Prepare to swing into a dessert experience that's more exciting than a jungle expedition! This Rainforest Monkey Business Bread Pudding isn't just a recipe—it's a delectable journey that will transport your taste buds to a world of creamy, nutty, and utterly irresistible flavors. Whether you're a dessert enthusiast or a curious home cook looking to add some excitement to your kitchen, this bread pudding promises to be a show-stopping treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 6 cups bread, cubed
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, cut the bread into roughly 1-inch cubes, ensuring they are slightly stale for better absorption of the custard mixture.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Gently fold the chopped walnuts and raisins into the bread cubes, distributing them evenly throughout the bread.
- Pour the egg and milk custard mixture over the bread cubes, carefully stirring to ensure all bread pieces are thoroughly coated and moistened.
- Transfer the bread mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly and pressing down slightly to compact the pudding.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Remove from the oven and let the bread pudding cool for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow it to set completely.
- Optional: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Tips
- Use slightly stale bread for the best texture—it absorbs the custard more effectively and creates a more luxurious pudding.
- Don't overmix when combining ingredients; gently fold to maintain the bread's structure.
- For extra richness, consider using whole milk or even half-and-half instead of regular milk.
- Make sure to grease your baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Check the pudding around the 35-minute mark to ensure it doesn't overbake—you want a golden top with a slightly jiggly center.
- Let the pudding rest after baking to allow it to set properly and develop deeper flavors.
- Experiment with toppings like caramel sauce, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for added decadence.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 110mg
