Classic Bread Pudding Recipe – The Ultimate Comfort Dessert
Bread pudding is a timeless dessert that transforms simple ingredients into a rich, custardy delight. This recipe, inspired by a celebrity chef serving it at an award show, is perfect for special occasions or cozy nights at home. Featuring honey, raisins, and diced apples, this bread pudding offers a warm, spiced flavor that pairs beautifully with a drizzle of rum sauce.
If you're searching for the best homemade bread pudding recipe, this guide will walk you through every step, from selecting the right bread to baking it to golden perfection. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced baker, this easy bread pudding will quickly become a household favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Rich & Flavorful – The combination of honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla makes this a deliciously spiced dessert.
✅ Perfectly Moist – Using warm milk and a slow baking method ensures a soft and creamy texture.
✅ Customizable – Add nuts, chocolate chips, or even a splash of rum for extra indulgence.
✅ Great for Leftover Bread – Reduce food waste by repurposing stale bread into a mouthwatering treat.
Ingredients for the Best Bread Pudding
Bread Pudding Base:
- 3 cups torn bread (preferably day-old brioche, challah, or French bread)
- 2 cups milk (whole milk for a richer texture)
- ½ cup honey
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 5 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for added warmth)
- ½ cup raisins
- 1 cup diced apples (choose sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji)
For Baking:
- Butter or nonstick spray (for greasing the pan)
- Hot water (for a water bath)
Optional Toppings:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Rum sauce, caramel sauce, or vanilla ice cream
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
✔ 13x9x2-inch baking dish
✔ Measuring cups and spoons
✔ Small saucepan
✔ Mixing bowls (large and medium)
✔ Wooden spoon or whisk
✔ Roasting pan (for the water bath)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Bread Pudding
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish & Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13x9x2-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread Base
Tear 3 cups of bread into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl. This allows the bread to absorb the custard mixture more evenly.
Step 3: Heat the Milk Mixture
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm 2 cups of milk.
- Stir in ½ cup of honey and ⅓ cup of brown sugar until dissolved. (No need to boil—just heat enough to blend the ingredients.)
- Pour about half of this warm milk mixture over the torn bread, lightly pressing with a fork to ensure absorption. Let it soak for 20 minutes while you prepare the rest of the mixture.
Step 4: Prepare the Custard
- In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together 5 eggs until smooth.
- Gradually pour in the remaining warm milk mixture, whisking continuously to avoid scrambling the eggs.
- Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (if using).
Step 5: Assemble the Bread Pudding
- Add ½ cup of raisins and 1 cup of diced apples to the custard mixture.
- Gently fold in the soaked bread, ensuring every piece is coated.
- Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish.
Step 6: Bake Using a Water Bath
- Place the baking dish inside a larger roasting pan.
- Carefully pour very hot tap water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the baking dish. This ensures even baking and prevents the pudding from drying out.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out almost clean.
Step 7: Cool & Serve
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with your favorite sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.
Serving Suggestions: 3 Elegant Ways to Serve Bread Pudding
1️⃣ In a Bowl – Serve warm bread pudding in a bowl and drizzle with warm rum sauce or caramel for an indulgent dessert.
2️⃣ In a Glass – Elevate your presentation by serving in a martini or parfait glass, layered with whipped cream.
3️⃣ On a Plate – Slice the bread pudding neatly, drizzle with sauce, and garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar for a restaurant-style look.
Bread Pudding Variations & Customizations
✔ Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding – Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips before baking for a chocolatey twist.
✔ Nutty Crunch – Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
✔ Boozy Version – Replace ¼ cup of milk with bourbon or rum for a more adult-friendly dessert.
✔ Dairy-Free Alternative – Substitute almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
How to Store & Reheat Bread Pudding
Refrigeration:
Store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing:
Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating:
- Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions for 30-45 seconds until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What’s the best type of bread for bread pudding?
A: Brioche, challah, French bread, or sourdough work best as they absorb the custard well without becoming too mushy.
Q: Can I make bread pudding ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the pudding and refrigerate it overnight, then bake it fresh the next day.
Q: Why is my bread pudding dry?
A: Dry bread pudding happens when there isn’t enough custard. Make sure your bread is fully soaked before baking, and always bake in a water bath.
Final Thoughts
This classic bread pudding recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves warm, comforting desserts. Whether you serve it plain, with powdered sugar, or drenched in homemade rum sauce, it’s guaranteed to impress.
Now that you’ve mastered this old-fashioned bread pudding, don’t forget to try other variations and share your favorite toppings in the comments!
Craving more delicious desserts? Check out our other baking recipes for more inspiration. Happy baking!
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