Catch the aroma of warm vanilla and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen as you prepare a Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding. This dessert isn’t just a dish; it’s a celebration of comfort, nostalgia, and soul-soothing sweetness, perfect for any gathering.
Jump to:
- Ingredients for Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding
- How to Make Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- FAQs:
- What is Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding made of?
- How do I store leftover Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding?
- Can I make Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding ahead of time?
- What are some serving suggestions for Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding?
- Conclusion for Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding:
- 📖 Recipe Card
Imagine sinking your spoon into this heavenly creation, where the bread meets the creamy custard in a delightful dance of flavors. Whether it’s family gatherings or cozy nights in, this bread pudding promises to be the star of the show, leaving everyone clamoring for seconds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe offers easy preparation with simple ingredients that create an unforgettable flavor experience.
- The creamy texture combined with hints of spice makes it irresistible.
- Its golden brown appearance is sure to catch everyone’s eye at any gathering.
- Perfectly versatile, you can enjoy it warm or chilled, topped with ice cream or fresh fruit.
Ingredients for Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Stale Bread: Use day-old bread like French or brioche for the best texture and flavor absorption.
Milk: Whole milk provides richness; however, you can opt for a non-dairy substitute if needed.
Eggs: About four large eggs help bind everything together while adding a creamy consistency.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the pudding, while brown sugar adds depth and caramel notes.
Cinnamon: A classic spice that infuses warmth and flavor; feel free to add nutmeg for an extra kick!
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract elevates the dessert with its fragrant aroma and rich flavor.
Butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps achieve that golden crust on top.
Dried Fruit (optional): Raisins or cranberries can be added for bursts of sweetness throughout.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or nonstick spray so that your pudding doesn’t stick around longer than necessary.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
Tear your stale bread into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl. If it’s too soft, give it another day on the counter—stale bread is what makes this dessert shine!
Step 3: Mix Custard Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and melted butter until well combined. This creamy mixture is what will soak up all that delicious bread goodness.
Step 4: Combine Bread and Custard
Pour your custard mixture over the torn bread pieces. Gently fold the mixture together until every piece of bread is coated. Let it sit for about ten minutes—this is when magic happens!
Step 5: Add Dried Fruit (if using)
If you’re feeling adventurous (and trust me, you are), stir in some dried fruit at this point. Raisins or cranberries work wonderfully here—think of them as little pockets of joy!
Step 6: Bake
Transfer your mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for about 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The aroma will fill your home—don’t blame me if guests start knocking at your door!
Serving suggestion: Allow it to cool slightly before serving warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top! Enjoy every bite of this delightful indulgence!
You Must Know
- This classic New Orleans bread pudding is not just a dessert; it’s a comforting hug in the form of sweet, custardy goodness.
- With its warm spices and delightful texture, it transforms any gathering into a festive occasion.
- Perfect for using up stale bread, this recipe is a game-changer!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve optimal results when making classic New Orleans bread pudding, start by preheating your oven while preparing your bread mixture. Once your custard is ready, gently fold it into the bread and allow it to soak before baking to ensure every bite is flavorful.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your classic New Orleans bread pudding by adding chocolate chips, dried fruits, or nuts. Try infusing the custard with spices like nutmeg or ginger for an extra kick. You can also swap out regular milk for coconut milk for a unique twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through. This will keep its delicious texture intact.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect classic New Orleans bread pudding, use day-old bread to achieve the ideal texture.
- Make sure to let the mixture soak long enough so every piece absorbs that creamy goodness.
- Lastly, don’t skip on the vanilla; it enhances all those lovely flavors!
The first time I made classic New Orleans bread pudding was during a family reunion, and I swear my aunt nearly wept with joy. It became an instant favorite and sparked countless requests for “that amazing dessert.”
FAQs:
What is Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding made of?
Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding is a delightful dessert that combines stale bread, eggs, milk, sugar, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Instead of using traditional alcohol-based ingredients, you can substitute with vanilla extract and fruit juices. For added richness, use cream or half-and-half. The pudding gets its unique texture from the bread soaking in the egg mixture, creating a custard-like consistency when baked. You can also incorporate raisins or nuts for extra flavor and crunch.
How do I store leftover Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding?
To store leftover Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding, let it cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator where it can last for about three to four days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm them up in the oven. You can also serve it cold with a drizzle of sauce for a different experience.
Can I make Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding ahead of time! Prepare the bread pudding mixture a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator overnight. On the day you plan to serve it, bake it fresh for optimal taste and texture. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully while making your baking process more convenient on serving day.
What are some serving suggestions for Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding?
Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding pairs beautifully with various toppings. For a delightful finish, consider serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top. A drizzle of caramel sauce or chocolate sauce adds an extra layer of indulgence. You can also dust powdered sugar over the top for visual appeal and sweetness. Fresh fruit such as berries can provide a refreshing contrast to this rich dessert.
Conclusion for Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding:
In summary, Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding is a comforting dessert that brings together simple ingredients like stale bread and eggs into something truly special. By avoiding certain ingredients while using alternatives like chicken broth instead of alcohol, anyone can enjoy this classic dish without compromise. Whether served warm with ice cream or chilled with sauce drizzled on top, this bread pudding is sure to please everyone at your table. Embrace this recipe as an opportunity to create a deliciously satisfying treat that resonates with Southern charm.
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📖 Recipe Card
Print
Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Description
Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding is a delightful dessert that combines stale bread with a rich custard infused with warm vanilla and cinnamon. This soul-soothing treat transforms simple ingredients into a comforting dish, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 6 cups stale French or brioche bread, torn into pieces
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup raisins or cranberries (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish with butter.
- In a large bowl, combine the torn bread pieces.
- In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and melted butter until well combined.
- Pour the custard over the bread and gently fold to coat. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
- If using dried fruit, stir it in now.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and set.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (150g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
