Cozy Bread Pudding Recipe with Stale Bread
A warm, comforting bread pudding made with stale bread and simple pantry staples, perfect for cozy evenings and family gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups stale bread, cubed (day-old French bread or brioche recommended)
- 2 cups whole milk (480 ml)
- 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 g)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries, 1/3 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts), 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cube about 6 cups of stale bread into bite-sized pieces. If bread is not stale, toast lightly in the oven for 5-7 minutes to dry it out.
- In a large bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Place the bread cubes in the buttered baking dish. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread. Let soak for at least 20 minutes, pressing down occasionally to help bread absorb custard.
- If using, gently fold in optional raisins, nuts, or chocolate chips.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons melted butter over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes until puffed and golden brown. A knife inserted should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Let the bread soak in the custard for at least 20 minutes for creamy texture. Use room temperature eggs and dairy to avoid curdling. Tent with foil if edges brown too quickly. Can prepare the night before and refrigerate for better soaking. For dairy-free, substitute milk and cream with plant-based alternatives and use dairy-free butter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of the
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Protein: 7
Keywords: bread pudding, stale bread recipe, comfort dessert, easy dessert, cozy dessert, homemade bread pudding