Description
Joanna Gaines’ irresistible bread pudding brings Southern comfort to dessert tables with its rich, custardy layers of sweet nostalgia. Warm vanilla sauce and tender bread create a comforting finale that delights family gatherings and makes you crave another delectable spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- 6 slices day-old bread, torn into small pieces
Sweeteners and Flavors:
- ¾ cup white sugar
- ½ cup raisins (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Activate the oven to a precise temperature of 350°F (175°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even heat distribution.
- Carefully tear bread into rustic, uneven chunks and arrange them across the bottom of an 8-inch (20 cm) square ceramic or glass baking dish.
- Melt butter until it becomes a silky, golden liquid and generously drizzle it over the bread pieces, ensuring complete coverage.
- Scatter plump raisins throughout the bread, distributing them evenly for consistent sweetness in each serving.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, crack fresh eggs and whisk them with granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale and slightly frothy.
- Pour whole milk into the egg mixture, then introduce ground cinnamon and pure vanilla extract, blending until the custard achieves a smooth, uniform consistency.
- Gently cascade the creamy custard over the bread-filled dish, using a fork to softly press down and help the bread absorb the luxurious liquid.
- Transfer the prepared dish to the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface that springs back when gently touched.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the pudding to rest for 10-15 minutes, enabling the custard to set and flavors to harmonize before serving.
Notes
- Salvage Stale Bread Wisely: Transform forgotten bread slices into a decadent dessert by using day-old pieces that soak up custard perfectly, creating a luxurious texture.
- Gentle Pressing Matters: Softly push bread pieces into the custard mixture using a fork, guaranteeing each morsel gets drenched with delicious flavor throughout.
- Butter Boosts Deliciousness: Melted butter drizzled on top creates a golden, crispy surface that elevates the entire pudding’s taste and visual appeal.
- Doneness Test Works Magic: A light press on the pudding’s surface tells you everything – springy means ready, preventing dry or overcooked disappointment.
- Personalize Your Masterpiece: Experiment with mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit to make this classic dessert uniquely yours, turning a simple recipe into a signature treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg