Easy Bread Pudding Recipe: Comfort Food Simplified

Bread pudding. The very name evokes warmth, comfort, and the sweet aroma of a home-baked treat. This easy bread pudding recipe is perfect for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover bread, transforming stale slices into a delectable dessert. Whether you’re craving a simple weeknight treat or a show-stopping holiday dessert, this bread pudding recipe will become your new go-to. Let’s dive in and discover the magic of creating a truly delicious and easy bread pudding.

This simple bread pudding recipe easy takes a classic dessert and simplifies it without sacrificing any of the deliciousness. With just a few pantry staples and some day-old bread, you can create a warm, comforting dessert that’s perfect any time of year.

What Makes This Bread Pudding Recipe So Easy?

This easy bread pudding recipe is designed with simplicity in mind. There’s no need for complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s all about combining simple ingredients in a way that maximizes flavor and texture. You’re essentially creating a custard that soaks into the bread, resulting in a soft, melt-in-your-mouth dessert.

Essential Ingredients for Easy Bread Pudding

• Bread: Day-old bread is key. Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better than fresh bread, resulting in a perfect texture. Challah, brioche, and French bread are excellent choices, but any bread will do. Even sourdough bread adds a unique tang! For tips on making your own, check out this best challah bread recipe.
• Milk/Cream: Whole milk provides richness, but you can use any milk you have on hand. For an extra decadent bread pudding, try using half-and-half or heavy cream.
• Eggs: Eggs bind the custard together and add richness.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar provides sweetness. Adjust the amount to your preference.
• Flavorings: Vanilla extract is a classic choice, but feel free to get creative! Cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, or even a splash of bourbon or rum can elevate your bread pudding.

Easy Bread Pudding Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Bread Pudding

1. Prepare the Bread: Cube or tear the bread into bite-sized pieces. Spread them out on a baking sheet and let them dry out slightly at room temperature or toast them lightly in the oven for a crispier texture.
2. Whisk the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract (or other flavorings).
3. Soak the Bread: Add the bread cubes to the custard mixture and gently toss to ensure they’re evenly coated. Let the bread soak for at least 30 minutes, or even longer, for a softer pudding. Pressing the bread down occasionally helps it absorb the custard more effectively.

Soaking Bread for Pudding

4. Bake: Pour the bread and custard mixture into a greased baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown and set, typically around 45-60 minutes. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
5. Cool and Serve: Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving. It’s delicious warm, topped with a scoop of ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Tips for the Best Bread Pudding

• Don’t overbake! Overbaked bread pudding will be dry and tough. Start checking for doneness around the 45-minute mark.
• For a richer flavor, use challah or brioche bread. However, any bread will work in a pinch. This recipe for easy bread pudding is adaptable to various bread types.
• Get creative with your flavorings! Add raisins, cranberries, chocolate chips, or even chopped nuts to the custard mixture.
• Serving warm bread pudding with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic combination.

Why This Easy Bread Pudding Recipe Is a Winner

This easy recipe bread pudding is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something truly special. Its versatility allows you to customize it to your liking, whether you prefer a classic vanilla pudding or a more adventurous flavor combination. It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion.

Variations on the Easy Bread Pudding Theme

• Chocolate Bread Pudding: Add cocoa powder to the custard mixture and chocolate chips to the bread.
• Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding: Sauté diced apples with cinnamon and sugar, then add them to the bread and custard mixture.
• Savory Bread Pudding: Omit the sugar and vanilla extract, and add savory ingredients like cheese, herbs, and vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions about Easy Bread Pudding

Q: Can I use fresh bread for bread pudding?

A: While day-old bread is ideal, you can use fresh bread. Just toast it lightly to dry it out a bit before soaking it in the custard.

Q: How do I know when my bread pudding is done?

A: Insert a knife into the center of the pudding. If it comes out clean, it’s done.

Q: Can I make bread pudding ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can assemble the bread pudding and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it the next day, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time.

Bread Pudding with Ice Cream

This recipe for bread pudding easy is a testament to the fact that delicious desserts don’t have to be complicated. With its simple ingredients, easy instructions, and endless possibilities for customization, this easy bread pudding recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, and let the baking begin! What are your favorite bread pudding additions? Share your tips and tricks in the comments below!