Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding: A Delicious and Comforting Dessert

Introduction

There’s something truly comforting about a warm and indulgent dessert that takes you back to simpler times. One such dessert that never fails to evoke feelings of nostalgia is old-fashioned bread pudding. This classic dessert is a perfect way to use up stale bread and transform it into a rich and creamy delight. In this article, I will share with you a delightful recipe for old-fashioned bread pudding that will surely become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need:

– 6 cups of stale bread, torn into small pieces

– 2 cups of whole milk

– 1 cup of heavy cream

– 1 cup of granulated sugar

– 4 large eggs

– 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract

– 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

– 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg

– 1/4 teaspoon of salt

Steps by Step Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get started with the step-by-step instructions:

Step 1: Prep the Bread

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the stale bread and tear it into small pieces. Place the bread pieces in a large mixing bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Heat the Milk and Cream

In a saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins to steam. Be careful not to let it boil. Once steaming, remove the saucepan from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Custard Mixture

In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Slowly pour the heated milk and cream mixture into the egg mixture, whisking continuously. This will create a luscious custard mixture.

Step 4: Combine the Bread and Custard

Pour the custard mixture over the torn bread pieces in the mixing bowl. Gently toss the bread to ensure all pieces are soaked in the custard. Allow the mixture to sit for 15-20 minutes, allowing the bread to fully absorb the custard.

Step 5: Bake the Pudding

Transfer the bread pudding mixture into a greased baking dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set. You can insert a toothpick in the center to check if it comes out clean.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the bread pudding is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve the warm bread pudding with a dusting of powdered sugar and a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy this delightful dessert with your loved ones!

Keto and Low Carb Variations

If you’re following a keto or low carb diet, you can still enjoy the deliciousness of bread pudding with a few modifications. Instead of using regular bread, opt for low carb bread or almond flour bread. Replace the granulated sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or stevia. Additionally, use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk instead of whole milk and heavy cream. These simple swaps will give you a guilt-free version of old-fashioned bread pudding.

Tips for the Perfect Bread Pudding

To ensure your bread pudding turns out perfectly every time, consider the following tips:

– Use stale bread: Stale bread works best as it absorbs the custard mixture more effectively.

– Add mix-ins: Enhance the flavor and texture of your bread pudding by adding raisins, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts.

– Let it rest: Allowing the bread to soak in the custard mixture for at least 15 minutes ensures a moist and flavorful pudding.

– Serve warm: Bread pudding is best enjoyed warm, so serve it shortly after it comes out of the oven for the ultimate indulgence.

Conclusion

Old-fashioned bread pudding is a classic dessert that never goes out of style. With its simple ingredients and comforting flavors, it’s no wonder this dessert has stood the test of time. Whether you enjoy it as a sweet treat after a family dinner or as a special indulgence on a cozy evening, bread pudding is sure to satisfy your cravings. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and treat yourself to a slice of warm and delicious old-fashioned bread pudding!