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Orleans Bread Pudding

Orleans Bread Pudding

  • Author: Mary
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Orleans Bread Pudding is a classic, comforting dessert featuring soft day-old bread soaked in a rich custard made from eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla. Baked until golden and slightly crisp on top, it offers a creamy, luscious texture ideal for cozy nights or festive gatherings. This simple recipe uses pantry staples and can be customized with fruits, chocolate, spices, or nuts to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread

  • Day-old sturdy white or French bread, cut into cubes (about 6 cups)

Custard

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additions

  • 3 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
  • Optional spices: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and/or 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bread: Cut the day-old bread into evenly sized cubes to ensure even custard absorption. Stale bread absorbs the liquid without becoming mushy.
  2. Make the Custard: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, whole milk, and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and well combined, forming a rich custard base.
  3. Combine Bread and Custard: Place the cubed bread evenly into a greased baking dish. Pour the custard over the bread, gently pressing down so that the bread soaks up the custard thoroughly. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to maximize soaking.
  4. Add Butter and Spices: Dot the top of the soaked bread with small pieces of butter. Sprinkle your chosen spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg evenly over the surface to add warmth and flavor.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the pudding for 45 to 55 minutes until the custard is set and the top is golden brown and slightly crisp. Check doneness by inserting a knife in the center; it should come out clean.

Notes

  • Use day-old bread to avoid soggy texture and ensure perfect custard absorption.
  • Gently combine bread and custard to maintain a light texture and avoid overmixing.
  • Allow the pudding to rest before baking to let the custard penetrate the bread fully.
  • Keep an eye on the baking time to prevent the pudding from drying out.
  • Test doneness by inserting a knife; a clean knife means it’s ready.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/8 of recipe)
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 180 mg

Keywords: bread pudding, Orleans bread pudding, classic dessert, custard dessert, comfort food, baked pudding, holiday dessert, easy dessert

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