Classic Bread Pudding with Vanilla Custard
Craving the best bread pudding recipe? This classic vanilla custard bread pudding is easy, comforting, and uses simple ingredients. A proper hug in a bowl! Get the recipe.
- Recipe Introduction
- What You Need to Make the Best Ever Bread Pudding
- Let's Talk About This Breaded Pudding Recipe
- Step-by-Step to the Best Bread Pudding Recipe
- Tips and Tricks for the Classic Bread Pudding
- Ingredients & Equipment: Sorted!
- Let's Talk Bread Pudding, Darling!
- Recipe Notes: Bread Pudding Bliss
- Frequently Asked Questions
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a bit of comfort food? This bread pudding recipe is like a warm hug on a chilly day. It's sweet, creamy, and ever so slightly spiced. Honestly, you'll be hooked!
Brief Overview
Classic bread pudding is thought to have originated as a way to use up stale bread. it's a humble dish with a rich history.
This version is easy, taking about 1 hour 35 minutes from start to finish. it makes 8 servings. perfect for sunday supper or a cheeky midweek treat.
Main Benefits
This creamy bread pudding recipe is pure comfort. plus, it's a great way to use up leftover bread! serve it warm with ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
It's especially amazing around thanksgiving. who doesn't love thanksgiving bread pudding recipes ?
What You Need to Make the Best Ever Bread Pudding
Alright, gather 'round. You'll need stale bread, eggs, milk, and a few other bits. Think vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Proper comfort in a bowl!
- 6 cups stale bread, cubed.
- 4 large eggs.
- 3 cups whole milk.
- 1 cup heavy cream.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar.
- 1/4 cup melted butter.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
- Pinch of salt.
Let's Talk About This Breaded Pudding Recipe
Honestly, i remember my gran used to make this. her secret? a splash of bourbon. try adding 1/4 cup bourbon and 1/2 cup chopped pecans to the custard for some bourbon bread pudding .
It gives it a real kick. it's a kind of new orleans bread pudding recipe twist!
Step-by-Step to the Best Bread Pudding Recipe
First, cube your bread and chuck it in a baking dish. then, whisk together the custard ingredients in a bowl.
After that, pour the custard over the bread and let it soak for at least 30 minutes. next, pop it in a preheated oven at 350° f ( 175° c) for about 45- 55 minutes.
Remember you may also want to try to add a topping of sugar and cinnamon. this will give it a really decadent finish.
Tips and Tricks for the Classic Bread Pudding
Don't skip the soaking! it's crucial. and use proper stale bread. baking it at a lower temperature ensures it stays tender.
It's like a spa day for your pudding. also, you might want to make an apple bourbon bread pudding version!.
This version tastes great and will knock your socks off.
Enjoy, and don't forget to share!
Alright then, let's get cracking on a bread pudding recipe that'll have you saying "oh, i say!" in no time.
Honestly, this classic bread pudding is the perfect comfort food. it's like a warm hug on a cold day, you know?
Ingredients & Equipment: Sorted!
Let's talk ingredients. This ain't rocket science, I promise! We'll keep it simple and straightforward.
Main Ingredients
- Stale bread: 6 cups cubed (340g). French bread, challah, or brioche are brilliant .
- Eggs: 4 large (200g). Free-range if you can, adds to the flavour!
- Whole milk: 3 cups (710ml). Makes it super creamy.
- Heavy cream: 1 cup (240ml). For that extra bit of luxury like a Bread Pudding With Heavy Cream .
- Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup (150g). Adjust to your sweetness preference.
- Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup (57g), melted. Adds richness.
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp (5ml). Proper vanilla, not the fake stuff!
- Ground cinnamon: 1/2 tsp (2g). Essential , adds warmth.
- Ground nutmeg: 1/4 tsp (1g). Just a pinch.
- Salt: Pinch (1g). Balances the sweetness.
