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Cozy Bread Pudding

Cozy Bread Pudding

Cozy Bread Pudding is a warm, comforting dessert featuring day-old sturdy bread soaked in a rich custard flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Perfect for chilly days, this easy-to-make treat uses simple pantry staples and can be customized with fruits, nuts, or chocolate. Ideal as a breakfast, dessert, or snack, it embraces nostalgia and warmth in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 6 cups day-old brioche, challah, or French bread, cut into 1 to 1.5 inch cubes
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Optional Add-Ins

  • 1/2 cup raisins or dried fruit (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bread: Cut your chosen day-old bread into cubes about 1 to 1.5 inches in size. This size helps the bread absorb the custard well and ensures even cooking without turning mushy.
  2. Make the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
  3. Combine Bread and Custard: Gently fold the bread cubes into the custard mixture, pressing lightly to make sure each cube soaks up the custard for a creamy and tender texture.
  4. Add Optional Extras: Incorporate any desired dried fruits, nuts, or chocolate chips into the custard-bread mixture before transferring it to a baking dish.
  5. Bake Until Golden: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 50 minutes, until the pudding is golden on top and set in the center.

Notes

  • Use day-old bread to ensure it absorbs the custard without becoming too soggy.
  • Gently fold the custard and bread mixture to maintain a light, tender texture.
  • Let the custard-soaked bread rest for 15-20 minutes before baking to enhance flavor absorption.
  • Check doneness with a knife inserted in the center; it should come out mostly clean to avoid under- or over-baking.
  • For extra coziness, garnish with cinnamon sugar or a drizzle of caramel before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: bread pudding, cozy dessert, custard dessert, comfort food, easy dessert, leftover bread recipe, cinnamon bread pudding