Homemade bread pudding is a classic dessert that’s perfect for using up leftover bread and satisfying your sweet tooth. This comforting dish combines soft, custardy bread with warm spices and sweetened with sugar, creating a delightful treat that’s both nostalgic and indulgent. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make your own homemade bread pudding from scratch, with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups stale bread, cubed (such as French bread or brioche)
- 2 cups milk (whole milk or any milk of your choice)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raisins or other dried fruit (optional)
- Butter or cooking spray, for greasing the baking dish
Kitchen Equipment Needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Baking dish (8×8-inch or similar)
- Saucepan (optional, for warming the milk)
- Foil or parchment paper (for covering the pudding while baking)
Recipe Directions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the bottom and sides of a baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Prepare the Bread:
- Cut the stale bread into cubes and place them in the prepared baking dish. If the bread is not stale, you can toast it in the oven for a few minutes to dry it out slightly.
- Mix the Custard:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until well combined. If desired, warm the milk in a saucepan over low heat before adding it to the mixture.
- Pour Over Bread:
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish, making sure all the bread is soaked. Press down gently on the bread cubes to help them absorb the custard.
- Add Raisins (Optional):
- Sprinkle the raisins or other dried fruit evenly over the top of the bread pudding, if using. Press them into the bread cubes slightly.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with foil or parchment paper to prevent the top from browning too quickly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and Bake:
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil or parchment paper from the baking dish. Continue baking the bread pudding for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Serve Warm:
- Remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Serve warm, either on its own or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Tips for Success:
- Bread Selection: Use any type of stale bread you have on hand, such as French bread, brioche, challah, or even croissants for a richer texture.
- Customization: Feel free to customize the flavors of your bread pudding by adding ingredients like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or different spices like cloves or cardamom.
- Serving Size: This recipe makes about 6 servings, but you can easily double or triple the ingredients to feed a larger crowd.
Serving Suggestions:
- Whipped Cream: Serve with a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top for extra indulgence.
- Fresh Fruit: Garnish with fresh berries or sliced fruit for a pop of color and freshness.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle with warm caramel sauce for an extra decadent treat.
Conclusion:
Homemade bread pudding is a timeless dessert that’s simple to make and incredibly satisfying to enjoy. With its soft, custardy interior and warm spices, it’s the perfect dessert for cozy nights in or special occasions with loved ones. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover bread and reduce food waste.
Call to Action: Ready to enjoy the comforting flavors of homemade bread pudding? Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out! Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes and baking inspiration. Happy baking!