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Bread pudding is a dessert that evokes nostalgia, comfort, and warmth. This classic recipe has been passed down through generations, and for good reason—it’s the perfect way to turn leftover bread into a delicious treat. With a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can create a dessert that transports you back in time. Whether served warm with a drizzle of vanilla sauce or topped with a dollop of whipped cream, old-fashioned bread pudding is a comforting dessert everyone will love.
In this article, we’ll walk you through a traditional bread pudding recipe that brings all the flavours of the past into the present. From preparation to baking, we’ll show you how to make this delightful dessert step-by-step.
Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding
Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding
The beauty of bread pudding is that it uses simple, everyday ingredients. Many of these are pantry staples, which is why this dessert became popular in homes during times when people needed to make the most of their resources.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of cubed bread (preferably day-old bread, such as French bread, challah, or brioche)
- 2 cups of whole milk (or half-and-half for a richer version)
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup of granulated sugar (you can adjust this depending on how sweet you like your pudding)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg (optional but highly recommended)
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup of raisins (optional, but they add a lovely sweetness and texture)
For Serving (Optional):
- Vanilla sauce or heavy cream
- Powdered sugar for garnish
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
The key to a great bread pudding lies in the bread. Ideally, you want to use bread that’s a little stale, as it soaks up the custard mixture better than fresh bread. If your bread is fresh, you can dry it out by toasting it in the oven for a few minutes.
How to Prepare the Bread:
- Cut your bread into small cubes (about 1 inch in size). If you’re using larger slices of bread, tear them into pieces by hand.
- Add the cubed bread to a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture
The custard is what gives bread pudding its rich, velvety texture. It’s a simple mixture of milk, eggs, sugar, and spices.
How to Make the Custard:
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Gradually add in the milk (or half-and-half), continuing to whisk as you pour. This will ensure the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
- Once the custard is mixed, pour it evenly over the cubed bread. Press the bread down gently with a spoon to make sure all the bread is soaked with the custard.
Step 3: Add Butter and Let it Soak
To give the bread pudding a rich flavour, you’ll want to melt the butter and add it to the custard mixture. This will enhance the pudding’s texture and give it a slightly golden crust.
How to Add the Butter:
- Pour the melted butter over the soaked bread cubes and gently stir to combine.
- Let the mixture sit for about 15–20 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the custard fully. If you have extra time, you can even let it sit for up to 30 minutes or refrigerate it overnight for a deeper flavour.
Step 4: Bake the Bread Pudding
Now that your bread pudding is ready, it’s time to bake it to perfection. The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C), ensuring an even cooking temperature.
How to Bake the Pudding:
- Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Pour the soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake the pudding in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. You can test the doneness by inserting a knife in the centre—it should come out clean when the pudding is fully cooked.
Pro Tip: If you find the top is getting too brown before the pudding is done, cover the dish with aluminium foil and continue baking until it’s cooked through.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the bread pudding is baked and golden, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. The pudding will firm up slightly as it cools, making it easier to slice and serve.
Serving Suggestions:
- Vanilla Sauce: One of the best ways to serve bread pudding is with a rich vanilla sauce. To make this, simply combine milk, sugar, butter, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Heat it gently until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens.
- Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: If you’re in the mood for something even richer, serve your bread pudding with freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Garnish with Powdered Sugar: For an extra touch of sweetness and a beautiful presentation, dust your bread pudding with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips for Perfect Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding
To ensure your bread pudding turns out as delicious as possible, here are a few helpful tips:
- Use Day-Old Bread: Fresh bread can become too soggy, while day-old or slightly stale bread soaks up the custard without falling apart.
- Customize the Add-ins: Raisins are classic, but feel free to add other ingredients like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for a unique twist.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently stir the bread and custard mixture to avoid breaking the bread into mush. You want to maintain some texture.
- Allow Time to Soak: Let the bread soak in the custard for at least 15 minutes. The longer it soaks, the richer the flavour.
- Baking Tip: To make sure your bread pudding doesn’t dry out, avoid overbaking. It should be golden on top but still soft and custardy inside.
Conclusion
Old-fashioned bread pudding is a dessert that brings a sense of nostalgia and warmth to any table. With simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s not only comforting but also versatile. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your twist, bread pudding is a dessert that never goes out of style. So, the next time you have leftover bread, give this easy, timeless recipe a try—you’ll be rewarded with a delicious, sweet treat that’s sure to bring back memories and make new ones.
Enjoy your homemade bread pudding, and don’t forget to share it with family and friends for a truly memorable dessert experience!
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