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Orleans Bread Pudding

Orleans Bread Pudding
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Orleans Bread Pudding is a classic, creamy, and indulgent dessert that combines simple pantry ingredients into a rich custard-soaked bread treat. Perfectly balancing softness and slight firmness, this nostalgic pudding offers warm, cozy flavors enhanced by vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Easy to prepare and customizable with various add-ins, it is ideal for family gatherings or a comforting solo dessert, served warm or cold year-round.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 cups stale bread, cut into cubes
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons butter, for greasing and topping

Optional Add-ins

  • 1/2 cup raisins, nuts, or chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bread: Cut your stale bread into cubes and spread them evenly in a greased baking dish. This helps the bread soak the custard evenly, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
  2. Make the Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, milk, cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth. This custard mixture is the heart of the pudding and is key to achieving that creamy texture.
  3. Combine Bread and Custard: Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to help the bread absorb the liquid. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes to soak in the flavors fully before baking.
  4. Bake the Pudding: Place the baking dish in a preheated oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
  5. Cool and Serve: Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving to let the custard set. Serve warm or at room temperature, topped with your favorite garnishes or sauces.

Notes

  • Use day-old bread for the best texture and custard absorption.
  • Allow ample soaking time for the bread to fully absorb the custard.
  • Bake at a moderate temperature to avoid drying out the pudding.
  • Customize spices like cinnamon and nutmeg or try cardamom and allspice for unique flavors.
  • Let the pudding rest before serving to make slicing easier and improve texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: bread pudding, Orleans bread pudding, classic dessert, custard dessert, comfort food, easy dessert, baked pudding, creamy dessert, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/orleans-bread-pudding/