Old Fashioned Bread Pudding: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Old Fashioned Bread Pudding: Just the name conjures up images of cozy kitchens, the comforting aroma of cinnamon, and a dessert that feels like a warm hug. Have you ever craved a dish that’s both incredibly simple and deeply satisfying? A dessert that transforms humble ingredients into something truly extraordinary? Then you’ve come to the right place!

Bread pudding, in its essence, is a testament to resourcefulness. Originating as a way to use up stale bread, this delightful dessert has evolved over centuries, finding its place in cuisines around the world. It’s a dish steeped in history, a culinary tradition passed down through generations. Think of it as the original “no-waste” recipe, a delicious solution to preventing food waste long before it became a trend.

What makes Old Fashioned Bread Pudding so universally loved? It’s the perfect marriage of textures – the soft, custardy interior contrasted with the slightly crisp top. The warm spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg, create an inviting aroma and a flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting. And let’s not forget the convenience! It’s relatively easy to prepare, making it an ideal dessert for busy weeknights or special occasions. Whether you’re looking for a classic comfort food or a way to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf (about 1 pound) day-old bread, such as French bread, challah, or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 6 large eggs
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Optional: 1/2 cup raisins or other dried fruit
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
• Optional Sauce: 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparing the Bread

Okay, let’s get started! The first thing we need to do is prep our bread. Using day-old bread is crucial because it soaks up the custard better without becoming completely mushy. If your bread isn’t quite day-old, you can dry it out a bit in a low oven (around 200°F or 93°C) for about 20-30 minutes. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!

1. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. I like to remove the crusts for a smoother texture, but you can leave them on if you prefer a more rustic bread pudding. It’s really up to you!
2. Place the bread cubes in a large bowl. Make sure the bowl is big enough to hold all the bread and the custard mixture later.

Making the Custard

Now for the heart of our bread pudding – the creamy, dreamy custard! This is where all the flavor comes from, so let’s make it count.

1. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, and sugar. Whisk until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
2. Add the melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Give it another good whisk to combine everything thoroughly. The melted butter adds richness and helps create a beautiful texture.
3. If using, add the raisins or other dried fruit and chopped nuts to the custard mixture. I love the little bursts of sweetness and texture they add, but feel free to leave them out if you’re not a fan.

Combining Bread and Custard

This is where the magic happens! We’re going to let the bread soak up all that delicious custard, transforming it into something truly special.

1. Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes in the large bowl. Make sure all the bread is evenly coated.
2. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it’s submerged in the custard. You want every piece of bread to be saturated.
3. Let the bread soak in the custard for at least 30 minutes, or even better, for an hour or two. This allows the bread to fully absorb the liquid and become nice and soft. You can even soak it overnight in the refrigerator for an even richer flavor and texture. If refrigerating, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap.

Baking the Bread Pudding

Time to bake our bread pudding to golden-brown perfection! The oven will fill your kitchen with the most amazing aroma, I promise.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your oven is properly preheated for even baking.
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the bread pudding from sticking to the dish.
3. Pour the bread pudding mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
4. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the bread pudding is golden brown and set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean, or with just a little bit of moistness. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
5. Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving. This allows it to set up a bit more and makes it easier to slice.

Making the Optional Sauce

While the bread pudding is baking, let’s whip up a simple yet decadent sauce to drizzle over the top. This is totally optional, but trust me, it takes the bread pudding to a whole new level of deliciousness!

1. In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream, sugar, and butter.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Be careful not to let it burn.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Serving and Enjoying

The moment we’ve all been waiting for! It’s time to serve and savor our homemade bread pudding. This is best served warm, but it’s also delicious at room temperature or even cold from the fridge (if you have any leftovers!).

1. Slice the bread pudding into squares.
2. Drizzle with the optional sauce, if desired. Don’t be shy!
3. Serve warm and enjoy! You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat.

Tips and Variations:

• Bread Choice: Experiment with different types of bread! Challah, brioche, croissants, and even stale donuts can all be used to make delicious bread pudding.
• Flavor Variations: Add different spices like cardamom, ginger, or allspice. You can also add citrus zest (lemon, orange) for a brighter flavor.
• Chocolate Bread Pudding: Add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the custard mixture for a chocolatey twist. You can also add chocolate chips or chunks.
• Caramel Bread Pudding: Drizzle caramel sauce over the bread pudding before baking for a caramelized topping.
• Boozy Bread Pudding: Add a splash of bourbon, rum, or brandy to the custard mixture for an extra kick.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the bread pudding ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Storage: Store leftover bread pudding in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Troubleshooting:

• Bread Pudding is Too Dry: Make sure you’re using enough custard mixture. You may need to add more milk or cream. Also, don’t overbake the bread pudding.
• Bread Pudding is Too Soggy: Make sure you’re using day-old bread. If your bread is too fresh, it will absorb too much liquid and become soggy. Also, don’t soak the bread for too long.
• Bread Pudding is Burning: Lower the oven temperature and cover the bread pudding with foil during the last part of baking.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! It’s a classic comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion. Happy baking!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! My take on a classic Old Fashioned Bread Pudding. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try, and here’s why: it’s comforting, it’s nostalgic, and it’s incredibly delicious. The warm, custardy base, studded with sweet raisins and infused with that hint of spice, is simply irresistible. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a good book and a steaming mug of coffee.

But beyond the taste, this recipe is also incredibly versatile. It’s a fantastic way to use up stale bread, minimizing food waste and turning something ordinary into something extraordinary. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! Don’t let the “old fashioned” label intimidate you; the steps are straightforward, and the results are well worth the effort. I promise, even if you’re a novice baker, you can absolutely nail this recipe.

Now, let’s talk serving suggestions. While this Old Fashioned Bread Pudding is divine on its own, a few additions can elevate it to the next level. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream is always a welcome accompaniment. For a richer experience, try drizzling it with caramel sauce or a homemade bourbon sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of toasted nuts, like pecans or walnuts, adds a delightful crunch.

And speaking of variations, the possibilities are endless! Feel free to experiment with different types of bread. Challah, brioche, or even croissants would work beautifully. You can also customize the flavor profile by adding different spices, such as nutmeg, cardamom, or even a pinch of ginger. For a fruity twist, consider incorporating other dried fruits, like cranberries or apricots. Or, if you’re a chocolate lover, add some chocolate chips or chunks to the batter. The key is to have fun and make it your own!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe. I truly believe it will become a new family favorite. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dessert, a special occasion, or even a potluck gathering. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of this incredible Old Fashioned Bread Pudding. I can’t wait to hear about your experience! Please, please, please come back and leave a comment below, letting me know how it turned out. Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? I’m eager to learn from your culinary adventures.

Don’t forget to snap a picture of your creation and share it on social media using [Your Hashtag Here]. I’d love to see your beautiful bread puddings! Happy baking, and enjoy!

I’m confident that once you taste this, you’ll agree that this Old Fashioned Bread Pudding is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. It’s a timeless classic for a reason!