Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding: Comfort Food at its Finest!
Is there anything more comforting than a warm, fragrant bread pudding on a chilly day? This Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding – Made with French bread and a spiced custard is a timeless dessert for a reason. It’s incredibly easy to make, uses simple ingredients you probably already have on hand, and delivers a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s simply divine. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert for the holidays or a simple treat to enjoy on a lazy Sunday afternoon, this recipe will become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding – Made with French bread and a spiced custard.
- Classic Comfort: It’s the ultimate feel-good dessert, perfect for any occasion.
- Easy to Make: No fancy techniques required! Just mix, bake, and enjoy.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the soft, custardy texture and sweet flavor.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, inexpensive ingredients.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite spices and add-ins. You can make a delicious Brioche Bread Pudding or use any bread you love.
- Perfect Make-Ahead Dessert: You can assemble the entire dish ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding – Made with French bread and a spiced custard.
- 1 loaf (1 pound) French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (slightly stale bread works best!)
- 4 cups milk (whole milk is recommended for richness, but 2% or almond milk will work)
- 1 cup heavy cream (optional, but adds extra creaminess)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional toppings: Raisins, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, caramel sauce, Bourbon sauce (perfect for a Bread Pudding With Bourbon Sauce!)
Substitutions: For a dairy-free version, use almond milk and coconut cream. You can also substitute the French bread with challah, brioche, or even croissants. Get creative and use up what you have on hand!
How to Make Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding – Made with French bread and a spiced custard.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until lightly toasted. This helps prevent the bread pudding from becoming soggy.
- Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream (if using), eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until well combined.
- Soak the Bread: Place the toasted bread cubes in a large bowl or the baking dish you will use. Pour the custard mixture over the bread, making sure all the bread is evenly moistened. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the custard. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour.
- Bake the Bread Pudding: Pour the bread and custard mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. If desired, sprinkle with raisins, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts.
- Bake until Golden: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the bread pudding is set and golden brown on top. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with caramel sauce or bourbon sauce, if desired.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Use Stale Bread: Slightly stale bread is ideal for bread pudding, as it soaks up the custard better and prevents the pudding from becoming too soggy.
- Don’t Skip the Toasting: Toasting the bread is an important step, as it helps the bread hold its shape and prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Adjust the Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger for a different flavor profile.
- Add some fruit: Incorporate fresh or dried fruit like apples, cranberries, or peaches for added flavor and texture.
- Savory Twist: Try a Savory Bread Pudding by using herbs, cheese, and vegetables instead of sugar and spices.
Serving Suggestions
This Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding is delicious served warm or at room temperature. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream is the perfect complement to the warm, spiced bread pudding.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle with homemade or store-bought caramel sauce for extra sweetness.
- Bourbon Sauce: For a more decadent treat, serve with a homemade bourbon sauce.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy touch.
- Fresh Berries: Top with fresh berries for a burst of freshness and color.
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Leftover bread pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container.
Reheating: To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. You can also reheat the entire bread pudding in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
FAQ about Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding – Made with French bread and a spiced custard.
Q: Can I make this bread pudding ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the bread pudding up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Q: Can I use a different type of bread?
A: Absolutely! Challah, brioche, and croissants are all great alternatives to French bread. For a truly decadent experience, try a Croissant Bread Pudding!
Q: Can I freeze bread pudding?
A: Yes, you can freeze baked bread pudding. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: My bread pudding is soggy. What did I do wrong?
A: Soggy bread pudding can be caused by using bread that is too fresh or not toasting the bread properly. Make sure to use slightly stale bread and toast it before soaking it in the custard. Also, don’t over-soak the bread.
Q: Can I make this in a Crockpot?
A: Yes! While baking in the oven provides a beautifully crisp top, you can certainly adapt it for a Crockpot Bread Pudding. Search online for a Crockpot Bread Pudding recipe, as cooking times and liquid amounts will vary.
Final Thoughts on Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding – Made with French bread and a spiced custard..
This Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding – Made with French bread and a spiced custard is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s sure to bring back fond memories. It’s a simple, comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. We hope you love this recipe as much as we do! If you try it, please leave a comment below and let us know how it turns out. And don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later!
Happy baking!
Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding
Equipment
- oven
- 9×13-inch baking dish,
- Baking sheet
- Large bowl
- – Whisk
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 loaf (1 pound) French bread cut into 1-inch cubes (slightly stale bread works best!)
Custard
- 4 cups milk whole milk recommended for richness, but 2% or almond milk will work
- 1 cup heavy cream optional, but adds extra creaminess
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional toppings
- raisins, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, caramel sauce, Bourbon sauce (perfect for a Bread Pudding With Bourbon Sauce!)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until lightly toasted. This helps prevent the bread pudding from becoming soggy.
- Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream (if using), eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until well combined.
- Soak the Bread: Place the toasted bread cubes in a large bowl or the baking dish you will use. Pour the custard mixture over the bread, making sure all the bread is evenly moistened. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the custard. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour.
- Bake the Bread Pudding: Pour the bread and custard mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. If desired, sprinkle with raisins, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts.
- Bake until Golden: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the bread pudding is set and golden brown on top. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with caramel sauce or bourbon sauce, if desired.
