Imagine a dessert that's so simple yet so incredibly satisfying that it transports you back to grandma's kitchen. Reisings Poor Boy Pudding is that magical dish – a humble, budget-friendly treat that proves deliciousness doesn't require fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. With just a few pantry staples and a little love, you can transform ordinary bread into a creamy, custardy masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups bread cubes
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cut day-old bread into small, uniform cubes approximately 1/2 inch in size. If the bread is fresh, lightly toast the cubes to help them absorb the custard mixture more effectively.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Ensure the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Gently fold the bread cubes into the liquid mixture, making sure each cube is evenly coated. Allow the bread to soak for 5-10 minutes, letting it absorb the custard completely.
- Transfer the soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly and pressing down gently to create a uniform surface.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set with a slight wobble in the center.
- Remove from the oven and let the pudding cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the pudding to set and makes it easier to slice.
- Serve warm, optionally garnished with a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Tips
- • Use day-old bread for the best texture – slightly stale bread absorbs the custard more effectively and creates a more luxurious pudding. • Don't rush the soaking process. Let the bread cubes sit in the custard mixture for at least 5-10 minutes to ensure maximum flavor absorption. • For extra richness, consider using whole milk or even adding a splash of cream to your custard mixture. • Watch the pudding carefully in the last 10 minutes of baking. You want a golden-brown top but a slightly wobbly center. • Let the pudding rest after baking – this helps it set and makes serving much easier. • Experiment with toppings! While powdered sugar is classic, try caramel sauce, vanilla ice cream, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for added excitement.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 297kcal
Carbohydrates: 54g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 103mg
