Sharon'S Favorite Bread Pudding
Sharon's Favorite Bread Pudding is a comforting dessert featuring moist bread soaked in a rich custard with raisins, coconut, and pecans. Spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, it's perfect for cozy gatherings or family dinners, offering warm, sweet flavors with a delightful texture contrast.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
- Ensure the mixture is very moist, but not soupy.
- Pour the mixture into a buttered 9 x 12-inch (or larger) baking dish.
- Place the dish into a non-preheated oven.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes until the top is golden brown.
- Serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more indulgent flavor, consider substituting half of the milk with cream. If you’re out of raisins, chopped dried apricots or cranberries can be excellent alternatives. Make sure the bread is stale to absorb the liquid better. If you prefer a spicier taste, adding a pinch of ginger or allspice can elevate the dish. This bread pudding pairs beautifully with Aunt Mim'S Sugar Cookies.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the bread pudding warm, optionally drizzling with a caramel or vanilla sauce for added sweetness. It also pairs nicely with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a complete meal, consider serving with Honey Thyme Vegetables on the side for a balanced plate.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick treat, but be careful not to dry it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sharon'S Favorite Bread Pudding contains roughly 1002 calories, with 11g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (56% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (52% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 16g 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! While stale French bread works beautifully, you can use any type of bread you have on hand, such as brioche, challah, or even whole grain. The key is to ensure it's stale so it absorbs the liquid without becoming mushy.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free bread pudding, simply substitute the bread with a gluten-free bread option. Ensure that all other ingredients, like the raisins and sugar, are also gluten-free. Using gluten-free bread may alter the texture slightly, but it will still be delicious!
Can I prepare this bread pudding in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture ahead of time. Assemble the bread pudding in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven for even cooking.
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).