Grandmas Classic Bread Pudding Comfort in Every Bite
Grandma's Classic Bread Pudding: Comfort in Every Bite
Fancy a bit of comfort food ? Ever wondered how do you cook bread into something truly special? This bread pudding recipe is the answer.
Get ready for a dessert that’s like a warm hug from your nan.
This recipe turns stale bread into something amazing. It's a classic bread pudding , plain and simple. Think custardy goodness with a hint of spice.
The inside is soft, and the top is slightly crisp. It’s a truly delightful creamy bread pudding recipe .
Bread Pudding 101: A Simple Start
Recipes for bread pudding have been around for ages. It's a way to use up old bread. This one’s dead easy and doesn't require lots of fuss.
It’s proper simple. Prep takes about 20 minutes, plus some soaking time. Baking is 45- 55 minutes. You will get eight lovely servings.
Why You'll Love This Bread Pudding
Honestly, the best thing about this recipe is the taste. But it's also super comforting and satisfying. It's the perfect thing to serve after a Sunday roast or for afternoon tea.
What makes it special? It's just proper comfort food dessert recipes . Plus, it's a great way to use up stale bread recipes dessert .
The Bits You'll Need:
Right then, here's what you'll need for this easy bread pudding recipe from scratch .
Ingredients & Equipment for Grandma's Classic Bread Pudding
Right then, let's get down to brass tacks. Got your apron on? This bread pudding is so easy, even I can't mess it up too badly!
Main Ingredients What You'll Need
Here's your list for the best bread for bread pudding:
- 8 cups (200g) stale bread, cubed. Think French bread, challah, or brioche. Honestly, anything will do as long as it's gone a bit hard.
- 4 large eggs. Go for free range if you can, makes all the difference.
- 3 cups (710ml) whole milk. Full fat is the way to go.
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar. Standard stuff, nothing fancy.
- 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream. This is what makes it creamy bread pudding recipe .
- 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted, plus extra for greasing the dish.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Splurge on good quality.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
- Pinch of salt.
- 1/2 cup (75g) raisins or dried cranberries (optional). My grandma always added these.
Quality Indicators: For the vanilla, go for the real deal, not that artificial stuff. It's worth it. Stale bread is key: The drier, the better. It'll soak up all that custard goodness.
Seasoning Notes Spice Up Your Life
Cinnamon and nutmeg are the classic combo. A dash of allspice works too! For a bit of oomph, try a tiny bit of orange zest.
And if you're feeling wild, a splash of bourbon in the custard adds a grown-up kick. Seriously, how do you cook bread and make it taste this good? It’s like magic!
Substitution Option: If you don't have nutmeg, a bit more cinnamon will do the trick.
Equipment Needed Keep It Simple
You don't need fancy kit for this one. The basics are:
- 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish .
- Large mixing bowl.
- Whisk.
- Small saucepan (for the sauce, if making).
- Measuring cups and spoons.
Household Alternatives: Don't have a whisk? A fork will do! No baking dish? Use any oven safe dish. Honestly, how do you make bread pudding even easier? Use what you've got!
Grandma's Classic Bread Pudding: Comfort in Every Bite
Fancy a dessert that's like a warm hug? This bread pudding recipe is it. It's a brilliant way to use up that stale bread, and honestly, how do you cook bread in a way that it turns into such a treat? I call it nan-style because it's the kind of easy bread pudding recipe from scratch that every grandma seems to know.
Prep Like a Pro
- Essential Mise en Place: First, cube 8 cups (200g) of stale bread . French bread, challah, or brioche are best.
- Time Saving Organization Tips: Get all your ingredients measured out before you start. It's like having your ducks in a row.
- Safety Reminders: No raw eggs, obviously! Make sure everything is cooked through.
step-by-step: From Stale to Stellar
- Cube the bread and pop it into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Whisk 4 large eggs, 3 cups (710ml) whole milk, 1 cup (200g) sugar, 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream, 2 tablespoons (30g) melted butter, 2 teaspoons vanilla, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and a pinch of salt in a big bowl. This is how do you make bread pudding.
- Pour the custard over the bread. Gently press down. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes. Honestly, the longer, the better.
- Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) .
- Bake for 45- 55 minutes . Look for a golden brown top. A knife in the center should come out mostly clean.
- Let it cool a bit before serving. Patience, young Padawan!
Pro Tips for Best Bread For Bread Pudding
- Stale bread is your best mate. It soaks up the custard better. Prevent soggy bread pudding with this trick: leave cubed bread out overnight.
- Don't overbake! Dry bread pudding is a crime. Keep an eye on it.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle brown sugar and chopped nuts on top before baking.
And there you have it. A simple bread pudding that's pure comfort. I personally love to add a creamy custard sauce.
