Bread Pudding is a delightful and traditional dessert made from bread soaked in a rich custard mixture and baked to perfection. Often served warm with a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of sauce, this dessert is sure to please any sweet tooth.
Why This Bread Pudding Is the Best
- Warm and Comforting: The bread pudding is warm and comforting, making it perfect for cozy evenings.
- Rich Custard Flavor: The bread is soaked in a custard mixture, ensuring each bite is rich and flavorful.
- Topped with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast to the warm pudding.
- Drizzled with Sauce: The caramel or butterscotch sauce drizzled over the pudding adds a sweet and indulgent touch.
- Fresh Garnish: Garnished with fresh mint leaves, the dessert is not only delicious but also visually appealing.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, attending a potluck, or looking for a comforting and delicious dessert option, Bread Pudding is the perfect choice. The combination of warm pudding, creamy ice cream, and sweet sauce makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
- Day-Old French Bread: Stale, hearty bread absorbs the custard without becoming too mushy, giving the pudding a delicious texture.
- Brown Sugar and Granulated Sugar: Brown sugar adds depth and molasses notes, while granulated sugar sweetens the custard.
- Whole Milk and Heavy Cream: These create a rich, creamy custard base for the pudding, infusing each bread cube with moisture and flavor.
- Eggs and Egg Yolks: Provide structure and richness, binding the custard and creating a silky, smooth texture.
- Vanilla Extract, Cinnamon, and Nutmeg: Vanilla brings warmth, while cinnamon and nutmeg add classic spice for a comforting flavor.
Tips for Making the Best Bread Pudding
- Use Stale Bread: For the best texture, use slightly stale bread which soaks up the custard better.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the custard and bread just until combined to keep the pudding light and tender.
- Bake Evenly: Ensure the pudding is baked evenly by covering it with foil for the first half of baking.
- Serve Warm: Serve the pudding warm to enjoy its full flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Enjoy Bread Pudding with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a perfect balance of warm and cold.
- With Fresh Fruit: Pair with fresh berries or apple slices for a refreshing contrast.
- With a Cup of Coffee: A hot cup of coffee complements the rich flavors of the pudding perfectly.
- With a Dusting of Cinnamon: Finish with a light dusting of cinnamon for extra warmth and flavor.
- With a Drizzle of Sauce: Add an extra drizzle of caramel or butterscotch sauce for added sweetness.
A Must Try
There’s nothing quite like the taste of Homemade Bread Pudding. This dish is the perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special. Warm, rich, and packed with deliciousness, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Be sure to check out these other delicious bread recipes!
Bread Pudding
Ingredients
- 16 oz. hearty French bread preferrably a day old, sliced into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup 110gr packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup 100gr granulated sugar
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 large eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Set the oven to 350°F.
- Arrange the bread cubes evenly on an 18x13-inch rimmed baking sheet, then bake until they’re almost dry, about 10 minutes, tossing them halfway through. Take them out of the oven and allow them to cool.
- Lower the oven temperature to 300°F. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, breaking up any brown sugar clumps with your fingertips as needed.
- Whisk in the eggs and egg yolks until fully incorporated. Next, mix in the milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until everything is smoothly blended.
- Add the bread cubes to a large mixing bowl, then pour the milk mixture over them. Gently toss with a rubber spatula to coat the bread evenly. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes, tossing occasionally, until the milk mixture is fully absorbed.
- Brush melted butter over the bottom of a 12x8-inch casserole dish. Pour in the bread mixture, spreading it out evenly. Bake in a preheated 300°F oven for 50-65 minutes, or until the center is set.
- Allow it to cool for 10 minutes, then cut into squares. Serve with salted caramel or vanilla sauce and, if desired, a scoop of ice cream.