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Classic Bread Pudding

Yields8 ServingsPrep Time20 minsCook Time45 minsTotal Time1 hr 5 mins

The Classic Bread Pudding is a warm, comforting dessert made from stale bread soaked in a rich vanilla custard and baked until golden. It’s perfect for using up leftover bread and can be served with a luscious bourbon sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Classic Bread Pudding

For the Bread Pudding
 6 cups Day-Old Bread, cubed (French bread, brioche, or challah)
 3 cups Whole Milk
 1 cup Heavy Cream
 1 cup Granulated Sugar
 4 Large Eggs
 1 tbsp Vanilla Extract
 ½ tsp Ground Cinnamon
 ¼ tsp Ground Nutmeg
 ¼ cup Unsalted Butter, melted
 ½ cup Raisins (optional)
For the Bourbon Sauce
 ½ cup Unsalted Butter
 1 cup Powdered Sugar
 ¼ cup Bourbon (or vanilla extract for non-alcoholic version)
 1 tbsp Heavy Cream
Prepare the Bread Pudding
1

  1. Preheat the Oven:

    • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

    • Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter.

  2. Prepare the Bread:

    • Cut the day-old bread into 1-inch cubes.

    • Spread the bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish.

    • If using raisins, sprinkle them evenly over the bread.

  3. Make the Custard Mixture:

    • In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.

  4. Soak the Bread:

    • Pour the custard mixture over the bread, pressing down lightly to ensure all the bread is soaked.

    • Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard.

  5. Drizzle with Butter:

    • Pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the soaked bread.

Bake the Bread Pudding
2

  1. Bake the Pudding:

    • Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.

    • The center should be slightly firm but not dry.

  2. Cool Slightly:

    • Remove from the oven and let the bread pudding cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Prepare the Bourbon Sauce
3

  1. Melt the Butter:

    • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

  2. Add Sugar and Bourbon:

    • Stir in the powdered sugar and bourbon, whisking until smooth.

    • Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

  3. Finish with Cream:

    • Remove from heat and whisk in the heavy cream.

    • Keep warm until ready to serve.

Serve the Bread Pudding
4

  1. Slice and Plate:

    • Slice the warm bread pudding into squares and transfer to serving plates.

  2. Drizzle with Sauce:

    • Pour the bourbon sauce over each serving.

    • Optional: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Serving and Presentation
5

  • Serve the bread pudding warm with a generous drizzle of bourbon sauce.

  • Garnish with powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a sprig of mint for added elegance.

Tips and Variations
6

  • Chocolate Bread Pudding: Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips to the custard mixture for a decadent twist.

  • Fruit-Infused Bread Pudding: Fold in 1 cup diced apples or mixed berries for added texture and flavor.

  • Nutty Bread Pudding: Sprinkle 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts over the top before baking for added crunch.

  • Non-Alcoholic Sauce: Substitute vanilla extract for the bourbon for a kid-friendly version.

Nutrition Facts

8 servings

Serving size