Country Bread Pudding With Custard Sauce
A comforting and flavorful bread pudding featuring tender bread soaked in rich custard, accented with sweet raisins and vanilla. Perfect for dessert or brunch, this dish combines soft, moist bread with a luscious custard sauce, appealing to those who enjoy classic homemade desserts with warm, inviting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 325°F.
- Pour melted butter into an approximately 8-cup baking pan and refrigerate.
- Place sliced bread into a large bowl and pour the milk over them, tossing to let the bread absorb most of the milk.
- Tear sliced bread into pieces.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract together.
- Add the beaten eggs mixture to the bread and milk, stirring well.
- Stir in raisins.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until set and golden.
- Serve warm with custard sauce if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brioche or challah instead of French or Italian bread. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the sugar by half. To enhance the taste, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. Soaking the bread long enough ensures it absorbs the custard mixture fully, preventing a dry pudding. You can also add nuts or dried fruits for extra texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the bread pudding warm with a drizzle of custard sauce on top for a delightful finish. It pairs beautifully with Easy Cherry Chocolate Cake for dessert lovers. Consider serving alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream for added indulgence. This dish also complements a light salad for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through. This helps maintain the pudding's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country Bread Pudding With Custard Sauce contains roughly 1136 calories, with 13g protein, 167g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (42% of the Daily Value), iron (36% of the Daily Value), and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 560mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
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 this bread pudding ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture the day before and refrigerate it overnight. Just ensure the bread is well-soaked, then bake when ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
What can I substitute for raisins?
If you're not a fan of raisins, you can substitute them with dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or even chocolate chips for a different flavor profile. Each option will give the pudding a unique twist.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this bread pudding recipe is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat products. However, ensure that all ingredients, particularly the bread, do not contain any animal-derived additives.
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).