Basic Bread Pudding

Written by
Carroll Pellegrinelli
Expert baker and published author, Carroll Pellegrinelli shares her knowledge of bread baking and desserts.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Carroll Pellegrinelli
Updated 07/22/19
Bread Pudding
Phil Denton/Flickr/ CC 2.0
  • Total: 80 mins
  • Prep: 35 mins
  • Cook: 45 mins
  • Yield: Serves 12 to 16
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
296 Calories
24g Fat
17g Carbs
6g Protein
See Full Nutritional Guidelines Hide Full Nutritional Guidelines
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: Serves 12 to 16
Amount per serving
Calories 296
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 24g 30%
Saturated Fat 11g 56%
Cholesterol 115mg 38%
Sodium 70mg 3%
Total Carbohydrate 17g 6%
Dietary Fiber 1g 5%
Protein 6g
Calcium 97mg 7%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

It's amazing how such simple ingredients, including stale French bread, can make such a rich dessert. This basic bread pudding recipe also includes nuts and dried fruit.

Ingredients

  • 5 eggs
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2 1/2 cups milk
  • 2 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon or freshly ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 8 cups day-old French bread, divided
  • 3/4 cup raisins* or other dried fruit
  • 1 cup chopped and lightly toasted nuts (pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, etc)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons cinnamon-sugar mixture*

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Preheat oven to 325 F.

  3. Grease a 13x9 pan. 

  4. With a hand mixer or wire whisk, beat eggs until lemon colored.

  5. Add sugar and beat until dissolved. Next, add milk and cream. Combine.

  6. Add vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.

  7. Stir in 6 cups of bread.

  8. Allow to rest for 20 minutes.

  9. Stir in dried fruit* and nuts.

  10. Dump bread mixture into prepared pan. Top with remaining bread. Press bread down.

  11. Brush dry bread pieces with melted butter. Sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture (see in Recipe Variations below).

  12. Bake for 45 minutes or until edges are done and center still shakes a little. Allow it to cool for 30 minutes before serving.

  13. Enjoy!

Tip

Recipe Variations

  • If you want more flavorful raisins, plump them. Cover the raisins with very warm water and allow sit for 10 minutes. Instead of water, liquor or juice can also be used. If using room temperature liquid, soak raisins for 25 minutes.
  • Instead of purchasing the cinnamon-sugar mixture, you can make your own. Mix 2 tablespoons of sugar with 1 tablespoon cinnamon. More or less cinnamon may be used. Just be sure to keep the total amount the same.