This Custard Bread Pudding is a warm and cozy treat made with bread soaked in a creamy custard mix. It’s lightly sweet and perfect for dessert or breakfast!
I love how easy it is to whip up this dish with just a few simple ingredients. Plus, it makes my kitchen smell amazing while it’s baking! Who can resist that? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sturdy Bread: I recommend using brioche or challah, as they soak up the custard perfectly. If you’re looking for substitutions, day-old French bread works great too. Don’t use very soft bread like sandwich bread since it might turn mushy.
Milk & Heavy Cream: Whole milk and heavy cream give the best creamy texture. If you’re looking to lighten it up, you can use 2% milk or even a non-dairy milk option like almond or coconut milk, but this may affect the flavor.
Eggs: These are crucial for structure. If you’re looking for an egg-free option, consider using a commercially available egg replacer or a mixture of ground flaxseed and water (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water is the equivalent of one egg).
Granulated Sugar: You can swap out granulated sugar for brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Coconut sugar is another alternative if you’re looking for a less processed option.
Vanilla Extract: Always opt for pure vanilla extract over imitation for the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, vanilla bean paste can be a fantastic substitute!
How Do You Get the Custard Just Right?
The key to getting your custard mixture just right lies in tempering the eggs properly. This means adding the warm milk and cream to the egg mixture slowly while whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
- Warm the milk and cream gently; do not let it boil to avoid curdling.
- Once mixed, pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes, pressing gently to ensure they soak up the liquid.
- Allow the mixture to sit for about 10-15 minutes before baking. This helps the bread absorb more of the custard, leading to a creamier texture!
With these tips and careful attention to detail, your custard bread pudding will turn out deliciously creamy and satisfying. Enjoy every bite! 😊
Delicious Custard Bread Pudding Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pudding:
- 6 cups sturdy bread (such as brioche or challah), cut into cubes
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Butter for greasing the baking dish
For Serving:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Fresh raspberries, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 45-55 minutes to bake. After baking, allow the bread pudding to cool for a few minutes before serving. Total time: around 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a baking dish (a 9×13 inch works perfectly) and grease it generously with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Layer the Bread
With your bread cubes ready, simply place them in the prepared baking dish, spreading them out evenly. This will create a nice base for your custard.
3. Mix the Custard Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt. Make sure it’s well combined and set aside.
4. Heat the Milk and Cream
In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk and heavy cream until it’s hot, but be careful not to let it boil. This step is important for a smooth custard.
5. Combine Mixtures
Now, slowly pour the warm milk and cream mixture into the egg mixture, whisking continuously. This technique helps prevent the eggs from cooking too quickly and turning lumpy.
6. Pour Over Bread
Carefully pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Press down gently with a spatula to ensure all the bread is soaked in the custard.
7. Let it Soak
Allow the bread to soak in the custard for about 10-15 minutes. This will help your pudding become nice and creamy!
8. Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes. It’s done when the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
9. Cool and Serve
After baking, remove the pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This will make it easier to cut and serve.
10. Add Final Touches
Serve your warm custard bread pudding drizzled with extra custard or cream, dusted with powdered sugar, and garnished with fresh raspberries for a delicious finishing touch!
Enjoy this delightful Custard Bread Pudding and savor the comforting flavors! 😊
Can I Use Gluten-Free Bread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute gluten-free bread for traditional bread. Just be sure to choose a sturdy gluten-free variety to maintain the right texture in the pudding.
What Type of Bread Is Best for Bread Pudding?
Sturdy breads like brioche, challah, or French bread work best due to their ability to soak up the custard without falling apart. Avoid using very soft sandwich bread as it may become too mushy.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Pudding?
Definitely! Feel free to add ingredients like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts to customize your pudding. Just mix them in with the bread cubes before pouring in the custard mixture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm individual servings in the microwave or place them back in the oven until heated through.
