Description
Homemade bread pudding delivers classic comfort with rich custard and spiced warmth from traditional French countryside kitchens. Drizzled vanilla sauce creates a luxurious finish that promises delightful moments of pure culinary pleasure.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 6 cups (about 12 slices) day-old bread, cubed (e.g., brioche, challah, or French bread)
- 3 large eggs
- 3 cups (750 ml) whole milk
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
Flavor Enhancers:
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Additional Ingredients:
- ½ cup (75 g) raisins (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Vanilla Sauce Ingredients:
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Prepare the baking vessel by lightly coating a 9×13-inch casserole with a thin layer of butter or cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
- Systematically distribute bread cubes across the greased dish, creating an even layer that will serve as the foundation for the pudding.
- Sprinkle raisins uniformly over the bread cubes, guaranteeing each slice will have a delightful burst of sweetness.
- Create a rich custard base by vigorously whisking milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a spacious mixing bowl until the mixture achieves a silky, homogeneous consistency.
- Carefully cascade the custard mixture over the bread, gently pressing down to facilitate maximum liquid absorption, allowing the bread to become thoroughly saturated.
- Drizzle melted butter across the surface, which will contribute to a golden, crisp top during baking.
- Allow the pudding to rest for 10 minutes, enabling the bread to fully soak up the flavorful custard.
- Position the casserole in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, watching for a rich golden-brown surface and a set center.
- Remove from the oven and permit the pudding to cool slightly, which will help it maintain structural integrity when serving.
Notes
- Toast bread cubes lightly before mixing to enhance their texture and prevent sogginess, creating a more crisp and delightful pudding.
- Experiment with different bread types like brioche or challah for richer, more luxurious flavor profiles that elevate the classic dessert.
- Substitute dairy milk with almond or coconut milk for a lactose-free version that maintains the creamy, indulgent character of the original recipe.
- Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the custard mixture for an adult twist that deepens the bread pudding’s complexity and warmth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 366
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 86 mg