Special Bread Pudding
Creamy, comforting bread pudding with warm cinnamon and sweet raisins, perfect for cozy gatherings or casual desserts, customizable with whipped cream or ice cream.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spread butter on crustless bread and cut each slice into fourths.
- Arrange half of the bread in the bottom of a buttered 2-quart casserole.
- Sprinkle with raisins and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
- Cover with the rest of the bread and cinnamon.
- Heat milk just until a film forms over the top.
- Add sugar, stirring until dissolved.
- Gradually add hot milk mixture to beaten eggs, beating constantly.
- Stir in vanilla and pour over the bread.
- Set the casserole in a pan containing 1-inch hot water.
- Bake at 350°F for 40 to 50 minutes or until a knife comes out clean.
- Serve warm or chilled with whipped cream or ice cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brioche or challah bread instead of white bread. You can also substitute the raisins with dried cranberries or chopped nuts for a different texture. If you prefer a sweeter pudding, increase the sugar to taste. Adding a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon can enhance the spice profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the bread pudding warm, topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for a decadent dessert. It pairs beautifully with Lemon Pie Bars for a delightful dessert spread. You can also drizzle it with caramel sauce or serve with fresh fruit for added flavor.
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 30-45 seconds or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes for a more even warming.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Special Bread Pudding contains roughly 656 calories, with 9g protein, 146g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), iron (25% of the Daily Value), and potassium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C. It also contributes 7g 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 make this bread pudding ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bread pudding mixture the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. Just bake it the next day. This saves time and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
What can I use instead of eggs in this recipe?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a mixture of 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg. This will help bind the pudding while keeping it moist.
Is it possible to freeze bread pudding?
Yes, you can freeze bread pudding! Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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).