Easy Bread Pudding Recipe
Imagine a warm, comforting dessert that wraps you in nostalgia, reminding you of cozy family gatherings and sweet festive moments. This Easy Bread Pudding Recipe is not only a delightful way to use stale bread, but it also offers a fast, simple solution to satisfy your sweet tooth. With its rich custard base and soft, pillowy texture, this dessert is a lifesaver for busy weeknights and an absolute crowd-pleaser for weekend get-togethers. Trust me, the first spoonful will send you spiraling into a whirlwind of creamy goodness that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.
Craving Comfort Food?
Have you ever found yourself with leftover bread and a craving for something decadent? What if I told you that you could transform those stale slices into a luscious dessert that everyone will adore? With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a delightful bread pudding that encapsulates the essence of comfort food. Are you ready to indulge in the ultimate sweet treat?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe ticks all the boxes: it’s incredibly easy to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and is always a hit at any gathering.
- Fast Prep: You’ll have this dessert in the oven in no time.
- Kid-Friendly: Little ones can help out with mixing and pouring for a fun family activity.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves a warm, sugary dessert, making it perfect for parties.
- Minimal Ingredients: Using what you already have in your pantry means it’s budget-friendly and waste-reducing.
Ingredients
To make this easy bread pudding, you’ll need the following ingredients:
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Stale Bread: Whether you prefer white bread, brioche, or challah, this recipe is versatile enough to adapt to what you have on hand. The slight dryness of the stale bread is essential for absorbing the creamy custard.
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3 Large Eggs: The eggs are the backbone of the pudding, providing structure and richness.
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2 Cups Whole Milk: While whole milk delivers a luxurious creaminess, you can also opt for half and half or cream for a more indulgent experience.
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3/4 Cup of Sugar: Use either white or brown sugar, depending on how deep you want the sweetness and flavor to be.
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Butter: For greasing the baking dish, ensuring that your pudding comes out beautifully soft without sticking.
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1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract: The vanilla infuses the entire dish with an irresistible aroma.
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1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon (optional): This adds a warm spice that enhances the overall flavor profile.
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1/4 Teaspoon Nutmeg (optional): A hint of nutmeg gives it that classic dessert layer of warmth and coziness.
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A Pinch of Salt: To balance the sweetness.
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Optional Toppings: Think whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a decadent drizzle of caramel sauce to take your bread pudding over the top.
Timing
When it comes to enjoying this easy bread pudding, you’ve got options.
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Fast and Indulgent: Your pudding can go from ingredients to oven in just 15 minutes, making it a quick fix for that dessert craving.
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Slow and Luxurious: While baking for 45-55 minutes, the kitchen will fill with a tempting aroma that builds anticipation, creating the perfect wind-down moment after dinner.
Step-by-Step
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
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Cube the stale bread into small pieces and place it in the greased baking dish, allowing the pieces to nestle together cozily.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth, forming a velvety custard.
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Pour the custard mixture over the cubed bread in the baking dish, gently pressing the bread down to ensure every piece is thoroughly soaked.
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Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes; this is the magic moment when the bread absorbs the custard, becoming the soft, gooey delight we crave.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set; insert a toothpick into the center — it should come out clean.
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Serve warm, topped with optional whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a rich drizzle of caramel sauce — just imagine that gooey goodness mingling with the warm, soft pudding!
Nutritional Information
Serving size varies, but a typical serving of this Easy Bread Pudding brings approximately 300-400 calories.
Occasional indulgence is okay — remember that this is a treat meant to evoke joy and comfort.
Healthier Alternatives
Want to enjoy this delicious dessert but mindful of health goals? Here are some swaps:
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Low-Sugar: Use a sugar substitute or reduce the amount of sugar.
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Dairy-Free: Substitute almond milk or coconut milk for the dairy products, and use flax eggs in place of regular eggs for a vegan twist without losing the delightful richness.
Serving Suggestions
This bread pudding is a versatile dessert that shines in different contexts.
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Top with Ice Cream: Enhance that comforting warmth with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top.
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Perfect for Holidays: Serve it as a traditional dessert at holiday gatherings, or enjoy it for brunch on lazy Sundays.
Common Mistakes
To ensure that your Easy Bread Pudding turns out perfectly every time, be mindful of these common pitfalls:
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Overbaking: Keep an eye on the pudding, as overbaking can lead to a dry texture rather than the creamy perfection we want.
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Texture Issues: Make sure you let the pudding absorb the custard adequately before baking; this prevents dry, hard pieces from forming.
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Messy Pans: Use a well-greased pan to avoid sticking, which can be a headache when it comes to serving.
Storing Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), here are some helpful storage tips:
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Freezing Portions: You can freeze individual portions of bread pudding for a rainy day. Carefully wrap them in plastic wrap or store in airtight containers.
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Reheating Instructions: Simply thaw overnight in the fridge, and then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts until hot.
Tempting Conclusion
Now that you’ve discovered how easy and rewarding this Easy Bread Pudding Recipe can be, it’s time to grab those ingredients and make your kitchen the heart of comfort and joy. Indulge your senses and treat loved ones (or yourself!) to a warm, sweet slice of nostalgia today!
FAQs
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Can I use fresh bread instead of stale?
- Yes, but stale bread better absorbs the custard, leading to a creamier texture.
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Can I add fruits or nuts?
- Absolutely! Diced apples, raisins, or walnuts would make excellent stir-ins for extra flavor and texture.
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Is it okay to make this ahead?
- You can prepare it the night before and let it soak in the fridge; simply bake it the next day.
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Can I double the recipe?
- Yes, just use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time as necessary.
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How long does leftovers last in the fridge?
- Stored in an airtight container, leftovers can last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Easy Bread Pudding
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm and comforting dessert, this Easy Bread Pudding uses stale bread and a rich custard base for a nostalgic treat that is perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
- Stale Bread
- 3 Large Eggs
- 2 Cups Whole Milk
- 3/4 Cup Sugar
- Butter (for greasing)
- 1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 Teaspoon Nutmeg (optional)
- A Pinch of Salt
- Optional Toppings: whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Cube the stale bread into small pieces and place it in the greased baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
- Pour the custard mixture over the cubed bread and press it down to soak the bread thoroughly.
- Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to absorb the custard.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes or until golden brown and set in the center.
- Serve warm with optional toppings.
Notes
For a healthier alternative, consider using sugar substitutes and dairy-free milk. Ensure not to overbake to maintain a creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
