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Classic Bread Pudding

Cubed bread is soaked in a rich cinnamon-vanilla custard and baked until golden, traditionally served with a warm sauce.

⏱ 15 minPrep time
🔥 45 minCook time
🍽 8Servings
🏷 DessertCategory
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Bread pudding dates back centuries as a frugal way to use stale bread, with English versions appearing as early as the 11th century. American cooks, particularly in the South and in New Orleans’ Creole kitchens, adapted the dish with rich custard, spices, and often a bourbon or whiskey sauce, turning humble leftovers into an indulgent dessert.

Warm, custardy, and a great use for stale bread

Cubed bread is soaked in a rich cinnamon-vanilla custard and baked until golden, traditionally served with a warm sauce.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 175°C and grease a baking dish.
  2. Place the bread cubes in the dish and scatter with raisins if using.
  3. Whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla.
  4. Pour over the bread, pressing down to soak, and let sit 15 minutes.
  5. Drizzle with melted butter and bake 40-45 minutes until set and golden.
  6. Serve warm, plain or with a whiskey or vanilla sauce.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Stale, slightly dried-out bread absorbs the custard best without turning mushy. Let the bread soak fully before baking for the most even, custardy texture.

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Recipe details

Prep15 min
Cook45 min
Servings8
CategoryDessert
PublishedAugust 12, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →