Easy Bread Pudding Recipes to Try at Home

Exploring the Comfort of Bread Pudding

Discovering bread pudding’s exquisite blend of textures and flavors offers a unique satisfaction. This timeless dessert transforms leftover bread into a custard-based delight that’s not just scrumptious but also versatile. Let’s explore some delightful bread pudding recipes you can experiment with at home.

Classic Bread Pudding

The classic bread pudding evokes nostalgia with every bite. Here’s what you need:

• 6 cups of day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 cups of milk
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• ¹⁄₂ cup of raisins (optional)
• 4 tablespoons of melted butter

🍞 Note: For a richer texture, soak the bread for at least an hour in the milk-egg mixture before baking.

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and raisins if using. Whisk until everything is well mixed.
3. Place the bread cubes in a greased baking dish. Drizzle melted butter over the bread.
4. Pour the milk mixture over the bread, making sure all the bread is soaked. Let it sit for 15 minutes to absorb the custard.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden and the center is set. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Chocolate Bread Pudding

If you’re a chocolate lover, this chocolate bread pudding will become your favorite:

• 6 cups of brioche or challah, cubed
• 3 cups of whole milk
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 cup of dark chocolate chips
• ¹⁄₂ cup of cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

🍫 Note: For a deeper chocolate flavor, use a high-quality dark chocolate with 70% cocoa.

Steps:

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Heat the milk gently with half the chocolate chips until melted and smooth.
3. In a bowl, whisk eggs with sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla, then stir in the warm milk mixture.
4. Combine with bread, ensuring it’s all covered, then pour into a greased dish.
5. Top with the remaining chocolate chips and bake for 50-55 minutes.

Croissant Bread Pudding

Upgrade your bread pudding experience with flaky croissants:

• 6 large day-old croissants, torn into pieces
• 2 cups of heavy cream
• 3 large eggs
• ¹⁄₂ cup of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon of almond extract (optional)
• ¹⁄₄ cup of sliced almonds

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and almond extract if using.
3. Add croissant pieces to the mixture, letting them soak for 10 minutes.
4. Pour into a greased dish, sprinkle almonds on top.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until it’s puffed and golden.

The key to mastering these bread pudding recipes lies in balancing the textures and flavors to suit your preference, allowing for creative adaptations. Whether you lean towards the traditional with raisins and spices or explore variations like chocolate or almond, these recipes offer a starting point to bake comfort and joy. In your culinary journey, try different types of bread, experiment with additional flavors like liqueur or berries, and remember that the best results come with your unique twist.

How long does bread pudding last?

+

Bread pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure it’s covered to maintain freshness.

Can I freeze bread pudding?

+

Yes, you can freeze bread pudding. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or store in an airtight container. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer.

What bread is best for bread pudding?

+

Day-old or slightly stale bread works best for bread pudding because it soaks up the custard without becoming too soggy. Types like brioche, challah, French bread, or even croissants can yield delicious results.

How can I make bread pudding less sweet?

+

Reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe. You can also use unsweetened milk or cream, and add less sweet ingredients like nuts or dried fruits without added sugar.

What are some good accompaniments to bread pudding?

+

Bread pudding pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel or bourbon sauce. For a tangy contrast, try lemon curd or berry coulis.