Print

Cozy Bread Pudding

Cozy Bread Pudding
Print Recipe

Cozy Bread Pudding is a warm, comforting dessert featuring tender cubes of stale bread soaked in a rich custard made from eggs, milk or cream, sugar, and warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. This classic treat offers a soft, custardy texture and can be personalized with a variety of add-ins such as fruits, nuts, or chocolate. Perfect for any occasion—breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack—it’s simple to prepare, budget-friendly, and ideal for make-ahead meals that reheat beautifully.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 4 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups milk or cream
  • ¾ cup sugar (brown or white)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg

Optional Add-ins

  • ½ cup raisins
  • ½ cup diced apples
  • ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • ½ cup chocolate chips
  • ½ tsp espresso powder
  • ½ cup fresh or frozen berries
  • ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Bread: Cut stale or day-old bread into 1-inch cubes. This allows the custard to soak evenly and develop a perfect, tender texture without becoming soggy.
  2. Make the Custard: Whisk together eggs, milk or cream, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined. This custard is the heart of your Cozy Bread Pudding and determines the richness and flavor depth.
  3. Combine Bread and Custard: Place the bread cubes in a greased baking dish and pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread. Gently press down to ensure every piece of bread absorbs the liquid.
  4. Add Optional Mix-Ins: If using fruits, nuts, or chocolate chips, sprinkle or fold them into the bread and custard mixture now for additional flavor and texture.
  5. Bake Until Golden: Bake the pudding in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 to 55 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is beautifully golden.

Notes

  • Choose the right bread: Day-old brioche or challah works best for a slightly sweet and rich crumb.
  • Don’t overmix: Stir gently to keep the texture light and avoid breaking the bread too much.
  • Let it rest: Allow the mixture to sit for at least 15 minutes so the bread fully soaks up the custard.
  • Toss in a sauce: A drizzle of caramel or bourbon sauce dramatically elevates the dish.
  • Use a water bath: For extra creamy pudding, bake the dish in a pan of hot water to prevent cracking and drying.
  • To reheat, warm in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through or microwave in short bursts to maintain softness.

Nutrition

Keywords: bread pudding, cozy dessert, warm dessert, classic bread pudding, baked custard, cinnamon dessert, easy dessert, make-ahead dessert

Find it online: https://homemademealz.com/cozy-bread-pudding/