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Cozy Old Fashioned Bread Pudding Recipe with Easy Creamy Custard

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A warm and comforting old fashioned bread pudding soaked in a rich, creamy custard with cinnamon and vanilla. Perfect for cozy evenings and simple to make with pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups day-old bread, cubed (preferably sturdy white bread or brioche)
  • 2 cups whole milk (480 ml)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 g)
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing the baking dish)
  • Optional add-ins:
  • 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon or rum

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter your baking dish well so the pudding doesn’t stick and forms a lovely crust.
  2. Cube the bread into roughly 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces. If fresh, dry it out in the oven at 275°F (135°C) for 10 minutes to help it soak up the custard without becoming mushy.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until fully combined and smooth.
  4. Add the bread cubes to the custard mixture. Gently fold with a spatula to coat all pieces evenly. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the custard fully.
  5. If using, fold in raisins, chopped nuts, or a splash of bourbon now.
  6. Transfer the soaked bread mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly and press down lightly with the spatula so the custard settles into every nook.
  7. Brush the top with 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter to create a golden crust.
  8. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. The internal temperature should reach about 160°F (71°C). The edges should be golden brown and a knife inserted near the center comes out mostly clean.
  9. Remove from oven and let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use slightly stale bread for best custard absorption. Dry fresh bread in the oven at 275°F for 10 minutes if needed. Avoid overbeating custard to prevent air bubbles. Let bread soak fully before baking. Cover with foil if top browns too fast. Can be assembled the night before and refrigerated. Gluten-free and dairy-free substitutions suggested in the blog.

Nutrition

Keywords: bread pudding, old fashioned, creamy custard, cinnamon, vanilla, comfort food, easy dessert, cozy dessert

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/cozy-old-fashioned-bread-pudding-recipe-with-easy-creamy-custard/