Old Fashioned Bread Pudding
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There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of bread pudding on a chilly day. This classic recipe is comfort food at its finest. It’s so easy to make, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. The bread soaks up the rich custard mixture, creating a deliciously moist and tender texture. Plus, the sweet and spicy combination of cinnamon and cloves adds a warm, cozy flavor.Whether you serve it as a breakfast treat or a decadent dessert, this bread pudding is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Why You’ll Love Old Fashioned Bread Pudding
- Comfort Food Classic: This stuffing is the ultimate comfort food.
- Easy Peasy: It’s super easy to make and doesn’t require a lot of ingredients.
- Texture Perfection: The bread soaks up all the delicious custard for a moist and tender texture.
- Warm Spices: The warm spices like cinnamon and cloves make it extra cozy.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect for Thanksgiving or any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients Needed To Make Old Fashioned Bread Pudding
Make sure you scroll down to the recipe card to see the full list of ingredients needed for this recipe.
- Eggs
- Milk
- Cinnamon
- Ground cloves
- Vanilla extract
- Sugar
- Orange zest
- Butter
- Bread
- Raisins
Substitutions + Alternatives
Can I use regular bread?
Yes. I use gluten-free bread, but feel free to use whatever kind of bread you like.
Can I use regular dairy?
Feel free to make this recipe your own. I use dairy-free products, but feel welcome to choose your preferred dairy option without any recipe adjustments. Unless specified otherwise, you have the flexibility to use the dairy products of your choice for the recipe.
Get all the best baking tips!
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Note: While almond milk is an option, it is less preferred due to its liquid consistency. Consider opting for a milk alternative with a thicker texture.
Before You Get Started: A couple notes to help you get the best results
How To Make Old Fashioned Bread Pudding
- Dry out the bread: Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and let them dry out for a few hours.
- Whisk wet ingredients: In a big bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, spices, and melted butter.
- Combine: Add the dried bread to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake until golden brown and set.
- Cool and serve: Let it cool for a bit before digging in!
Variations & Substitutions
- Bread: Feel free to experiment with different types of bread. Challah, brioche, or even sourdough can be used for a unique twist.
- Milk: Whole milk is traditional, but you can use 2% or skim milk for a lighter version. For a richer flavor, try heavy cream or half-and-half.
- Sweeteners: Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less sugar. You can also use maple syrup or honey instead of sugar for a different flavor profile.
- Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for additional warmth and depth of flavor.
- Add-ins: Customize your bread pudding with dried fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips.
- Sauce: Serve with a drizzle of caramel or maple syrup for a decadent finish.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I use stale bread?
Absolutely! This recipe is a great way to use up stale bread. The drier the bread, the better the texture of the bread pudding.
Can I make this bread pudding ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this bread pudding ahead of time. It’s actually best if you make it a day in advance so the flavors can meld together. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
How long can I keep leftover bread pudding?
Leftover bread pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I freeze bread pudding?
Yes, you can freeze bread pudding for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before freezing.Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Old Fashioned Bread Pudding
Equipment
- Nonstick spray
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 2 ½ cups milk
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp ground cloves
- 3 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 orange zested
- 4 tbsp butter melted
- 5 cups egg-based bread like challah or sweet bread, cubed into 1” pieces
- ½ cup raisins for topping
Instructions
- Spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray. For a deeper bread pudding, you can use a 7×10 baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, ground cloves, vanilla extract, sugar, orange zest, and melted butter until well combined.
- Add the cubed egg-based bread to the prepared baking dish. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are soaked.
- Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the egg mixture fully.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread pudding for 40-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set in the middle.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for 1 hour before serving. This allows the pudding to set and makes it easier to slice.
- Top with raisins before serving. Enjoy
Nutrition
This bread pudding is the ultimate comfort food! It’s so easy to make, and the result is a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The bread soaks up all the delicious custard, and the warm spices add the perfect finishing touch.
