This classic bread pudding is a delightful dessert that transforms stale bread into a warm, comforting treat. It’s made with simple ingredients like eggs, milk, sugar, and spices, making it a perfect way to use up leftover bread.
The recipe is designed for a 9×13 baking dish, ensuring generous servings for family and friends. You can easily customize it by adding raisins, chocolate chips, or nuts to enhance the flavor.
Overview of Classic Bread Pudding
This classic bread pudding transforms stale bread into a warm, comforting dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of simple ingredients creates a rich custard that envelops the bread, resulting in a delightful treat that is both satisfying and nostalgic.
Using a 9×13 baking dish allows for generous portions, making it ideal for family gatherings or cozy dinners with friends. The recipe is versatile, inviting you to add your favorite mix-ins like raisins or chocolate chips to personalize the flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this delicious bread pudding, gather the following ingredients:
- 10 cups of stale bread, cubed (French or challah works well)
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raisins or chocolate chips (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for greasing the pan)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
These ingredients come together to create a custardy texture that is both rich and satisfying. The addition of spices like cinnamon enhances the overall flavor, making each bite a comforting experience.
Preparation Steps
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your 9×13-inch baking dish with melted butter. This step is essential to ensure that your bread pudding doesn’t stick to the pan.
Next, place the cubed bread in a large mixing bowl. If you’re opting for raisins or chocolate chips, now is the time to add them. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until everything is well combined.
Combining Ingredients
Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, gently stirring to ensure that all the bread is soaked in the liquid. Allow the mixture to sit for about 15 minutes. This resting period is crucial for the bread to absorb the custard, resulting in a moist and flavorful pudding.
Once the bread has soaked up the custard, pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. This ensures that every piece of bread gets the same treatment during baking.
Baking the Bread Pudding
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The pudding is ready when the top is golden brown and the custard has set. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time to achieve that perfect golden hue.
After baking, allow the bread pudding to cool slightly before serving. This will help it set further and make it easier to cut into squares.
Serving Suggestions
For a delightful finishing touch, dust the warm bread pudding with powdered sugar. Serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, allowing the ice cream to melt slightly into the warm pudding for an irresistible combination.
Whether enjoyed as a comforting dessert after dinner or as a sweet treat during a gathering, this classic bread pudding is sure to please everyone at the table. The rustic presentation on a wooden table adds to the cozy, homemade feel, making it a perfect centerpiece for any meal.
Easy Bread Pudding Recipe
This bread pudding features cubes of bread soaked in a rich custard mixture, baked until golden and set. The recipe takes about 1 hour from start to finish and serves approximately 8-10 people.
Ingredients
- 10 cups of stale bread, cubed (French or challah works well)
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raisins or chocolate chips (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for greasing the pan)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with melted butter.
- Prepare the Bread: Place the cubed bread in a large mixing bowl. If using raisins or chocolate chips, add them to the bread.
- Make the Custard: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Combine: Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, gently stirring to ensure all the bread is soaked. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to absorb the liquid.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar if desired, and serve warm with a drizzle of cream or a scoop of ice cream.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 8-10 servings
- Calories: 250kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 42g