Bread pudding is a comforting and simple dessert that is perfect for using up leftover bread. This easy-to-follow recipe takes just a few minutes of prep time, and you can have a warm, delicious pudding ready to enjoy in no time. The addition of a sweet white sauce makes it even more indulgent and creamy. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dessert or a way to use stale bread, this bread pudding will surely satisfy your cravings.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
- For the Bread Pudding:
- 4 cups of cubed bread (about 4-5 slices of white or whole wheat bread)
- 2 cups of milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- For the Sweet White Sauce:
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- Prepare the Bread Pudding:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Cube the bread into small pieces and place it into the greased baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes, making sure all pieces are soaked.
- Drizzle melted butter on top of the bread pudding mixture.
- Allow the bread to soak for 10-15 minutes, then press gently with a spoon to ensure the bread is fully saturated.
- Bake the Bread Pudding:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Sweet White Sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine the milk, sugar, and cornstarch.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour the sweet white sauce over the bread pudding before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the bread pudding warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Top with fresh berries or fruit for added sweetness and color.
- Drizzle extra sweet white sauce on top for an indulgent treat.
- Serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon or powdered sugar for extra flavor.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a comforting dessert.
Cooking Tips:
- Use day-old bread for the best texture and flavor. Stale bread soaks up the egg mixture more effectively.
- If you prefer a custard-like texture, use heavy cream instead of milk.
- Add nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips to the bread pudding for extra flavor and texture.
- Allow the bread pudding to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking to firm up before serving.
- For a spicier twist, add nutmeg or cardamom to the pudding mixture.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Bread pudding provides a good amount of calcium and protein from the milk and eggs.
- The bread offers a source of carbohydrates for energy.
- The addition of spices like cinnamon offers anti-inflammatory benefits.
Dietary Information:
- Suitable for: Vegetarian diets
- Contains dairy and eggs, so it’s not suitable for vegans or those with dairy allergies.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
Storage:
- Store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can also freeze bread pudding for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- It’s a quick and easy dessert that requires minimal ingredients and prep time.
- The sweet white sauce adds a creamy, indulgent touch to the pudding.
- Bread pudding is a versatile recipe – you can customize it with fruits, nuts, or chocolate.
- Perfect for using up leftover bread, making it a cost-effective option for any occasion.
Conclusion:
Bread pudding is a timeless dessert that brings comfort and warmth with every bite. With a simple preparation process and the bonus of a creamy sweet white sauce, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy it as a warm treat after dinner or share it with friends and family for a special occasion. It’s easy, affordable, and absolutely delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use any type of bread for bread pudding?
Yes, you can use any type of bread, but day-old or slightly stale bread works best as it soaks up the egg mixture better. - Can I make bread pudding ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pudding the day before, cover it, and refrigerate it. Bake it the next day when ready to serve. - How can I make the bread pudding richer?
You can substitute some of the milk with heavy cream or add more butter to the egg mixture for a richer texture. - Can I add raisins or nuts to the bread pudding?
Absolutely! You can add any mix-ins like raisins, nuts, chocolate chips, or even fresh berries. - Can I make a vegan version of this recipe?
Yes, substitute the milk with almond milk or oat milk, and use a flax egg or other egg substitute for a vegan-friendly version. - How do I know when the bread pudding is done baking?
The bread pudding is done when the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. - Can I make this recipe without the white sauce?
Yes, the bread pudding is delicious on its own without the sauce, but the white sauce adds a creamy, indulgent touch. - How do I reheat leftover bread pudding?
You can reheat bread pudding in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. - Can I freeze bread pudding?
Yes, bread pudding can be frozen for up to a month. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving. - Can I use other fruits instead of bananas in the pudding?
Yes, you can experiment with other fruits like apples, berries, or peaches for different flavor combinations.