Old Fashioned Bread Pudding Recipe: A Comforting Classic
Bread pudding, a dish steeped in history and comfort, offers a delightful way to use leftover bread. This recipe focuses on creating an old-fashioned bread pudding, emphasizing simple ingredients and a rich, creamy custard. Let's dive into the details, ensuring your bread pudding is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients for the Best Old Fashioned Bread Pudding
This recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings. Adjust as needed for your baking dish.
- 1 loaf (1 pound) day-old bread: Day-old bread is crucial for a good texture. Stale bread absorbs the custard better, preventing a soggy result. Remove the crusts if desired. Cube the bread into approximately 1-inch pieces.
- 1 cup whole milk: Whole milk provides richness and creaminess. You can substitute with 2% milk, but the richness might be slightly reduced.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This adds extra richness and helps create a decadent custard.
- 4 large eggs: Eggs bind the pudding and contribute to its structure.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Adjust to your sweetness preference.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor profile. Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon for a warm spice note.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: (Optional) Adds a comforting warmth.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
- ½ cup raisins (optional): Adds texture and sweetness. Other additions like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries can also be delicious.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Old Fashioned Bread Pudding
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Prepare the Bread: Cube the day-old bread into approximately 1-inch pieces. If using crusts, remove them before cubing. Spread the bread cubes evenly on a baking sheet to dry slightly. This prevents a soggy pudding. Let them sit for about 30 minutes.
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Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or a similar-sized oven-safe dish.
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Whisk the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon (if using), and salt until well combined and the sugar is dissolved.
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Combine Bread and Custard: Gently add the bread cubes to the custard mixture, stirring until all the bread is evenly coated. Let the mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the bread to absorb the custard. This step is crucial for preventing a dry pudding.
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Add Optional Ingredients: Stir in raisins or other desired additions.
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Bake: Pour the bread pudding mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the pudding is set and golden brown on top. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, not clean.
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Cool and Serve: Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving. It tastes best warm, but can be served at room temperature. Consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of indulgence.
Tips for the Ultimate Old Fashioned Bread Pudding
- Don't overbake: Overbaking will result in a dry pudding. Start checking for doneness around 45 minutes.
- Use good quality ingredients: The better your ingredients, the better your bread pudding will taste.
- Get creative with additions: Experiment with different fruits, nuts, spices, or chocolate chips to customize your bread pudding.
- Make it ahead: Bread pudding can be made ahead of time and reheated.
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