Quality Check: For the bread, make sure it's actually stale. Hard and dry, you know the drill! Trust me, it makes all the difference in this creamy bread pudding recipe .
Seasoning Notes
Cinnamon and nutmeg are the stars, but you can add a touch of ground cloves for a Thanksgiving bread pudding recipes vibe. A little bit of cardamom wouldn't hurt either!
Quick Swap: No nutmeg? Use allspice! Vanilla extract ran out? A splash of vanilla essence (though not as good) will do.
You can even go the bourbon bread pudding route. honestly, a splash of bourbon makes it oh so fancy, giving it a new orleans bread pudding recipe bourbon feel.
It's like bourbon street bread pudding right in your kitchen. consider an apple bourbon bread pudding variation, too!
Equipment Needed
- 9x13 inch baking dish (23x33 cm).
- Large mixing bowl. For the custard, of course!
- Whisk. Gets everything nice and smooth.
- Measuring cups and spoons. Pretty self-explanatory.
Honestly? You could use a fork instead of a whisk. The custard is very forgiving.
This Baked Bread Pudding Recipe is so adaptable. Whether it's a Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding Recipe or a simple French Bread Dessert , these ingredients and tools are all you need!
So there you have it. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy, right? Now, on to the method! Get ready to make the best bread pudding you've ever tasted!
Let's Talk Bread Pudding, Darling!
Honestly, who doesn't love a good bread pudding recipe ? it's like a warm hug from your nan, isn't it? this classic bread pudding with vanilla custard is proper comfort food.
It's so easy even i can't mess it up, and that's saying something. i swear, some days i can't boil an egg without setting off the smoke alarm.
Talking about cooking hazards... always use oven gloves, yeah? you don’t want to grab the baking dish at 350° f ( 175° c) by accident, trust me!
Prep Like a Pro – Mise en Place, Sorted!
First things first, get organised. it's all about the mise en place . basically, have all your ingredients measured out and ready to go.
Cube your bread. i like using a mix of french bread and challah. sort of the french bread dessert meets jewish classic.
Melt that butter! stale bread is key here. don't even think about using fresh bread. it will turn to mush! essential reminder.
Get yourself sorted. don’t skip the soaking - important for fully saturated bread.
Baking Step-by-Step: Easy Peasy
Here's the lowdown on making this Best Ever Bread Pudding :
- Cube about 6 cups of stale bread and pop it in your baking dish.
- Whisk together the 4 large eggs , 3 cups whole milk , 1 cup heavy cream , 3/4 cup granulated sugar , melted butter , 1 teaspoon vanilla extract , 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon , 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg and a pinch of salt. This Creamy Bread Pudding Recipe is so rich and decadent, you know?
- Pour that glorious custard over the bread. Press it down gently. Leave it to soak for at least 30 minutes. Overnight is even better.
- Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) .
- Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon mix.
- Bake for 45- 55 minutes , until golden brown and the custard is set.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
Pro Tips for Bread Pudding Perfection
- Don't overbake it. You want it moist and creamy. It needs to be a Breaded Pudding .
- Use good quality vanilla. Seriously . Splurge on the real stuff.
- Fancy it up? A splash of Bourbon is a proper grown-up addition. Think Bourbon Bread Pudding or even an Apple Bourbon Bread Pudding . This would be great to be included in Thanksgiving Bread Pudding Recipes .
Classic bread pudding , especially a new orleans bread pudding recipe , is a brilliant way to use up old bread.
It’s a proper thrifty treat. you can even add chocolate chips or dried fruit for extra yum. serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Honestly, this baked bread pudding recipe will become your go-to dessert. enjoy!
Alright, let's dive into the good stuff, shall we? after you've baked your best ever bread pudding , here are some handy dandy notes to keep in mind.
They'll help you serve, store, and even tweak this classic bread pudding recipe to your heart's content!
Recipe Notes: Bread Pudding Bliss
Serving Ideas That'll Wow
Okay, so your bread pudding with heavy cream is out of the oven. now what? forget just slopping it on a plate.