Seriously, try it, and you will have your own creamy bread pudding recipe . It's one of those perfect comfort food dessert recipes that makes everyone smile.
Enjoy!
Recipe Notes for Grandma's Classic Bread Pudding
Right, so you're about to give this creamy bread pudding recipe a go? Ace! Before you dive in, here are a few little nuggets of wisdom to make sure it turns out spot on.
Honestly, this recipe is pretty foolproof, but a little extra info never hurt anyone, right?
Nailing the Presentation & Perfect Pairings
Serving Suggestions:
Think of this as a blank canvas. A light dusting of icing sugar makes it look pretty. Wanna get fancy? Go for a scoop of vanilla ice cream the warm and cold contrast is amazing.
Or, you know, a generous dollop of whipped cream never goes amiss. Some fresh berries scattered on top also make it look extra special.
This is one of those comfort food dessert recipes that goes with everything.
Complementary sides or beverages : Tea goes great with a good dessert.
Storing Secrets
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration guidelines : Got leftovers? Lucky you. Just pop the bread pudding in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It'll keep for up to 3 days.
Freezing options : How do you prevent soggy bread pudding after freezing? I reckon it is best eaten fresh. The texture changes a bit after freezing.
If you must, wrap it well in cling film and then foil. Freeze for up to a month.
Reheating instructions : To reheat, bake at 300° F ( 150° C) until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts. Watch it though! You don't want it to dry out.
Tweaks & Twists
Variations:
Dietary Adaptations : Fancy making it a bit healthier? Use almond milk instead of whole milk. You can also swap the sugar for a natural sweetener like maple syrup.
Also, for a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free bread!
Seasonal Swaps: In autumn, add some chopped apples and a sprinkle of extra cinnamon. In summer, use fresh peaches or nectarines. Get creative!
Nutritional Nitty Gritty
Nutrition Basics:
Simplified nutrition information : Ok, so this isn't exactly health food. A slice will set you back around 350-400 calories.
But hey, it's good for the soul, right? It also provides a bit of protein and some carbs for energy.
Key health benefits : Apart from pure happiness? Hmm, the milk gives you calcium, and the eggs have protein. Let's be honest, we're not making this for the health benefits, are we?
So there you have it! All the extra bits and bobs you need to know. Now you know how do you cook bread into a proper pudding.
Go on, give it a bash! You got this. This simple bread pudding will be awesome! Enjoy the best bread for bread pudding , which will allow you to create a delicious and wonderful dessert.
Just make sure you use stale bread recipes dessert !
Frequently Asked Questions
My bread pudding turned out soggy! What went wrong?
Ah, the dreaded soggy bottom! This usually happens if your bread wasn't stale enough, or if you didn't let it soak in the custard for long enough. Think of it like a sponge the drier it is, the more it'll soak up.
Next time, leave your bread out overnight to dry, and make sure it's fully submerged in the custard for at least 30 minutes, or even better, an hour.
How do you cook bread pudding in advance, and how do I store it?
Bread pudding is a brilliant make-ahead dessert, perfect if you're having the in-laws over! You can assemble it completely (up to the baking stage), cover it tightly with cling film, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.
When you're ready to bake, just pop it in the oven as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's straight from the fridge. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, covered, and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
Can I adapt this bread pudding recipe for dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! Bread pudding is surprisingly adaptable. For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free bread. You can substitute almond or soy milk for dairy milk if needed. For a lower sugar option, try using half the amount of sugar or try maple syrup.
Experiment and find what works best for you just like tweaking your cuppa to perfection.
What are some fun variations I can try with my bread pudding recipe?
Get creative! Stir in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a splash of your favourite tipple. For an autumnal twist, add chopped apples and cinnamon. You could even make a savoury version with cheese, herbs, and ham.
The possibilities are endless think of it as your chance to be the next Mary Berry!
I'm not sure what type of bread to use. What are my best bets for learning how do you cook bread pudding?
The beauty of bread pudding is that it's a fantastic way to use up stale bread! But some types work better than others. Rich, eggy breads like challah or brioche are ideal, as they soak up the custard beautifully. French bread or even a good old sliced white loaf will work too.
Just avoid anything too dense or seedy, as it might not absorb the custard as well.
Is bread pudding healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
Let's be honest, bread pudding is a treat, not a health food! It's relatively high in calories, sugar, and carbohydrates. That being said, you can make some adjustments to make it a little bit healthier. Reduce the amount of sugar, use whole milk instead of cream, add fruit, and don't go too heavy on the sauce.
Everything in moderation, as they say even bread pudding!
Grandmas Classic Bread Pudding Comfort In Every
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 375 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 17.5g |
| Fiber | 1g |
