What makes a perfect comfort food dessert? This homemade bread pudding with plump raisins is a quick and easy family favorite, made with love and simple ingredients like day-old bread and sweet caramel sauce. Save this idea for a cozy weeknight treat.

a close up of a person holding a plate of bread pudding with raisins

Introduction

Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, comforting slice of bread pudding, the sweetness of the raisins balancing perfectly with the richness of the bread, all wrapped up in a crispy, golden-brown exterior. This dish is a masterclass in ease, flavor, and creativity, using everyday ingredients to create something truly special. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a culinary newbie, this bread pudding with raisins is sure to become a favorite. With its simple preparation and impressive results, it’s the perfect recipe to try out for a cozy night in or a special occasion.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of stale bread, sweet raisins, and a hint of spice creates a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist, and the best part is that you likely have most of the ingredients already in your pantry.
Ease of preparation: This recipe is a breeze to make, requiring minimal effort and preparation time, making it perfect for a weeknight dessert or a last-minute dinner party.
Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, this bread pudding is sure to impress your friends and family with its crispy exterior, fluffy interior, and sweet, sticky raisins.

Key Ingredients

The star of the show is, of course, the bread. You’ll want to use a day-old bread, preferably a hearty bread like challah or brioche, which will hold up beautifully to the custard-like mixture. The raisins add natural sweetness and a pop of texture, while the eggs, sugar, and spices provide richness and depth. If you don’t have raisins on hand, you can substitute with other dried fruits like cranberries or cherries. For an extra-special treat, try adding a splash of vanilla or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). While that’s heating up, chop your bread into 1-inch cubes and set it aside. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your eggs, sugar, and spices until well combined.
Step 2: Add your bread cubes to the egg mixture and toss until the bread is evenly coated. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, allowing the bread to absorb all the liquid goodness.
Step 3: Stir in your raisins and any other add-ins you like (such as nuts or chocolate chips). Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish and let it bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
Step 4: Remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce, if desired.

Handy Tips

Make sure to use day-old bread for the best results. If you only have fresh bread on hand, try drying it out in the oven for a few minutes to get a similar texture.
Don’t overmix the bread and egg mixture, as this can lead to a dense, tough bread pudding.
If you’re not a fan of raisins, feel free to substitute with other dried fruits or even chocolate chips for a fun twist.

Heat Control

When it comes to heat control, you’ll want to keep an eye on your bread pudding as it bakes. The ideal temperature is 350°F (180°C), and you’ll want to bake it for about 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. Keep an eye on it after 30 minutes, as the top can go from perfectly golden to burnt quickly. If you’re unsure, try inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread pudding – if it comes out clean, it’s done!

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor is all about texture, and in this case, you want a crispy, golden-brown exterior giving way to a fluffy, tender interior. To achieve this, make sure to not overmix the bread and egg mixture, and don’t be afraid to get a little creative with your toppings – a sprinkle of sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce can add a nice textural element to the dish.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

Try using a water bath to bake your bread pudding, as this can help it cook more evenly and prevent it from drying out.
For an extra-special treat, try adding a splash of liquor (such as bourbon or rum) to the egg mixture for a grown-up twist on the classic recipe.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your leftovers – bread pudding makes a great base for French toast or bread pudding sandwiches.

Storage Tips

Leftover bread pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
For longer storage, try freezing the bread pudding – simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as desired.
When it comes to containers, you’ll want to use something airtight to keep your bread pudding fresh. Try using a glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid, or even a zip-top bag for a more casual storage solution.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re looking to give your bread pudding as a gift, there are plenty of creative ways to package it. Try wrapping it in a decorative tin or glass container, or even a cute paper bag with a ribbon tied around it. You could also consider making individual servings and packaging them in small jars or containers – this makes for a great hostess gift or party favor. Whatever you choose, be sure to include a few instructions for reheating and serving, as well as any relevant allergen information.

Flavor Variations

Different spices: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the egg mixture for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Creative toppings: Consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder on top of the bread pudding, or even a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce.
Ingredient swaps: If you don’t have raisins on hand, try substituting with other dried fruits like cranberries or cherries. You could also use different types of bread, such as challah or brioche, for a unique texture and flavor.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If your bread pudding is too dense or dry, try adjusting the amount of liquid in the recipe or adding a little more egg to the mixture.
Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have a certain ingredient on hand, try substituting with something similar. For example, you could use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar, or almond milk instead of regular milk.
Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on your bread pudding as it bakes, and adjust the cooking time as needed. If it’s not done after 35-40 minutes, try covering it with foil and baking for an additional 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, bread pudding can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to serve.
Is it gluten-free? Unfortunately, traditional bread pudding is not gluten-free due to the bread. However, you can try making a gluten-free version using gluten-free bread or substituting with a gluten-free flour blend.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or even triple the recipe if you need to feed a larger crowd. Simply adjust the cooking time as needed and keep an eye on the bread pudding as it bakes.

Conclusion

And there you have it – a delicious, easy-to-make bread pudding with raisins that’s sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a culinary newbie, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to try something new and exciting. So go ahead, get creative, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. And most importantly, enjoy the process and have fun – after all, that’s what cooking is all about!

Sweet Bread Raisin Treat