Custard Bread Pudding Recipe

If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing dessert that brings comfort and nostalgia in every bite, Custard Bread Pudding is about to become your go-to recipe. Imagine buttery slices of bread soaked in a creamy vanilla custard, dotted with plump raisins and a sprinkle of cinnamon—every spoonful is rich, silky, and utterly irresistible. This honest-to-goodness classic transforms simple pantry ingredients into something magical. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or just treating yourself to a cozy sweet, this Custard Bread Pudding delivers warmth and pure satisfaction every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of humble ingredients work in harmony to create the magic of this comforting dessert. Every element matters: each one adds flavor, texture, and the signature aroma that makes Custard Bread Pudding so unforgettable.

• Bread: Slightly stale or day-old bread works best for soaking up the custard and offering a hearty texture—any basic white bread will do, but you can experiment with brioche or challah for extra richness.
• Raisins: These little jewels add bursts of sweetness and a pleasant chew in between mouthfuls of creamy pudding.
• Ground Cinnamon: Just a pinch gives warmth and a hint of spice, making the pudding feel extra cozy.
• Half-and-Half: The secret to a lusciously smooth custard—its higher fat content makes the pudding extra creamy compared to using milk.
• White Sugar: Sweetens the custard just right, balancing the flavors without being overpowering.
• Eggs: The backbone of the custard, creating structure and that signature velvety texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds an inviting fragrance and depth of flavor that instantly transports you back to childhood desserts.
• Salt: Just a touch sharpens all the other flavors and keeps the pudding from tasting flat.

How to Make Custard Bread Pudding

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius). This gentle heat helps your bread pudding bake evenly, allowing the edges to brown slightly while the center stays luxuriously soft. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish for your pudding, and set it aside.

Step 2: Arrange the Bread and Add Flavor

Layer the bread slices across the base of your baking dish, overlapping them as needed to cover the whole surface. Sprinkle the raisins liberally over the top, then dust everything with ground cinnamon. This base is what gives your Custard Bread Pudding its irresistible character—every bite gets a pop of fruit and spice!

Step 3: Blend the Custard Mixture

In a blender, combine the half-and-half, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Blitz everything until completely smooth; this step ensures your custard bakes up bump-free and silken. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, letting it soak in and begin its transformation.

Step 4: Create a Water Bath for Gentle Baking

Place your filled baking dish inside a large roasting pan. Carefully pour boiling water into the roasting pan until it comes about halfway up the sides of your baking dish. This water bath bakes the pudding gently, preventing scorching and giving you a perfectly smooth custard.

Step 5: Bake Until Set

Transfer the entire setup to your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 1½ hours, or until the custard is just set but still slightly wobbly in the center. The house will fill with sweet vanilla and cinnamon scents, signaling that your Custard Bread Pudding is nearly ready.

How to Serve Custard Bread Pudding

Garnishes

A finishing touch can make all the difference! Dust the top with powdered sugar, scatter extra raisins, or add a light drizzle of caramel sauce for that wow factor. A dollop of softly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream melts beautifully onto a warm slice, adding a touch of indulgence to your Custard Bread Pudding.

Side Dishes

This comforting dessert pairs perfectly with fresh seasonal berries for a burst of tartness to balance the richness. If you’re serving a bigger spread, round out your table with a light fruit salad or a crisp cup of hot coffee or tea—the comforting flavors make it a charming ending to any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn individual servings into something special by using small ramekins or mason jars for portioning before baking. Or, for an elegant twist, top each square of Custard Bread Pudding with a decorative mint leaf and a cinnamon stick. If you like a bit of crunch, sprinkle toasted nuts or granola on top just before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Custard Bread Pudding tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days, tasting just as heavenly as when it’s freshly baked—maybe even better as the flavors meld and deepen!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Custard Bread Pudding if you want to have dessert on hand for a rainy day. Slice it into portions, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. For best texture, enjoy within one month of freezing.

Reheating

To enjoy warm Custard Bread Pudding, reheat individual servings in the microwave in 20-second bursts until just warmed through. Larger portions can be covered with foil and baked in a 300 degree oven until heated. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before warming, to preserve that perfect creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use different types of bread for Custard Bread Pudding?

Absolutely! While regular white bread works just fine, experimenting with brioche, challah, croissants, or even cinnamon-swirl bread adds a luxe twist and brings even more flavor and texture to your pudding.

Can I make Custard Bread Pudding in advance?

Yes! You can assemble the pudding and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 12 hours before baking. This overnight soak deepens the flavors and makes morning baking effortless—just pop it straight into the oven when you’re ready.

Is it possible to make Custard Bread Pudding dairy-free?

You can try swapping the half-and-half for a rich plant-based alternative like coconut cream or a thick oat milk. The end result will still be luscious, though the flavor might change slightly—so taste and adjust sweetness as needed.

What can I use instead of raisins?

If raisins aren’t your style, try dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even chocolate chips for a fun variation. Chopped nuts or diced dried apricots also make excellent alternatives that add their own unique character.

How do I know when my Custard Bread Pudding is done baking?

Your pudding is ready when it’s just set in the middle but still has a very slight wobble—think gentle, not liquid. A knife inserted near the edge should come out clean, but avoid overbaking as the custard can get tough.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re reminiscing about comforting childhood desserts or craving a simple, soul-satisfying treat, Custard Bread Pudding always delivers a bit of joy in every bite. There’s something undeniably special about transforming everyday ingredients into a dessert that feels so rich, homey, and unforgettable. Go ahead—gather your ingredients and treat yourself and your loved ones to a dessert that’s pure comfort in a dish!

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