Very Special Bread Pudding
A comforting bread pudding with warm cinnamon, raisins, and creamy milk, perfect for cozy gatherings or a delightful dessert everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Butter a 2 1/2-quart casserole or baking dish.
- Trim crusts from bread; spread with butter.
- Using a sharp knife, cut each slice into 4 squares.
- Arrange half of the bread squares in the bottom of the prepared casserole.
- Sprinkle with seedless raisins and one teaspoon of cinnamon.
- Cover with the remaining bread squares and sprinkle with cinnamon.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat milk just until a film forms on top.
- Remove from heat; add sugar, stirring until dissolved.
- Gradually add the hot milk mixture to the beaten eggs, beating constantly.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour the mixture over the bread in the casserole.
- Set the casserole in a pan containing one inch of hot water.
- Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Serve warm. Can be reheated or served cold.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brioche or challah instead of white bread. You can also substitute the raisins with dried cranberries or chopped nuts for added texture. If you prefer a sweeter pudding, increase the sugar by a couple of tablespoons. Make sure to beat the eggs thoroughly before adding the hot milk to prevent curdling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm, drizzled with a homemade Mocha Rum Sauce for a delightful twist. This bread pudding pairs beautifully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait for breakfast or brunch.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the bread pudding to cool completely before storing. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Very 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?
Yes, you can prepare the bread pudding the night before. Assemble it in the casserole dish, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it the next day, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the fridge.
What type of bread works best for bread pudding?
Stale white bread is traditional, but you can use any bread you have on hand. Brioche or challah will give a luxurious texture, while whole grain bread adds a nutty flavor. Just avoid bread with strong flavors like rye.
Can I add other fruits to the recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add fresh fruits like blueberries, chopped apples, or bananas. If using fresh fruit, consider reducing the sugar slightly to balance the sweetness.
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).