Classic Bread Pudding:

Bread pudding is the epitome of comfort food, combining the warmth of fresh-baked bread with the sweetness of custard. It’s a timeless dessert that’s simple to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re looking to use up leftover bread or create a dessert that’s both nostalgic and delicious, this classic bread pudding recipe will become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients:

For the Bread Pudding:

• 4 cups stale bread, cubed (French bread, brioche, or challah work well)
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1/4 cup raisins or other dried fruits (optional)

For the Caramel Sauce (Optional):

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cube the stale bread into bite-sized pieces and place them in a greased 9×9-inch baking dish. If you’re using dried fruits like raisins, scatter them among the bread cubes.

Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten.
2. Add the whole milk, granulated sugar, pure vanilla extract, ground cinnamon (if using), and ground nutmeg (if using). Mix everything together until it forms a smooth custard.

Step 3: Pour the Custard Over the Bread

1. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cubed bread. Gently press the bread down with a fork to ensure that all the bread is soaked in the custard.
2. Allow the mixture to sit for about 15-20 minutes so the bread can absorb the custard.

Step 4: Bake the Pudding

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; if it comes out clean, the pudding is ready.

Step 5: Make the Caramel Sauce (Optional)

1. If you’re preparing the caramel sauce, melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Stir in the brown sugar, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
3. Remove the caramel sauce from the heat.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Once the bread pudding is out of the oven, you can drizzle it with the optional caramel sauce for added sweetness.
2. Serve the bread pudding warm and enjoy this comforting classic.

Notes:

• Feel free to customize your bread pudding by adding ingredients like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or different spices for a unique flavor.
• Stale bread works best for this recipe as it readily absorbs the custard. If your bread is fresh, you can cube it and let it sit out for a few hours or toast it in the oven to dry it out.
• Leftover bread pudding can be refrigerated and reheated in the microwave or oven when you’re ready for more.

 

Classic Bread Pudding is a timeless dessert that brings the comfort of home-baked bread and the sweetness of custard together. It’s a versatile recipe that you can personalize to suit your taste, making it a go-to choice for satisfying your dessert cravings or repurposing leftover bread. Enjoy the warmth and nostalgia of this comforting classic.