Ingredients:
For the Bread Pudding:
- 4 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (use French bread, brioche, or any type you prefer)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raisins or chopped dried fruit (optional)
For the Whiskey Sauce (Optional):
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons whiskey (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions:
For the Bread Pudding:
1. Prepare the Bread:
- Start by cutting stale bread into 1-inch cubes. You can use French bread, brioche, or any bread of your choice. Stale bread works best as it absorbs the custard mixture well.
2. Prepare the Custard Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, pure vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Mix until well combined.
3. Combine Bread and Custard:
- Gently fold the bread cubes into the custard mixture, ensuring that all the bread is well-coated. If you’re using raisins or dried fruit, fold them into the mixture as well. Let the bread soak for about 15-20 minutes, occasionally pressing the bread down with a spatula to help it absorb the custard.
4. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish or a casserole dish.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Pour the bread and custard mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
6. Bake:
- 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. You can test for doneness by inserting a knife or toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
For the Whiskey Sauce (Optional):
7. Prepare the Whiskey Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the granulated sugar and heavy cream, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Add Whiskey and Vanilla:
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the whiskey (if using) and pure vanilla extract. Be cautious, as the alcohol may cause the sauce to flare up.
9. Serve:
- Serve the bread pudding warm, drizzling the whiskey sauce over individual servings, if desired.
Enjoy your delicious homemade bread pudding! It’s a comforting dessert that can be served on its own or with a variety of sauces or toppings.