Bread pudding is one of those timeless comfort foods that has a special way of warming both your heart and your taste buds. Growing up, my family had a tradition of making bread pudding on rainy afternoons, when the house would fill with the sweet aroma of vanilla and spices. I vividly recall sitting at the kitchen table, eagerly waiting for that first spoonful of the warm, fragrant pudding. It was a simple dish, but it always felt like a special treat, especially when paired with a rich, caramel sauce that drizzled over the top.
Bread pudding is more than just a dessert—it’s a versatile dish that transforms stale bread into something both comforting and delicious. This classic recipe combines cubed white bread with a creamy, spiced custard, all topped with a luscious caramel sauce. The result is a warm, gooey dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends.
Ingredients
For the Pudding:
4 cups (8 slices) cubed white bread
1/2 cup raisins
2 cups milk
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Caramel Sauce:
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Directions
Preparing the Pudding:
Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your oven is hot and ready for the pudding, which helps it cook evenly and develop a golden-brown top.
Combine Bread and Raisins:
In a large bowl, place 4 cups of cubed white bread. Add 1/2 cup of raisins. The bread cubes should be approximately 1-inch in size. This combination will form the base of your pudding, with the raisins adding a touch of sweetness and texture.
Prepare the Milk Mixture:
In a 1-quart saucepan, combine 2 cups of milk with 1/4 cup of butter. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally, allowing the butter to melt completely into the milk. This process usually takes about 4 to 7 minutes. The milk and butter mixture should be warm but not boiling.
Mix with Bread:
Pour the warm milk mixture over the bread and raisins. Let it sit for 10 minutes, allowing the bread to soak up the liquid. This step is crucial as it ensures the bread absorbs the flavors and softens, creating a rich, custard-like texture.
Add Remaining Ingredients:
Stir in 1/2 cup of sugar, 2 slightly beaten eggs, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg into the soaked bread mixture. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. The sugar adds sweetness, while the eggs and vanilla contribute to the custard’s richness and flavor.
Prepare the Casserole:
Grease a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish. This helps prevent the pudding from sticking and ensures an easy cleanup. Pour the pudding mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly.
Bake the Pudding:
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the pudding is set in the center. The pudding should be firm and golden brown on top. You can test for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean if the pudding is fully cooked.
Making the Caramel Sauce:
Combine Sauce Ingredients:
In a 1-quart saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of butter, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1/2 cup of firmly packed brown sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture begins to thicken and comes to a full boil. This process typically takes about 5 to 8 minutes. The sugars and butter will blend together to form a rich caramel.
Add Cream and Vanilla:
Carefully stir in 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream. The mixture may bubble up, so be cautious. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce is smooth and has thickened to your desired consistency. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. The vanilla adds a lovely depth of flavor to the caramel sauce.
Serving and Storing:
Serve Warm:
To serve, spoon the warm bread pudding into individual dessert dishes. Drizzle generously with the warm caramel sauce. The combination of the warm, custardy pudding with the rich caramel sauce is simply irresistible.
Store Leftovers:
Store any leftover pudding and caramel sauce in the refrigerator. The pudding can be kept for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat it gently in the microwave or oven before serving. The caramel sauce can also be stored in the refrigerator and reheated before use. It will thicken as it cools, so you might need to reheat it to achieve a pourable consistency.
Variations and Substitutions
Bread: While white bread is traditional, you can experiment with other types of bread, such as challah, brioche, or whole wheat. Each will impart a slightly different flavor and texture to the pudding.
Fruits: If you’re not a fan of raisins, you can substitute them with other dried fruits like currants, chopped dried apricots, or even fresh berries.
Nuts: For added texture, consider mixing in a handful of chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts.
Spices: Adjust the spices to suit your taste. You can add cinnamon, allspice, or even a pinch of cloves for a spiced twist.
Dairy-Free: Substitute almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk for the dairy, and use a dairy-free butter alternative. The caramel sauce can be made with coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
Why This Recipe is Appealing
This bread pudding recipe is a classic for a reason. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. The result is a dessert that’s both rich and comforting, with a texture that strikes the perfect balance between creamy and custardy. The homemade caramel sauce adds a luxurious touch, turning a simple dish into something truly special.
Whether you’re reminiscing about family traditions or creating new memories, this bread pudding is sure to be a hit. Its versatility allows you to tailor it to your preferences, making it a go-to dessert for any occasion. The combination of warm pudding with a luscious caramel sauce makes it a treat that’s hard to resist. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful dessert—it’s more than just a recipe; it’s a delicious experience.