Bread Pudding For A Crowd(Abington Grange Supper)
Bread Pudding For A Crowd is a comforting, classic dessert that combines stale bread with creamy milk, eggs, and aromatic spices like nutmeg. This dish is perfect for gatherings, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures, especially with the added sweetness of raisins. Ideal for family reunions or large events.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the milk in a double boiler until bubbly around the edges.
- Melt the butter in the hot milk.
- Beat eggs lightly, then add sugar and vanilla.
- Place bread cubes in a baking pan (10 x 18 x 2 1/2-inches).
- Mix the hot milk with the egg mixture.
- Pour the mixture over the bread cubes.
- Sprinkle raisins on top and gently submerge them with a rubber spatula.
- Place a large broiler pan filled with water on the lower oven rack and set the pudding pan on a rack above it.
- Bake for about 1 hour or until a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. Stale bread is crucial for the right texture; if you don't have stale bread, toast fresh bread cubes until dry. You can also swap raisins for chocolate chips or nuts for a different twist. If you prefer a spiced flavor, try adding cinnamon along with the nutmeg. This recipe can be made ahead and served warm or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. This bread pudding pairs beautifully with Chocolate Cream Pie for dessert, making it a delightful end to any meal. Consider serving it alongside fresh fruit or a light salad to balance the sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or warm the entire dish in a 350°F oven until heated through. You may want to add a splash of milk before reheating to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bread Pudding For A Crowd(Abington Grange Supper) contains roughly 341 calories, with 4g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use different types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use any bread you have on hand, such as brioche, challah, or even whole wheat. Just make sure it's stale or toasted to achieve the best texture. Each type will impart a unique flavor to the pudding.
How do I know when the pudding is done baking?
The pudding is done when a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. You can also gently shake the pan; if the center jiggles slightly but is set, it’s ready. Baking times may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bread pudding the day before and refrigerate it before baking. Just allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven. This makes it a convenient option for gatherings or holiday meals.
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).