Okay, friends, let me tell you about this bread pudding. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a hug in a dish, a spoonful of comfort, a memory wrapped in vanilla and cinnamon. Think of it as a distant cousin to French Toast Casserole, but oh-so-much more decadent and forgiving. Honestly, this is the dish I crave on a chilly evening, and my family? They practically riot if I don’t make it at least once a month. This **bread pudding recipe** is seriously the best – a symphony of textures and flavors that dance on your tongue, and it’s ridiculously easy to whip up, even on a busy weeknight. You really can’t go wrong. I promise.

What is bread pudding?

Bread pudding is, at its heart, a clever and delicious way to use up stale bread. Think of it as the ultimate kitchen hack that turned into a culinary classic. It’s essentially a custard-soaked bread casserole, baked until golden brown and puffy. It’s essentially a beautiful marriage of sweet, creamy, and comforting. The beauty of bread pudding lies in its simplicity and versatility. It can be as humble or as fancy as you like, depending on the type of bread you use and the flavorings you add. It’s a dish that transcends generations, with countless variations found in different cultures around the world. It’s comfort food at its finest, honestly.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Oh, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons to adore this bread pudding recipe!
First and foremost, the flavor is absolutely divine. You get that rich, creamy custard, infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, which perfectly complement the soft, slightly chewy bread. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. What I love most about this is the simplicity. It uses basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, and the steps are so straightforward that even a beginner baker can nail it. I’ve even had my kids help me with this, and let me tell you, it’s become a real family activity.
It’s incredibly cost-effective. Stale bread transforms into a gourmet dessert, making it a budget-friendly option for satisfying your sweet tooth. Plus, you can easily customize it to your liking. Add chocolate chips, dried fruit, nuts, or even a splash of bourbon for an extra kick! This **bread pudding recipe** really is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. It’s similar to a good baked french toast, but it has so much more going on. The texture is just perfect.

How do I make bread pudding?

Quick Overview

Making bread pudding is surprisingly simple. You’ll start by cubing your bread and letting it dry out a bit. Then, you’ll whisk together a creamy custard base, soak the bread in it, and bake until golden brown and puffy. The key is to not overbake it – you want the center to be slightly soft and custardy. The whole process is super straightforward, and honestly, the hardest part is waiting for it to cool down before digging in! This **bread pudding recipe** is fool-proof, and I swear it will become a staple in your household.

Ingredients

For the Main Batter:
• 1 loaf of stale bread (challah, brioche, or even sourdough work great) – about 1 pound, cubed. I prefer challah because it adds a subtle sweetness.
• 4 large eggs – make sure they’re at room temperature for a smoother custard.
• 3 cups of milk – whole milk is best for richness, but you can use 2% if that’s what you have on hand. I’ve even tried almond milk, and it worked surprisingly well!
• 1 cup of heavy cream – this is what makes the custard extra decadent, don’t skip it!
• ¾ cup granulated sugar – you can adjust this to your liking, depending on how sweet you want it.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – adds warmth and spice to the **bread pudding recipe**.
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg – a little goes a long way, but it adds a lovely depth of flavor.
• Pinch of salt – enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.

For the Filling:
• ½ cup raisins (optional) – I like to soak them in warm water or rum for a few minutes to plump them up.
• ½ cup chocolate chips (optional) – because who doesn’t love chocolate?
• ½ cup chopped nuts (optional) – pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch.

For the Glaze:
• 12 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter • 2 cups packed light Brown Sugar • 3 cups milk • 1/2 teaspoon What is vanilla extract?

How do I follow step

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This prevents the bread pudding from sticking and makes it easier to serve. I always do this step first so I don’t forget! Make sure your oven is fully preheated before putting the pudding in – this ensures even baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside. What are the spices used in custard? I don’t want any clumps of cinnamon! The dry ingredients need to be well combined so that everything dissolves nicely when you add the water. What are wet ingredients

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, and vanilla extract. Make sure the eggs are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth. You don’t want any streaks of egg white in your custard! I like to use a whisk for this step, but you can also use a fork if that’s all you have. The key is to get everything well combined.

Step 4: Combine

Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – you want to avoid developing too much gluten, which can make the bread pudding tough. Just mix until everything is evenly moistened and there are no more lumps. A few streaks of sugar are fine.

Step 5: Prepare Filling

If you’re using raisins, chocolate chips, or nuts, now’s the time to add them to the bowl with the raisins. Toss everything together gently to distribute the fillings evenly. Can you use other fillings, like dried cranberries or chopped apples? What are Peanut Butter chips?

