Delicious Bread Pudding Recipes You Must Try Now

Is there anything quite as comforting as the aroma of homemade bread pudding wafting through your kitchen? This delightful dessert, born from the need to utilize leftover bread, has evolved into a beloved dish with countless variations. Whether you're a fan of the classic version or looking to explore new flavors, bread pudding offers a canvas for creativity. In this post, we'll delve into several mouth-watering bread pudding recipes that are not only delicious but also relatively easy to prepare.

Classic Bread Pudding

Let’s start with the traditional bread pudding. This recipe brings the warmth of nostalgia to your table.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 loaf of day-old bread, cubed
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • Butter for greasing the dish
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, mix eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until well combined.
  3. Add bread cubes and raisins, let them soak for 10-15 minutes, occasionally stirring to ensure even saturation.
  4. Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish. Dot the top with small pieces of butter if desired.
  5. Bake for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and slightly firm.

🍎 Note: Soaking the bread is crucial for a moist pudding; don't rush this step.

Chocolate and Cherry Bread Pudding

For those with a sweet tooth, combining chocolate and cherries in bread pudding can be a divine experience.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 loaf of challah or brioche bread, cubed
  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup dried cherries
  • 5 eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp almond extract
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Combine eggs, cream, milk, sugar, and almond extract.
  3. Add bread cubes, chocolate chips, and cherries to the custard. Mix gently.
  4. Allow the mixture to sit for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the center is set.

Vegan Banana Bread Pudding

Here’s a delightful vegan option for those avoiding animal products but not wanting to miss out on the pudding action.

• Ingredients:
  • 5 cups of cubed day-old bread
  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1 3/4 cups almond milk
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Combine mashed bananas, almond milk, maple syrup, chia seeds, vanilla, and nutmeg.
  3. Fold in bread cubes and walnuts, let it sit for about 10 minutes.
  4. Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake for about 45 minutes, until the top is golden.

🍌 Note: The bananas provide the necessary moisture and sweetness, so ensure they are very ripe.

Apple and Cinnamon Bread Pudding

Embrace the flavors of autumn with this apple and cinnamon version, perfect for those chilly evenings.

🍏 Note: Opt for tart apples like Granny Smith for a balance of flavors.

Savory Spinach and Feta Bread Pudding

Who says bread pudding can’t be savory? This spinach and feta version adds a delicious twist to the classic.

• Ingredients:
  • 6 cups of cubed rustic bread
  • 2 cups spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 4 eggs
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Sauté onion until translucent; add spinach and cook until wilted.
  2. Whisk together eggs, milk, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  3. Combine bread, onion-spinach mix, and feta in a baking dish.
  4. Pour the egg mixture over, ensuring the bread is well soaked.
  5. Bake at 350°F for about 40 minutes or until the top is golden.

Each of these recipes offers a unique twist on the traditional bread pudding, showcasing the versatility and appeal of this comforting dish. Whether you opt for sweet or savory, traditional or vegan, bread pudding's charm lies in its simplicity and the richness of its flavors. With every bite, you experience layers of soft, custard-soaked bread, combined with sweet or savory fillings, making it a dessert that's both nostalgic and innovative.

Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread for bread pudding?

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Yes, you can use fresh bread, but allowing it to dry out a bit or toasting it slightly will help it absorb the custard better.

What type of bread is best for bread pudding?

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Traditionally, day-old or slightly stale bread like brioche, challah, or French bread works best. However, any leftover bread can be used, including white, whole wheat, or even cinnamon raisin bread for extra flavor.

How do I know when bread pudding is done?

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Bread pudding is done when the top is golden brown, and when inserting a knife into the center, it comes out relatively clean with a bit of custard coating it. It should also be slightly firm to the touch.