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Cozy Bread Pudding

Cozy Bread Pudding
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This cozy bread pudding recipe is a warm and comforting dish perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a hearty snack. Using simple pantry staples like stale bread, eggs, milk or cream, sugar, and warm spices, it transforms leftovers into a rich, flavorful custard-based treat. Customize it with fruits, nuts, or chocolate for endless variations, making it an irresistible comfort food for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Basic Ingredients

  • 4 cups stale bread, cubed (preferably brioche, challah, or French bread)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups milk or cream (or dairy-free alternatives such as almond, oat, or soy milk)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Optional Mix-ins

  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds, toasted if preferred)
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks
  • Additional fruits like diced apples, pears, or cranberries for fruity versions
  • Spices like cardamom and cloves for spiced chai variation

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bread: Cut your stale bread into cubes or tear into chunks. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and toast lightly in the oven if you desire extra crunch and a deeper flavor before soaking.
  2. Make the Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth and fully combined to create a rich custard base.
  3. Combine Bread and Custard: Butter a baking dish thoroughly. Place the bread cubes into the dish and pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread. Gently press the bread down to ensure all pieces soak up the custard well.
  4. Add Mix-ins: Sprinkle optional raisins, nuts, chocolate chips, or fruits evenly over the soaked bread or fold them gently into the mixture to distribute flavor throughout the pudding.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread pudding for about 45-50 minutes, until the custard is set but still soft inside, and the top is golden brown and slightly crisp. Test doneness by inserting a knife or skewer into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Notes

  • Use a dense bread like brioche or challah for best texture and custard absorption.
  • Allow the bread to soak in the custard for at least 20 minutes before baking to ensure perfect moisture.
  • Buttering the baking dish prevents sticking and adds richness to the edges.
  • Serve the bread pudding warm, either straight from the oven or gently reheated for the best flavor and texture.
  • For dairy-free versions, substitute milk and cream with plant-based alternatives and use dairy-free butter.
  • You can assemble the pudding the night before, cover, and refrigerate it, then bake when ready.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat leftovers gently in a microwave or oven to retain softness.

Nutrition

Keywords: bread pudding, cozy bread pudding, comfort food, dessert, breakfast, custard, stale bread recipe, easy bread pudding, homemade bread pudding, baked dessert

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