Bread Pudding Recipe
Bread pudding is one of those timeless recipes that transforms simple, leftover ingredients into a warm, satisfying dessert. This dish is perfect for using up stale bread and turning it into a delicious, custardy treat that has a balance of sweetness, spice, and texture. Let’s walk through the process of making this comforting dessert step by step.
Ingredients for Bread Pudding
- 1 Pint of Stale Bread: The backbone of the dish, stale bread absorbs the milk mixture and creates the rich, custardy texture that makes bread pudding so irresistible.
- 1/2 Cupful of Raisins: Adds a sweet, chewy contrast to the soft bread, making each bite more interesting.
- 1 Quart of Milk: Soaks into the bread, making it soft and creating the creamy custard base.
- 1 Teaspoonful of Cinnamon: Brings warmth and spice to the pudding, enhancing the flavor of the raisins and sugar.
- 1 Cupful of Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the richness of the bread and milk.
- 1 Egg: Helps bind the pudding together and gives it structure as it bakes.
- 1/2 Teaspoonful of Salt: Enhances the overall flavor by balancing the sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparing Bread Pudding
Step 1: Soak the Stale Bread
Begin by preparing the stale bread. Tear the bread into small pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl. Pour enough hot water over the bread to cover it, and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. The hot water will soften the bread, making it easier to incorporate into the pudding. Once the bread is soft and has absorbed the water, drain off any excess liquid and gently press down on the bread to remove as much water as possible.
Step 2: Prepare the Custard Base
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, sugar, egg, and cinnamon. The milk is what transforms the bread into a soft, custardy texture. The egg acts as a binder, helping the mixture hold together as it bakes, and the cinnamon adds that warming, comforting spice that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
Once the custard base is ready, pour it over the soaked bread and stir everything together gently. You want the bread to be fully coated with the milk mixture, ensuring that it becomes soft and flavorful as it bakes.
Step 3: Add the Raisins
Now, fold in the raisins. These little bursts of sweetness will add texture and flavor to the pudding. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture so that each bite has some raisin goodness.
Step 4: Prepare for Baking
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. You can use any size that fits your preference, but a medium-sized dish works well for this recipe. Smooth the top of the mixture with a spoon to ensure it bakes evenly. If you like, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top for added flavor and color.
Step 5: Bake the Pudding
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and let it bake for about three hours. Yes, this is a slow bake, but it allows the flavors to meld together, and the pudding to develop a wonderful texture that is both soft and slightly crisp on the edges.
Check on the pudding occasionally after the two-hour mark. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the custard has set in the middle. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Step 6: Serve with Sauce
The beauty of bread pudding is its versatility in how it’s served. You can enjoy it hot or cold, depending on your preference.
If eaten hot, pair it with a cold sauce such as vanilla or caramel. The contrast between the warm pudding and cool sauce makes for an indulgent dessert experience.
If eaten cold, you can opt for a warm sauce, like a homemade custard or a buttery rum sauce. This combination also adds depth of flavor and texture.
Approximate Calorie Count
A serving of bread pudding (assuming 8 servings per batch) will contain roughly 250-300 calories per serving. This depends on the size of the serving and any additional toppings or sauces you may choose to add. The sugar and raisins contribute to the majority of the calories, while the milk and bread provide protein and carbohydrates.