In the realm of comforting desserts, few can rival the humble yet delightful bread pudding. Its origins trace back centuries, born out of the desire to utilize stale bread and transform it into a dish of decadent indulgence. Today, bread pudding remains a beloved classic, cherished for its simplicity, versatility, and soul-warming properties. Join me on a journey as we explore the art of making this timeless treat.
Ingredients
6 cups of stale bread (any type will do, but brioche or challah yield particularly rich results)
2 cups of whole milk
4 large eggs
1 cup of granulated sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
A pinch of salt
Optional: raisins, chocolate chips, or nuts for added texture and flavor
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat the baking dish with butter or cooking spray to ensure the pudding doesn't stick during baking. Prepare the bread by cutting it into cubes or tearing it into chunks, ensuring they are roughly uniform in size. Spread the bread pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. This mixture forms the custard base that will soak into the bread, infusing it with flavor and moisture.
If you're adding any extras like raisins, chocolate chips, or nuts, sprinkle them over the bread cubes in the baking dish.
Pour the prepared custard mixture over the bread, ensuring that all the bread pieces are evenly coated. Press down gently with a spoon to encourage absorption.
Let the bread pudding sit for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the bread to soak up the custard mixture.
Once the bread has absorbed the liquid, place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set. You can test for doneness by inserting a knife into the center – if it comes out clean, the pudding is ready.
Remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Serve warm, either on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Conclusion
Bread pudding embodies the essence of comfort food – simple yet satisfying, nostalgic yet timeless. With just a few basic ingredients and a little bit of love, you can create a dessert that warms the soul and delights the senses. So the next time you find yourself with leftover bread, don't let it go to waste – turn it into something magical with a batch of homemade bread pudding.
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