Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding is the epitome of comfort food, offering a warm and indulgent dessert experience. This classic dessert is a perfect way to transform stale bread into a luxurious treat that’s laced with cinnamon, studded with plump raisins, and finished with a creamy custard sauce. Whether you’re craving a cozy dessert after a hearty meal or want to impress your guests with a comforting sweet, this bread pudding recipe will do the trick.
Ingredients
For the Bread Pudding:
- 4 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (use cinnamon raisin bread for extra flavor)
- 1 cup raisins
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Custard Sauce:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparing the Bread Pudding:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or a similarly sized casserole dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the stale bread cubes and raisins. Toss them together and then transfer them to the prepared baking dish.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and raisins in the baking dish. Use a spoon or your hands to gently press down on the bread to ensure it’s soaked in the custard.
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the bread pudding.
Baking the Bread Pudding:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set. It should have a slight jiggle in the center but not be runny.
- Remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Making the Custard Sauce:
- While the bread pudding is cooling, prepare the custard sauce. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream and whole milk over low heat until it’s warm but not boiling. Remove it from the heat.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and egg yolks until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thick.
- Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. This tempering process prevents the eggs from curdling.
- Pour the combined mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil.
- Remove the custard sauce from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Serving:
- Cut the warm Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding into squares and serve it drizzled with the homemade custard sauce.
Variations and Tips
- Bread Choice: While cinnamon raisin bread is a classic choice, you can experiment with other bread varieties like brioche, challah, or French bread.
- Custom Additions: Enhance the flavor by adding a handful of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, or a sprinkle of nutmeg to the custard mixture.
- Boozy Twist: For a grown-up version, you can soak the raisins in your favorite liqueur, such as rum or bourbon, before adding them to the bread cubes.
- Serve with Ice Cream: Top your bread pudding with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Reheating: If you have leftovers, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire pudding in the oven at a low temperature.
- Storage: Store any leftover bread pudding and custard sauce separately in the refrigerator. It can be enjoyed for up to 2-3 days.
Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding is a classic dessert that exudes warmth and comfort. With its rich custard and the delightful combination of cinnamon and raisins, this dessert is a timeless favorite for good reason. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to enjoy a cozy evening at home, this bread pudding will warm your heart and satisfy your sweet cravings. So, gather your ingredients, let the aroma of cinnamon fill your kitchen, and treat yourself to a slice of pure comfort.
