Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding: A Comforting Dessert for All Occasions

Introduction

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the kitchen. The mere thought of warm, gooey bread pudding evokes memories of cozy evenings spent by the fireplace, indulging in a comforting treat. In this article, I will share with you my favorite recipe for old-fashioned bread pudding.

Ingredients

To prepare this delightful dessert, you will need the following ingredients:

– 8 cups of stale bread, preferably brioche or challah

– 4 cups of whole milk

– 1 cup of heavy cream

– 1 cup of granulated sugar

– 4 large eggs

– 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

– 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

– 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg

– 1/2 cup of raisins (optional)

Steps by Step Instructions

Now that we have gathered our ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this delectable old-fashioned bread pudding:

Step 1: Preparing the Bread

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cut the stale bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Step 2: Preparing the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk, heavy cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk the mixture until all the ingredients are well incorporated and the sugar has dissolved.

Step 3: Pouring the Custard

Slowly pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, making sure to cover each piece evenly. Gently press down on the bread cubes with a spoon to ensure they are fully soaked in the custard. If desired, sprinkle the raisins over the top of the pudding.

Step 4: Baking

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set. You can test the doneness by inserting a knife into the center – if it comes out clean, the pudding is ready.

Step 5: Serving

Once the bread pudding is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve it warm, either on its own or with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.

Keto and Low Carb Variations

If you’re following a keto or low-carb diet, you can still enjoy the flavors of old-fashioned bread pudding with a few modifications. Instead of using regular bread, opt for low-carb bread alternatives such as almond flour bread or coconut flour bread. Replace the sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or stevia. Additionally, you can substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk and coconut cream. While the texture may differ slightly, the taste will still be satisfyingly delicious.

Tips for Perfect Bread Pudding

– To achieve the best results, it’s essential to use stale bread. Fresh bread will not absorb the custard properly, resulting in a mushy texture.

– Experiment with different types of bread, such as cinnamon swirl or chocolate chip, to add an extra layer of flavor to your bread pudding.

– Allow the bread pudding to cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. The pudding will also firm up slightly as it cools.

– Leftover bread pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven before enjoying.

Conclusion

Old-fashioned bread pudding is a classic dessert that never fails to bring comfort and warmth to the table. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and savor the heavenly combination of rich custard-soaked bread. Indulge in the simple pleasures of life with a slice of old-fashioned bread pudding.