Step 6: Layer & Swirl

Pour the custard mixture over the bread and fillings. Gently press down on the bread to make sure it’s fully submerged in the custard. Let the bread soak for at least 30 minutes, or even longer if you have time. This allows the bread to absorb the custard and become nice and soft. I usually let it soak for an hour or two, if I have time. The longer it soaks, the better the texture will be!

Step 7: Bake

Pour into prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the bread pudding is golden brown and set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Keep an eye on it, as baking times may vary depending on your oven. If the top starts to get too brown, you can tent it with foil.

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

While the bread pudding is baking, prepare the glaze. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the Brown Sugar and milk. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla. Let the bread pudding cool slightly before drizzling with the glaze. This allows the glaze to soak into the pudding and add extra flavor and moisture.

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Let the bread pudding cool slightly before slicing and serving. It’s delicious warm or at room temperature. You can serve it plain, with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream, or with a dollop of whipped cream. I also like to drizzle it with a little extra glaze. This **bread pudding recipe** is perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even a late-night snack! Enjoy!

What is the best way to serve it?

What are the best bread pudding recipes?For Breakfast: Serve it with a cup of hot coffee or a latte for a comforting and satisfying breakfast. I like to add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for extra flavor. It’s the perfect way to start a cozy weekend morning.
For Brunch:Serve bread pudding with a side of fresh fruit, such as berries or peaches. What are the best ways What are some good ways to add maple syrup or honey to a dish? For a festive touch, garnish with mint.As Dessert: For an after-dinner treat, serve bread pudding with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. You can also drizzle it with chocolate sauce or caramel sauce for added decadence. A glass of dessert wine or a cup of herbal tea is the perfect complement.
For Cozy Snacks:What’s a good way to enjoy bread pudding on chilly evenings? What is the ultimate comfort food for snuggling up on the couch? Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth. What is the best bread pudding recipe?

How do you make a perfect bread pudding?

What is the best way to take bread pudding to the next level? What are some tips for perfecting this classic dessert?Bread Choice: The type of bread you use can significantly impact the texture and flavor of your bread pudding. I prefer to use challah or brioche because they add a subtle sweetness and richness. However, you can also use sourdough or French bread for a more rustic flavor. Make sure the bread is stale, as this will help it absorb the custard better.
Soaking Time: Don’t rush the soaking process! The longer you let the bread soak in the custard, the softer and more tender the bread pudding will be. I recommend soaking it for at least 30 minutes, but longer is even better. I often soak it for an hour or two, or even overnight in the refrigerator.
Spice It Up: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices. In addition to cinnamon and nutmeg, you can also add cardamom, ginger, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick. Get creative and find your favorite spice combination!
Filling Variations: The possibilities for fillings are endless! You can add dried fruit, chocolate chips, nuts, or even chunks of cream cheese for extra richness. If you’re using dried fruit, soak it in warm water or rum for a few minutes to plump it up before adding it to the bread pudding.
Temperature Control: HowMake sure your oven is properly preheated before baking bread pudding. How do I prevent the top from burning? If the top starts to get brown, you can tent it with foil.Doneness Test:To check if the bread pudding is done, insert a knife into the center. Is it okay to come out clean, or just a few moist crumbs attached? If the knife comes out with wet custard, it needs to bake longer. What are some ways to make bread pudding as it cools?Glaze It Up: The glaze is the perfect finishing touch for bread pudding. It adds extra flavor, moisture, and sweetness. You can use a simple glaze made with butter, brown sugar, and milk, or get creative and add other ingredients like vanilla extract, bourbon, or maple syrup. Drizzle the glaze over the bread pudding while it’s still warm, so it can soak in.

What are the Storing and Reheating Tips?

If you have any leftover bread pudding (which is rare!), here are some tips for storing and reheating it:
Room Temperature: You can store bread pudding at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, it should be refrigerated to prevent spoilage. Cover the bread pudding with plastic wrap or foil to keep it from drying out.
Refrigerator Storage: Bread pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. The glaze might get a little sticky, but the flavor will still be delicious.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze bread pudding for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Instructions: To reheat bread pudding, you can use the microwave, oven, or toaster oven. In the microwave, heat it in 30-second intervals until warmed through. In the oven or toaster oven, bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Drizzle with a little extra glaze before serving, if desired. This **bread pudding recipe** is even better the next day!

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

This bread pudding isn’t just a recipe; it’s a warm hug, a comforting memory, and a delicious way to use up stale bread. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a late-night snack, this bread pudding is sure to be a hit with everyone. If you loved this **bread pudding recipe**, you might also enjoy my Baked French Toast casserole or my Cinnamon Roll Casserole. They’re all equally delicious and comforting!
Happy baking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how your bread pudding turns out. Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what variations you tried. And if you loved this recipe, please give it a rating and share it with your friends! Enjoy!