Why You’ll Love this Sweet Bread Pudding Recipe
Whether you’re seeking a comforting dessert or a delightful way to use up leftover bread, this Sweet Bread Pudding recipe is sure to win your heart.
I love how it transforms simple ingredients into a warm, indulgent treat that feels like a hug in a bowl. The rich, custardy texture combined with a hint of vanilla and nutmeg creates a harmonious flavor that just sings.
Plus, it’s incredibly versatile; you can serve it warm with a drizzle of cream or cold with a scoop of ice cream.
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked on this delightful dish!
Ingredients of Sweet Bread Pudding
When it comes to whipping up a delightful dessert, Sweet Bread Pudding is a classic that never lets you down. It’s like a cozy blanket for your taste buds, transforming stale bread into something truly magical.
Imagine those warm, custardy bites filled with sweetness, a sprinkle of nutmeg, and the satisfying chew of raisins. Seriously, what’s not to love? You might even find yourself wondering if you can justify making it for breakfast. Spoiler alert: you can!
Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this delicious dish:
- 1 loaf sliced bread, with crusts removed
- 400 g milk
- 1 tablespoon custard powder
- 8 ounces butter
- 4 beaten eggs
- 1 lb sugar
- Vanilla essence (a splash will do)
- 250 raisins
- Nutmeg (for that aromatic sprinkle on top)
Now, let’s chat about the ingredients for a moment. First off, the bread—using a loaf that’s a bit stale works wonders, as it soaks up the custard mixture beautifully.
Feel free to get creative with the type of bread you use; brioche or challah can add a lovely richness. And while raisins are a classic add-in, don’t be afraid to switch things up with other dried fruits, like cranberries or chopped apricots, if that’s more your style.
Just remember, this pudding is all about the love and warmth you bring to it—so pick ingredients that make your heart sing. Happy baking!
How to Make Sweet Bread Pudding
Let’s plunge into making this delightful Sweet Bread Pudding, shall we? First things first, grab that 1 loaf of sliced bread and cut off the crusts. Now, if you’ve got some stale bread lying around, this is its moment to shine. Tear or cut the bread into chunks and then toss it into a bowl to soak in 400 g of milk. Let it sit there for a bit—about 15 minutes should do the trick—so the bread can soak up all that milky goodness. You want it soft but not mushy, like a cozy hug for your taste buds.
While your bread is soaking, it’s time to gather the rest of the crew. In a large mixing bowl, beat together 4 eggs until they’re nice and fluffy, then add in 1 lb of sugar, 8 ounces of butter (melted), and a splash of vanilla essence. Oh, the scent of vanilla wafting through your kitchen is just heavenly, isn’t it?
Now, sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of custard powder and mix everything until it’s combined. Once your bread has soaked up the milk, gently squeeze out any excess liquid and fold it into the egg mixture. You’re aiming for a creamy, custardy blend with all those little bread nuggets nestled in.
Now comes the fun part: throw in 250 raisins (or whatever dried fruit you fancy) and give it a good stir. Then, pour everything into a well-greased baking tin, giving it a little shake to level things out. Here’s where you can get fancy—sprinkle a bit of nutmeg on top for that aromatic kick.
Pop it into a moderate oven and let it bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when you can stick a knife in and it comes out clean. The anticipation is killer, but trust me, the wait is worth it.
Once it’s out, let it cool for a few minutes, and then dig in, either warm or cold. It’s dessert magic, I promise.
Sweet Bread Pudding Substitutions & Variations
While traditional sweet bread pudding is delicious, I love experimenting with substitutions and variations to make it my own. For instance, I often swap out the raisins for chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a fruity twist.
Instead of custard powder, I’ve used vanilla pudding mix for added creaminess. I also enjoy incorporating spices like cinnamon or cardamom for extra warmth.
Sometimes, I’ll replace half the milk with cream for a richer texture. And if I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll add a splash of bourbon or rum to the mix.
These little changes keep my bread pudding exciting and uniquely mine!
What to Serve with Sweet Bread Pudding
Sweet bread pudding pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments that enhance its flavors and textures.
I love serving it with a drizzle of warm caramel sauce for that extra sweetness. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream also adds a delightful creaminess.
For a fruity twist, fresh berries or a berry compote work beautifully alongside the pudding. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more indulgent, a sprinkle of toasted nuts can add a satisfying crunch.
Each of these options elevates the dish, making it a truly memorable dessert experience.
Additional Tips & Notes
When serving sweet bread pudding, a few additional tips can really enhance your experience.
First, consider adding a drizzle of warm caramel or chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent touch. You can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the richness.
If you want to elevate the flavor, try sprinkling some cinnamon or even a hint of orange zest on top before baking.
Finally, let the pudding cool slightly before slicing; it holds its shape better and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Enjoy your delicious creation!