Traditional Bread Pudding: A Timeless Comfort Food Classic
Is there anything more comforting than a warm, fragrant bread pudding fresh from the oven? This recipe for Traditional Bread Pudding – A timeless recipe featuring day-old bread, eggs, milk, sugar, and raisins, is a family favorite, passed down through generations. It’s the perfect way to use up that leftover bread, transforming it into a decadent dessert that everyone will love. Simple, satisfying, and utterly delicious, this Bread Pudding is a dish to cherish.
Why You’ll Love This Traditional Bread Pudding – A timeless recipe featuring day-old bread, eggs, milk, sugar, and raisins
- Incredibly Easy: Requires minimal effort and ingredients you likely already have.
- Perfect for Leftovers: The ultimate way to use up stale bread and prevent food waste.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to your taste preferences – add different spices, fruits, or nuts.
- Family-Friendly: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that kids and adults will enjoy.
- Makes a Great Brunch: Perfect for a weekend brunch or special occasion.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients, making it an economical dessert option.
Ingredients for Traditional Bread Pudding – A timeless recipe featuring day-old bread, eggs, milk, sugar, and raisins
- 6 cups day-old bread, cubed (French bread, brioche, challah, or even sourdough work well)
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups milk (whole milk or 2% work best)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Substitutions:
- Milk: Almond milk or oat milk can be used for a dairy-free option.
- Sugar: Coconut sugar or maple syrup can be substituted for granulated sugar.
- Bread: Gluten-free bread can be used for a gluten-free version. Consider using brioche as a Brioche Bread Pudding.
- Raisins: Substitute with dried cranberries, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts.
How to Make Traditional Bread Pudding – A timeless recipe featuring day-old bread, eggs, milk, sugar, and raisins
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Bread: Arrange the cubed bread in the prepared baking dish. If the bread isn’t already stale, you can dry it out slightly in a low oven for 10-15 minutes.
- Whisk the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, heavy cream (if using), vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. This is your custard base.
- Add Raisins: Stir in the raisins (or your preferred substitute) into the custard mixture.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread to make sure it’s fully saturated with the custard. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to an hour) to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
- Add Butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the soaked bread. This will help create a golden-brown crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the bread pudding is golden brown and the custard is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Cool Slightly: Let the bread pudding cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. The pudding will continue to set as it cools.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Traditional Bread Pudding.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Don’t Skip the Soaking: Allowing the bread to soak properly is crucial for a soft and custardy texture.
- Use Stale Bread: Fresh bread will become mushy. Stale bread absorbs the custard better. For a great texture, even consider using Sourdough Bread Pudding.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the custard mixture before pouring it over the bread and adjust the sugar to your liking.
- Bourbon Sauce: Elevate your bread pudding by serving it with a homemade Bread Pudding With Bourbon Sauce.
- Savory Option: For a Savory Bread Pudding, omit the sugar and cinnamon and add cheese, herbs, and cooked vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
This Traditional Bread Pudding is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your dessert:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that complements the warm bread pudding perfectly.
- Warm Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top for an extra decadent treat.
- Fresh Berries: Serve with a side of fresh berries for a touch of freshness and color.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy texture.
- Coffee or Tea: Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for a comforting and satisfying experience.
Storage & Reheating
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 30-60 seconds. Be careful not to overheat.
FAQ about Traditional Bread Pudding – A timeless recipe featuring day-old bread, eggs, milk, sugar, and raisins
Q: Can I make this bread pudding in a crockpot?
A: Yes, you can! A Crockpot Bread Pudding is a great option for a hands-off approach. Simply follow the recipe instructions and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until set.
Q: Can I use different types of bread?
A: Absolutely! French bread, brioche, challah, and even sourdough all work well. Experiment and find your favorite! This recipe is also similar to a classic Bread And Butter Pudding.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the bread pudding ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Bake it just before serving.
Q: What is the best way to serve a Custard Bread Pudding Recipe?
A: Warm, with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of temperatures and textures is divine!
Q: What can I do with Ripe Banana Recipes when I have too many Bananas?
A: Add sliced or mashed bananas to bread pudding for added moisture and flavor. Or, whip up a Banana Cake Recipe, Moist Banana Bread or even a Super Moist Banana Bread.
Final Thoughts on Traditional Bread Pudding – A timeless recipe featuring day-old bread, eggs, milk, sugar, and raisins
This Traditional Bread Pudding recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a hug in a bowl. It’s a reminder of simpler times, family gatherings, and the joy of transforming humble ingredients into something truly special. Making your own Best Bread Pudding Recipe is easier than you think, and I hope this recipe becomes a cherished tradition in your household.
If you enjoyed this recipe, I’d love for you to save it to Pinterest for later! And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Be sure to subscribe to my blog for more delicious recipes and cooking tips. Happy baking!
Traditional Bread Pudding
Equipment
- oven
- 9×13-inch baking dish,
- Large bowl
- – Whisk
Ingredients
- 6 cups day-old bread, cubed (French bread, brioche, challah, or even sourdough work well)
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups milk (whole milk or 2% work best)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Bread: Arrange the cubed bread in the prepared baking dish. If the bread isn’t already stale, you can dry it out slightly in a low oven for 10-15 minutes.
- Whisk the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, heavy cream (if using), vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. This is your custard base.
- Add Raisins: Stir in the raisins (or your preferred substitute) into the custard mixture.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread to make sure it’s fully saturated with the custard. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to an hour) to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
- Add Butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the soaked bread. This will help create a golden-brown crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the bread pudding is golden brown and the custard is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Cool Slightly: Let the bread pudding cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. The pudding will continue to set as it cools.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Traditional Bread Pudding.
