About the Recipe
Step into the world of comforting desserts with this timeless recipe for bread pudding. Bread pudding is a classic dish that transforms humble ingredients into a rich and satisfying treat, perfect for warming hearts and satisfying sweet cravings. This recipe combines soft, cubed bread with a luscious custard base, flavored with vanilla and spices, creating a dessert that's both nostalgic and indulgent.
The magic begins with day-old bread, which is cubed and placed in a baking dish, ready to soak up the decadent custard mixture. The custard is a blend of whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt, creating a creamy and flavorful base that infuses every bite of the pudding.
As the bread eagerly awaits its transformation, the custard mixture is poured over it, enveloping each cube in velvety richness. For an extra touch of sweetness and texture, optional additions like raisins or dried cranberries can be added, adding bursts of flavor throughout the pudding.
Once assembled, the bread pudding takes a leisurely journey in the oven, where it bakes to golden perfection. The aroma of vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg fills the kitchen, creating an atmosphere of warmth and anticipation.
While the bread pudding bakes, you have the option to prepare a decadent sauce to drizzle over the finished dessert. A combination of butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt comes together to create a velvety sauce that enhances the flavors of the pudding and adds a luxurious touch.
Once baked to a golden hue and set to perfection, the bread pudding emerges from the oven, inviting you to indulge in its irresistible allure. Whether served warm with a generous drizzle of sauce or enjoyed on its own, each spoonful of this bread pudding is a journey of comforting flavors and delightful textures.
This bread pudding recipe is a celebration of simplicity and indulgence, combining humble ingredients with warm spices and a touch of sweetness to create a dessert that's as comforting as it is delicious. Whether shared with loved ones or savored in solitude, this bread pudding is sure to bring joy and satisfaction with every bite.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
6 cups cubed day-old bread (French bread or brioche work well)
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
Butter for greasing the baking dish
For the Sauce (Optional):
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Preparation
 Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter.
Place the cubed bread in the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until well combined. Stir in the raisins or dried cranberries if using.
 Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cubed bread in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it absorbs the custard.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the pudding is set and golden brown on top. The center should be slightly jiggly but not liquidy
Make the Sauce (Optional):
In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
Add the brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the melted butter. Stir continuously until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool slightly.
Serve:Â Serve the bread pudding warm, drizzled with the optional sauce. You can also dust the top with powdered sugar or serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat.
This classic bread pudding is warm, comforting, and perfect for indulging in a cozy dessert. The combination of creamy custard-soaked bread with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg creates a delightful flavor profile that's sure to be a hit. Enjoy!
You will find as you look back upon your life that the moments when
you have truly lived are the moments when you have done things
in the spirit of love. - Henry Drummond