Best Bread Pudding
A comforting bread pudding featuring tender bread squares, plump raisins, and a warm cinnamon vanilla flavor. Perfect for brunch or dessert, this dish offers a cozy, homey taste with a custardy texture that appeals to all ages and is easily customizable with your favorite add-ins.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease a 1 1/2-quart loaf pan or baking dish.
- Butter and toast the bread slices.
- Cut the toasted bread into squares and layer them in the baking dish. Sprinkle raisins over the bread.
- Mix eggs, sugar, salt (if using), boiling water, evaporated milk, and vanilla; pour over the bread and let stand for 10 minutes.
- Mix 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and 4 teaspoons of sugar; sprinkle over the top of the bread pudding.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brioche or challah instead of regular bread. You can substitute the raisins with chocolate chips or nuts for a different twist. If you prefer a creamier texture, add an extra egg or a splash of cream to the mixture. Be sure to let the bread soak long enough to absorb the liquid.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the bread pudding warm, drizzled with a homemade caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. It pairs beautifully with Chocolate Bavarian for a delightful dessert spread. You can also top it with whipped cream and fresh berries for a lighter option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals until warm. Alternatively, you can bake it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Best Bread Pudding contains roughly 443 calories, with 6g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make bread pudding ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bread pudding mixture and assemble it a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
Can I use different types of bread?
Absolutely! While white bread is traditional, you can use any bread you have on hand, such as whole wheat, sourdough, or even gluten-free bread. Just ensure it’s stale or lightly toasted to help it absorb the custard mixture better.
What can I do if I don't have evaporated milk?
If you don’t have evaporated milk, you can substitute it with a mixture of regular milk and cream (use half milk and half cream) or use a non-dairy milk alternative if you want a lighter version. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).