Imagine a dessert so decadent and comforting that it transports you back to grandma's kitchen with just one bite. This classic bread pudding isn't just a dessert—it's a warm hug on a plate, transforming simple ingredients into a magical culinary experience that will have your family begging for seconds. With its golden, custardy texture and rich raisin sauce, this recipe promises to turn an ordinary evening into an extraordinary memory.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 6 cups bread, cubed
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, tear or cut bread into roughly 1-inch cubes. Use day-old bread for best texture and absorption.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, white sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until well combined and smooth.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes, gently folding to ensure all bread pieces are evenly coated. Let sit for 10 minutes to allow bread to absorb liquid.
- Sprinkle raisins throughout the bread mixture, distributing them evenly.
- Transfer the bread mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- While pudding bakes, prepare raisin sauce by combining brown sugar, butter, and water in a small saucepan.
- Heat raisin sauce over medium heat, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves and mixture becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
- Remove bread pudding from oven and let cool for 10-15 minutes.
- Serve warm, drizzling raisin sauce generously over each portion.
Tips
- Use day-old bread for the best texture and absorption. Slightly stale bread soaks up the custard mixture more effectively.
- Let the bread soak in the egg mixture for at least 10 minutes to ensure maximum flavor penetration.
- Don't overbake! A slightly jiggly center means a creamy, luscious pudding.
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of bourbon to your raisin sauce.
- Serve warm for the most decadent experience, but it's equally delicious at room temperature.
- If you prefer, you can substitute raisins with other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped dates.
- For a more luxurious version, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 110mg
