Raisin Date Bread Pudding
A comforting bread pudding with sweet raisins and dates, infused with cinnamon and vanilla, perfect for cozy gatherings or a satisfying dessert option.
Ingredients
- 4 c. milk ⓘ
- 5 c. day old bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 c. sugar ⓘ
- 8 eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 c. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped dates
- 1/4 c. raisins ⓘ
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon ⓘ
- dash of salt ⓘ
- dash of ground nutmeg ⓘ
- additional sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg (optional) ⓘ
- whipped cream or ice cream (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, pour milk over bread crumbs.
- Add sugar, beaten eggs, melted butter, chopped dates, raisins, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, salt, and ground nutmeg; stir to mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- If desired, sprinkle the top with additional sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Bake at 350°F for 55 minutes or until golden brown and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using whole milk or adding a splash of cream. If you don't have day-old bread, you can dry fresh bread in the oven at a low temperature. Substitute the raisins with dried cranberries or the dates with chopped figs for a different twist. Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste, and add nuts for extra crunch!
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm, drizzled with a little extra cream or topped with ice cream for a delightful dessert. This bread pudding pairs beautifully with Eliza'S Corn Pudding for a comforting meal. Consider adding a side of fresh fruit or a light salad to balance out the richness. It’s perfect for brunch or as a sweet treat at family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Adding a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream while reheating enhances the taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Raisin Date Bread Pudding contains roughly 1973 calories, with 18g protein, 250g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (109% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (66% of the Daily Value), and calcium (50% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1024mg per serving (45% 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 a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just bake it the next day when you're ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes it convenient for entertaining.
What can I use instead of raisins?
If you prefer not to use raisins, dried cranberries or chopped cherries are excellent alternatives. You can also experiment with different dried fruits to suit your taste or even use a mix for added variety.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze bread pudding for up to three months. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F until warmed through.
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).