Golden Custard Bread Pudding

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Here’s a full, detailed recipe write-up in the style you like:

🍮 Golden Custard Bread Pudding

Introduction

Golden, custardy, and wonderfully indulgent, bread pudding is one of those timeless comfort dishes that never fails to delight. Made with day-old bread soaked in a rich custard base and baked until golden, this dish is both humble and luxurious. Perfect for slow mornings, Sunday brunches, or even as a cozy dessert, it’s a recipe that carries warmth and tradition with every bite.

Ingredients

For the Bread Pudding:

  • 6 cups day-old brioche or challah bread, cubed
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt
  • ½ cup golden raisins (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for greasing)

For the Custard Sauce (optional but heavenly):

  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the bread:
    • Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
    • Add the cubed bread and sprinkle raisins over it if using.
  2. Make the custard mixture:
    • In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
    • Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes.
    • Press down gently so the bread absorbs the liquid.
    • Let it rest for at least 20–30 minutes (or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor).
  3. Bake:
    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until golden brown on top and custard is set but slightly wobbly in the center.
  4. Prepare the custard sauce (optional):
    • Heat cream in a saucepan until warm.
    • In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar. Slowly pour warm cream into yolks while whisking.
    • Return mixture to pan, cook over low heat until slightly thickened. Stir in vanilla.
  5. Serve:
    • Drizzle with custard sauce or enjoy warm with whipped cream or fresh fruit.

Methods

  • Soaking Method: Ensures bread absorbs the custard for a creamy texture.
  • Baking Method: Gentle baking at medium heat avoids curdling the custard.
  • Make-Ahead Method: Can be assembled the night before and baked fresh in the morning.

History

Bread pudding dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries in Europe when frugal cooks repurposed stale bread into a sweet or savory dish. Over centuries, it became a beloved comfort food across cultures, with variations found in British, French, American, and even Caribbean cuisines.

Benefits

  • Reduces food waste by using leftover bread.
  • Provides protein and calcium from eggs and milk.
  • Comforting and versatile—can be sweet or savory.
  • Easy to adapt with seasonal fruits, nuts, or spices.

Formation

  • Base: Cubed bread.
  • Binder: Custard mixture of eggs, milk, and cream.
  • Flavorings: Sugars, spices, and vanilla.
  • Enhancements: Raisins, nuts, chocolate, or fruit.
  • Finish: Baked golden and optionally topped with sauce.

Nutrition (per serving, without sauce, approx.)

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 7g
  • Fat: 14g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Calcium: 120mg

Lovers

This dish is adored by brunch enthusiasts, dessert lovers, and anyone seeking a nostalgic taste of home. It’s perfect for family gatherings, romantic weekend breakfasts, or festive holiday spreads.

Conclusion

Golden custard bread pudding is a marriage of simplicity and indulgence. With its creamy interior, golden top, and sweet fragrance, it embodies the spirit of comfort cooking. A dish that transforms leftover bread into a luxurious treat, it continues to win hearts across generations.

✨ Would you like me to also create a savory version (like cheese & herb custard bread pudding) to balance out this sweet one?

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