Deep South Bread Pudding
Deep South Bread Pudding offers a comforting dessert with rich custard flavors, infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and dotted with raisins. It features tender bread soaked in a creamy mixture, baked to golden perfection. Ideal for family gatherings or cozy desserts, it combines nostalgic Southern charm with warm spices.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine bread, scalded milk, and cream in a large mixing bowl.
- Beat the eggs in a separate bowl.
- Add sugar to the eggs and mix well.
- Stir the egg mixture into the bread and milk mixture.
- Add vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg; mix well.
- Stir in melted butter and raisins.
- Pour the mixture into a buttered 2-quart baking dish.
- Set the baking dish in a pan of warm water.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 1 hour until golden and set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brioche or challah instead of regular bread. If you're out of eggs, you can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce. Additionally, feel free to add other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped nuts for extra texture. Ensure the bread is stale to absorb the milk mixture better.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm, drizzled with a rich vanilla sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. This bread pudding pairs beautifully with Citrus Salad for a refreshing contrast. You can also sprinkle some powdered sugar on top before serving for a touch of sweetness.
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 the microwave for about 30 seconds or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can bake it in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Deep South Bread Pudding contains roughly 706 calories, with 8g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 11g 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 fresh bread instead of day-old bread?
While day-old bread is preferred for its ability to soak up the liquid, you can use fresh bread. To mimic the texture, slightly toast the fresh bread before breaking it into pieces, which will help it absorb the mixture without becoming mushy.
How do I know when the bread pudding is done baking?
The bread pudding is done when the top is golden brown and the center is set. You can test for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean. If it's still wet, give it an additional 5-10 minutes in the oven.
Can I make this bread pudding ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Just pour it into the baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and bake the next day. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making the pudding even more delicious.
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).