving for the best results.

Is bread pudding supposed to be served warm or cold?

Bread pudding is traditionally served warm, often with a drizzle of warm vanilla or caramel sauce. However, it can also be enjoyed cold.

Can I skip the raisins?

Absolutely! You can omit the raisins or replace them with other add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries.

How do I prevent bread pudding from drying out?

Covering the dish with foil during the first part of baking helps retain moisture. Drizzling melted butter over the top also adds richness and prevents drying.

Conclusion

This bread pudding recipe is the ultimate comfort dessert, combining simple ingredients with a creamy vanilla sauce for a dessert that’s both nostalgic and crowd-pleasing. Whether served warm as the finale to a meal or enjoyed as a decadent snack, it’s sure to delight. Give it a try—I think it might just become a new favorite.

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