There’s something undeniably comforting about bread pudding, don’t you think? Whenever I whip up this delightful dish, I’m instantly transported to my grandmother’s cozy kitchen, where the sweet aroma of vanilla and cinnamon filled the air. She would often make it as a way to use up leftover bread, which of course, only got better with time. Not only was it a delicious treat, but it was also a wonderful example of using every bit of what you have. It’s so easy to throw together, yet it always seems to impress!
What I love most about bread pudding is its adaptability. You can choose to go the traditional route with raisins and custard, or get a little creative with your flavors – chocolate, caramel, or even seasonal fruits like apples or berries! No matter how you make it, bread pudding is a dish that brings warmth to the heart and belly, making it the perfect dessert for family gatherings or a simple weeknight treat.
What’s in Bread Pudding?
Stale Bread: The hero of this dish! While you can use any bread, I love using brioche or challah for their richness. Just be sure it’s stale – a little crusty bread makes for the best pudding!
Milk: This is what brings the whole dish together. Whole milk is my preference for added creaminess, but feel free to use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option, if that’s your jam.
Eggs: They help bind everything together and create that dreamy, custardy texture. Large eggs work perfectly for this recipe.
Sugar: A little sweetness goes a long way! Granulated sugar is standard, but brown sugar can add a lovely caramel flavor.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of this beautiful extract elevates the flavor to a whole new level. I always opt for pure vanilla extract over imitation for the best taste.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is a must – it adds warmth to this comforting dish. You can even sprinkle a little nutmeg for an extra kick!
Raisins (or other mix-ins): Classic bread pudding often includes raisins, but feel free to swap them out for chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or diced fruits based on your preferences.
Is Bread Pudding Good for You?
Let’s chat about the health aspects of bread pudding, shall we? While this dessert is undoubtedly delicious, it’s also worth noting a few things.
Bread: Stale bread might seem like the least healthy ingredient, but whole grain varieties can actually pack some fiber and nutrients. However, if you’re mindful of carbs, you might want to enjoy this in moderation.
Milk and Eggs: Both provide protein and essential vitamins, particularly if you use whole milk and eggs. But if you’re watching your fat intake, low-fat milk can do the trick!
Sugar: Here’s where we need to tread lightly! While sugar adds that delightful sweetness, it’s also where many of the calories come from. You can always reduce the amount of sugar or use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup if you’re feeling adventurous.
So yes, bread pudding can be enjoyed as an occasional treat! Just keep portion sizes in mind.
Ingredients
– 6 cups stale bread, cut into cubes (I love brioche or challah!)
– 2 cups whole milk
– 4 large eggs
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar for a richer flavor)
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup raisins (or chocolate chips, nuts, etc.)
– Serves about 8
How to Make Bread Pudding?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray makes clean-up easier and adds flavor!
2. Place the stale bread cubes in your greased dish, and scatter raisins or other mix-ins over the top.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined.
4. Pour this luscious mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring every piece is soaked. Feel free to press down a little to make sure all the bread gets a good soak!
5. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard mixture—grab a cup of coffee during this time; you deserve it!
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s heavenly warm, but I won’t judge if you dive in straight away!
Delicious Twists on a Classic
Don’t feel confined to the classic recipe! Here are a few ideas to jazz things up a bit:
– **Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding:** Substitute raisins with chocolate chips, and you’ll have a dessert that’s sure to please any chocoholic.
– **Apple Cinnamon Twist:** Dice up apples and toss them in with the bread for a cozy fall vibe, drenching them in cinnamon-sugar goodness.
– **Maple Walnut Bread Pudding:** Swap the sugar for maple syrup and add chopped walnuts for a nutty crunch!
– **Sauces on Top:** Drizzle with caramel or a homemade vanilla sauce before serving—it adds that extra special touch.
I can’t express how much joy bread pudding brings to my table. It’s that warm hug you didn’t know you needed at the end of the meal. Whether you’re making it for a big family gathering or a cozy night in, I promise, everyone will love it. I’d love to hear your thoughts if you give it a try! What twist did you add? Let’s get baking!