Description
A timeless and comforting dessert that transforms stale bread into a rich, custardy treat. Perfect for reducing kitchen waste while indulging your sweet tooth with warm spices, creamy custard, and creative mix-ins.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups stale bread, torn into bite-sized pieces (preferably brioche or challah)
- 2 cups milk or cream
- 2–3 large eggs
- ½ cup sugar (or maple syrup/honey as a substitute)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- Optional mix-ins:
- ½ cup dried fruits (e.g. raisins, cranberries)
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ¼ cup chopped nuts
- 1–2 tbsp rum or bourbon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Tear stale bread into bite-sized pieces and place in a large bowl.
- Pour milk or cream over the bread and let soak for 10 minutes.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
- Add soaked bread to the egg mixture and stir gently to combine.
- Mix in any optional add-ins (dried fruits, chocolate chips, nuts, etc.).
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
- For a crunchy top, sprinkle a little sugar over the surface.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes or until golden brown on top and set in the center.
- Serve warm with caramel sauce, whipped cream, or ice cream.
Notes
- Use denser breads like brioche or challah for best texture.
- For dairy-free, use almond milk or coconut cream.
- For vegan version, use plant-based milk and flax eggs.
- Bread pudding can be frozen in portions and reheated.
- Try savory variations with cheese, herbs, or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 90mg