Bread pudding is a delicious and versatile dessert that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a great way to use up leftover bread, and it can be customized to your liking with your favorite fruits, spices, and sauces.
History
The history of bread pudding can be traced back to ancient Rome. At the time, it was made with stale bread, milk, eggs, and honey. It became popular in England during the Middle Ages, and it was often served as a way to use up leftover bread.
Bread Pudding Recipe
Indulge your senses in the comforting embrace of this delectable bread pudding, a symphony of flavors and textures that transforms humble ingredients into a culinary delight. Let’s embark on a journey through each component, understanding their roles in crafting this exquisite dish.
1. Stale Bread Cubes:
The foundation of our bread pudding, and stale bread cubes play a crucial role in absorbing the luscious custard mixture. As they bake, these cubes transform into golden nuggets, contributing a delightful chewiness and texture to each spoonful.
2. Milk:
Immerse your creation in the velvety richness of milk. This dairy component infuses the bread pudding with a creamy tenderness, ensuring a moist and sumptuous texture that harmonizes seamlessly with the other ingredients.
3. Heavy Cream:
Elevate the decadence with the addition of heavy cream. Its luxurious and indulgent nature imparts a silkiness to the custard, creating a mouthwatering contrast to the sturdy bread cubes. This ingredient is the key to achieving a dessert that feels both comforting and luxurious.
4. Sugar:
A dash of sweetness to awaken the taste buds. Sugar not only adds a delightful sweetness to the pudding but also aids in caramelization during baking, resulting in a golden-brown crust that adds a satisfying crunch to every bite.
5. Cinnamon:
Introduce a warm and aromatic embrace to your dessert with the inclusion of cinnamon. This spice brings a cozy depth of flavor, infusing the bread pudding with a hint of autumnal warmth that complements the sweetness and adds a layer of complexity.
6. Nutmeg:
Elevate the flavor profile with the subtle, nutty warmth of nutmeg. This spice, with its earthy notes, adds a sophisticated touch to the pudding, creating a nuanced symphony that lingers on the palate and invites you to savor each moment.
7. Vanilla Extract:
Imbue your creation with the essence of pure vanilla. This aromatic extract imparts a sweet and fragrant undertone, enhancing the overall flavor profile and contributing a touch of sophistication to the humble bread pudding.
8. Egg (beaten):
Unleash the binding prowess of the beaten egg. Acting as the cohesive force, the egg ensures that all the ingredients meld seamlessly, resulting in a custard that cradles each bread cube, creating a harmonious union of flavors.
Follow these symphonic steps, and as your bread pudding emerges from the oven, set, and golden brown, you’ll find yourself transported to a realm of culinary bliss. Serve this masterpiece warm, crowned with your favorite sauce – be it velvety vanilla, rich caramel, or decadent chocolate – and relish the sweet poetry of flavors that dance on your palate.
Applications of Bread Pudding
Bread pudding is a versatile dessert that can be served in a variety of ways. It can be enjoyed as a snack, a dessert, or even a light meal.
Snack: Pudding can be served as a snack on its own, or with a side of fruit or yogurt.
Dessert: Pudding is a classic dessert that can be served with a scoop of ice cream, whipped cream, or your favorite sauce.
Light Meal: Pudding can be served as a light meal with a side of fruit or salad.
Bread Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 cups 900 grams cubed stale bread
- 1 cup 237 milliliters milk
- 1/2 cup 118 milliliters heavy cream
- 1/2 cup 100 grams granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup 50 grams packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon 1.25 milliliters ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon 1.25 milliliters ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon 1.25 milliliters salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon 5 milliliters vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the bread, milk, cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt. Toss to coat.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and vanilla extract. Add to the bread mixture and stir to combine.
- Pour the bread mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the pudding is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the pudding cool for 10 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy!
Tips:
For a richer flavor, use whole milk and heavy cream instead of skim milk and half-and-half.
Add your favorite fruits to the pudding mixture, such as raisins, cranberries, or blueberries.
For a spicy pudding, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or black pepper to the custard mixture.
Serve the pudding with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream for an extra special treat.
FAQ
What type of bread should I use for bread pudding?
You can use any type of bread for this recipe, but stale bread is ideal. Stale bread absorbs the custard mixture better than fresh bread, resulting in a richer and more flavorful pudding.
Can I make bread pudding ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this delicious pudding ahead of time. Simply assemble the pudding according to the recipe, but do not bake it. Cover the pudding tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and bake it for 25-30 minutes, or until it is set and golden brown.
How do I store leftover bread pudding?
Leftover bread pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the bread pudding in individual servings until heated through.
Conclusion
The beauty of bread pudding lies in its customizable nature. Tailor it precisely to your taste by incorporating your preferred fruits, spices, or sauces. Whether you lean towards the sweetness of berries, the warmth of cinnamon, or the indulgence of caramel sauce, bread pudding readily adapts to your creative touch, promising a dessert experience perfectly attuned to your palate.
Don’t hesitate to embark on the journey of crafting your very own bread pudding. Its simplicity combined with its rich flavors ensures a delightful surprise for your taste buds, making it a culinary endeavor you’ll thoroughly relish.
If you’re interested in exploring more pudding recipes, consider starting with our enticingly simple dark chocolate pudding. This decadent treat offers a luscious cocoa experience that is both comforting and irresistibly delicious, providing another delightful option for your dessert repertoire.
