You’ll start by cubing 6 cups of slightly stale brioche bread, then whisk 4 eggs with 2 cups milk, ¾ cup sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla to make a custard. Soak the bread in this mixture for 20 minutes, then spread it in a greased dish. Bake at 350°F for 45–50 minutes until golden. Serve warm with luscious caramel sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Keep exploring for tips to perfect this cozy dessert.
Ingredients and Quantity
To make a classic bread pudding, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create its rich, comforting flavor. Choosing from different bread varieties like brioche or challah lets you customize your dessert options, giving you freedom to craft a pudding that’s uniquely yours. Here’s a clear list to guide you:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bread (cubed) | 6 cups |
| Eggs | 4 large |
| Milk | 2 cups |
| Sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp |
These ingredients blend effortlessly, inviting you to create a dessert that’s warm, satisfying, and full of endless possibilities.
Preparations
Before diving into mixing your ingredients, make certain your bread cubes are slightly stale or toasted, as this helps them soak up the custard without becoming mushy. Your bread selection plays an essential role in the final texture and flavor of your pudding. To perfect the soaking technique, follow these preparations:
Ensure bread cubes are slightly stale or toasted to absorb custard perfectly without turning mushy.
- Choose bread with a sturdy crumb like brioche or challah
- Cut bread into uniform cubes for even soaking
- Slightly dry or toast cubes to absorb custard better
- Warm custard mixture before pouring to enhance soaking
- Let bread soak for at least 20 minutes, pressing gently if needed
These steps guarantee your bread pudding holds together beautifully and delivers that rich, custardy bite you’re craving. Prepping thoughtfully sets the stage for a delicious outcome.
How to Cook
- Once your bread has soaked up the custard and softened perfectly, transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Spread the mixture evenly, ensuring no pockets of custard remain.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), which is ideal for baking bread pudding without drying it out.
- Place the baking dish into the oven and bake for about 45 to 50 minutes.
- Check for doneness by looking for a golden brown top and inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.
- Allow the pudding to cool slightly after baking to help it firm up, making it easier to serve.
How to Serve
Serving bread pudding is all about enhancing its warm, comforting flavors and rich texture. When it’s time to enjoy your creation, consider these serving suggestions and presentation ideas to elevate the experience:
Serving bread pudding means highlighting its warm, comforting flavors and rich, satisfying texture for a truly delightful experience.
- Drizzle extra caramel sauce over each slice for a glossy, indulgent finish.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the sweetness.
- Sprinkle toasted nuts or fresh berries on top to introduce texture and color.
- Serve it warm on a rustic plate to emphasize its cozy appeal.
- Pair with a cup of strong coffee or spiced tea to complement the dessert’s richness.
These thoughtful touches make serving your bread pudding both inviting and memorable.
Tips
Although bread pudding is straightforward to make, a few key tips can help you achieve the perfect balance of custardy softness and golden crust. First, soak your bread thoroughly but don’t let it become soggy—this is essential for texture. Mastering simple baking techniques like using a water bath can promote even cooking and prevent cracking. Don’t hesitate to explore flavor variations; add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or fold in fruits and nuts for extra depth. Remember, letting the pudding rest after baking enhances flavor melding and texture. Finally, use quality vanilla and fresh eggs to elevate your base custard. With these tips, you’ll gain your freedom to create a personalized, irresistible bread pudding every time.
Food Value and Benefit
Bread pudding, when prepared with wholesome ingredients, is not only a delicious dessert but also a nutritious dish that offers several health benefits. The combination of eggs, milk, and whole grain bread enriches it with essential nutrients.
Bread pudding made with wholesome ingredients combines taste and nutrition, delivering essential nutrients in every bite.
Food Value and Benefits of Bread Pudding:
- Provides a good source of calcium and protein from eggs and milk, supporting bone health and muscle repair.
- Contains dietary fiber from whole grain or whole wheat bread, aiding digestion and promoting satiety.
- Supplies essential vitamins such as B-complex vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6) which help in energy metabolism and brain function.
- Delivers important minerals including calcium, phosphorus, and potassium that contribute to cardiovascular and nerve health.
- Offers antioxidants when fruits or nuts are added, which help combat oxidative stress and support immune function.
- Can be made with reduced sugar options to maintain flavor while lowering glycemic impact, beneficial for blood sugar management.
Enjoying bread pudding made with nutrient-rich ingredients makes it more than just a sweet indulgence—it becomes a wholesome treat that supports overall health.