We need presentation, darling! for plating, think individual ramekins for a touch of class. a dusting of powdered sugar? always a winner!
And what goes with the best bread pudding ? a scoop of vanilla ice cream, of course! or maybe a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
Feeling fancy? drizzle some caramel sauce. as for drinks? a cup of hot coffee or tea is a must . honestly, you can't go wrong.
Storing Your Sweet Treat
So, you’ve made a huge batch of creamy bread pudding recipe and have leftovers? no worries! let it cool completely before popping it into an airtight container.
Into the fridge it goes for up to 3 days. freezing? yep, you can! just wrap individual portions tightly in cling film, then foil.
They'll keep for about a month.
Reheating is a doddle. Microwave for a minute or two, or bake in a low oven until warmed through. Remember, always check that it's piping hot all the way through! Safety first, yeah?
Twists on a Classic
Fancy a change? i get it! let's talk variations. for a dietary adaptation, try using almond milk instead of dairy milk.
It will change the flavor a bit, but hey, options are good.
Seasonal swaps? in autumn, add some chopped apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon. makes a great thanksgiving bread pudding recipes addition, you know? or, you could try an apple bourbon bread pudding for a sophisticated kick.
Ooh-la-la! and if you want that new orleans bread pudding, i would use french bread, heavy cream, bourbon and the best vanilla for the recipe.
Nutrition Basics
Okay, a bit of a boring bit. let's be honest. a slice of french bread dessert is a treat. not a health food, okay? but it’s comforting and can be part of a balanced diet.
Each serving is roughly 350-400 calories. mainly carbs and fats. but it's good for the soul. that's a health benefit, right?
So, there you have it. everything you need to make, serve, and store your classic bread pudding . don't be afraid to get creative and make it your own.
Happy baking, love! you've got this! and remember, even if it's not perfect, it's still bread pudding recipe !
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh bread for this bread pudding recipe, or does it really need to be stale?
Stale bread is absolutely key, my friend! Fresh bread will just turn to mush when it soaks up the custard. Using stale bread ensures it absorbs the custard beautifully without falling apart, giving you that perfect bread pudding texture we all crave. Think of it as a delicious way to use up those leftover slices – a proper win-win!
How long can I store leftover bread pudding, and what's the best way to reheat it?
Leftover bread pudding will keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days, stored in an airtight container. To reheat, you can gently warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short bursts, being careful not to overheat it. A little dollop of custard while serving it wouldn't go amiss to make it moist.
What are some fun variations I can try with this bread pudding recipe?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! For a touch of indulgence, try adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts. If you're feeling fruity, incorporate some berries or diced apples. And for a boozy kick, a splash of bourbon or rum can elevate your bread pudding to a whole new level, maybe adding pecans for that Southern touch!
My bread pudding turned out soggy. What did I do wrong, and how can I prevent this next time?
A soggy bread pudding usually means the bread wasn't stale enough or it was soaked for too long. Make sure your bread is properly dried out before soaking, and don't oversoak it – 30 minutes to an hour is usually sufficient. Also, be sure your oven temperature is correct and that you bake it until the custard is set but still slightly moist, like a well-baked clafoutis.
Is there a healthier way to make this bread pudding recipe without sacrificing too much flavor?
Absolutely! You can swap whole milk for a lower-fat option like almond milk, although it changes the taste somewhat. Consider using a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol in moderation. You could also increase the amount of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to boost the flavor without adding extra sugar. These tweaks can significantly lighten the load without losing the essential comfort of bread pudding!
Can I freeze bread pudding, and how would I go about doing it properly?
Yes, you can freeze bread pudding! Let it cool completely, then cut it into individual portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will last for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm in the oven as described above. It's brilliant for prepping ahead, like a culinary episode of Blue Peter!
Classic Bread Pudding with Vanilla Custard Recipe Card
