© Original Recipe By Mom’s Meals ©
🍞🥄Comforting Bread Pudding for Beginners and Busy Cooks
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a warm, velvety dessert that feels like a hug in every bite, bread pudding is your answer. This classic sweet treat combines soft, lovingly soaked bread with a rich custard, baked to perfection with a tempting golden crust. Whether you’re new to baking or in a hurry, this easy bread pudding recipe is designed to deliver maximum comfort with minimal effort. The delightful aroma of cinnamon and vanilla filling your kitchen while baking makes this a must-try dessert for cozy evenings or family gatherings.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 45 minutes: Perfect for a quick sweet fix.
- One-pan comfort: Uses simple ingredients with minimal cleanup.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite add-ins or toppings.
- Budget-friendly: Utilizes day-old bread and pantry staples.
3. Ingredient Notes
Choosing high-quality ingredients can elevate this simple dish. Use day-old bread or brioche for a richer, more indulgent pudding. Thick-cut bread soaks up the custard beautifully, giving a tender yet firm texture. When it comes to eggs and dairy, opt for fresh organic eggs and full-fat evaporated milk or cream to achieve a creamy, luscious consistency. Adding a generous sprinkle of ground cinnamon and pure vanilla extract infuses warm, aromatic flavors that make this dessert truly comforting.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
A reliable Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer makes preparing this bread pudding even easier, especially if you prefer steaming or baking without a traditional oven. A good T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set ensures effortless mixing and baking. For whisking and blending the custard, a sturdy KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer is an excellent investment that streamlines your kitchen tasks. These tools not only speed up prep but also help you achieve that perfect, even bake every time.
5. How to Make Comforting Bread Pudding
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Start by tearing or slicing your bread into bite-sized pieces. Spread them evenly in a greased baking dish—think of a canvas waiting for your custard masterpiece. The bread should be slightly dried out but still moist enough to absorb the custard later. For an added flavor element, toss in some raisins or chocolate chips if desired.
Step 2: Make the Custard
In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, full-fat evaporated milk, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until well combined. The custard should be smooth, aromatic, and slightly sweet. Pour this over the bread, ensuring every piece gets saturated. At this point, the bread will soak up the flavorful custard, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the pudding for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma of baked cinnamon and vanilla will envelop your kitchen as it finishes. For an extra touch, sprinkle a bit of sugar on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a crispy crust.
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Use slightly stale bread for better absorption of custard.
- Don’t over-soak: Ensure the bread is moist but not soggy to prevent a mushy pudding.
- Adjust sweetness to your taste—add more sugar or a drizzle of honey for extra richness.
- Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent experience.
7. Variations & Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Swap out the traditional cinnamon for nutmeg or allspice to change the flavor profile. For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or almond milk, and substitute eggs with a chia seed or flaxseed mixture. To add a fruity twist, fold in fresh or frozen berries before baking. This way, you cater to dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
8. Storage & Reheating
Leftover bread pudding keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm slices in the microwave or in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. For a crispy top, sprinkle lightly with sugar and bake for a few minutes until golden again.
9. FAQ
Can I make bread pudding ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the pudding in advance, refrigerate overnight, and bake just before serving for the best flavor and texture.
What type of bread works best?
Day-old or slightly dried bread like brioche, challah, or француз bread absorb custard evenly and result in a tender, flavorful pudding.
Is bread pudding suitable for gluten-free diets?
Only if you use gluten-free bread, as traditional recipes typically rely on wheat-based bread.
What toppings go well with bread pudding?
Warm caramel sauce, whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar make delightful accompaniments.
10. Conclusion
Whether you’re a beginner or a busy cook, this comfort-inspired bread pudding offers a cozy, satisfying finish to any meal. Its warm, custardy interior paired with a slightly crisp crust makes it a timeless choice for those craving a simple yet decadent dessert. Give it a try today, and enjoy the sweet aroma and rich flavors that make bread pudding a beloved classic.
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Comforting Bread Pudding for Beginners and Busy Cooks
A deliciously simple bread pudding made with day-old bread, soaked in a vanilla custard, baked until golden and crispy on top. Served warm with optional toppings like whipped cream or caramel sauce.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups of bread cubes (day-old bread works best)
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 3/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- Optional: caramel sauce, berries, or whipped cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Place bread cubes into the prepared baking dish and pour the custard over them, pressing down slightly to absorb.
- Let sit for 10 minutes to soak.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.
Notes
- Use stale bread for better absorption.
- Add raisins or chocolate chips for variation.
- Serve with a drizzle of caramel or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290 Kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 85mg