Name: French Toast Bread Pudding
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Ingredients: 8 slices of thick bread (preferably day-old or slightly stale; challah, brioche, or French bread work well); 3 large eggs; 2 cups whole milk (or a non-dairy milk alternative like almond milk, if preferred); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup raisins (optional); 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the baking dish); Topping (optional): Maple syrup, powdered sugar, whipped cream, or fresh fruit like berries or banana slices; Bread: The bread is the foundation of this dish. Thicker, hearty loaves like challah or brioche will absorb the custard mixture and give the pudding its rich, comforting texture. Using day-old bread helps it soak up the custard without falling apart.; Eggs and Milk: These form the custard base that binds the bread together. They provide both flavor and texture, turning the bread into a soft, creamy dessert.; Vanilla Extract: Adds a deep, aromatic sweetness to the bread pudding, balancing out the richness of the eggs and milk.; Cinnamon: A dash of cinnamon brings warmth and a hint of spice to complement the sweetness of the dessert.; Raisins: These add a chewy texture and a burst of sweetness when baked in the custard. You can also substitute with other dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, or even chocolate chips for variety.

Ingredients

Scale

8 slices of thick bread (preferably day-old or slightly stale; challah, brioche, or French bread work well)

3 large eggs

2 cups whole milk (or a non-dairy milk alternative like almond milk, if preferred)

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup raisins (optional)

1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the baking dish)

Topping (optional): Maple syrup, powdered sugar, whipped cream, or fresh fruit like berries or banana slices

Ingredient Highlights

Bread: The bread is the foundation of this dish. Thicker, hearty loaves like challah or brioche will absorb the custard mixture and give the pudding its rich, comforting texture. Using day-old bread helps it soak up the custard without falling apart.

Eggs and Milk: These form the custard base that binds the bread together. They provide both flavor and texture, turning the bread into a soft, creamy dessert.

Vanilla Extract: Adds a deep, aromatic sweetness to the bread pudding, balancing out the richness of the eggs and milk.

Cinnamon: A dash of cinnamon brings warmth and a hint of spice to complement the sweetness of the dessert.

Raisins: These add a chewy texture and a burst of sweetness when baked in the custard. You can also substitute with other dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, or even chocolate chips for variety.

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Instructions

Prepare the Bread

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or spray with non-stick cooking spray.

Cut the Bread: Slice the bread into 1-inch cubes, or tear it into large chunks if you prefer a more rustic texture. If using thick slices, cut them into squares or tear them into pieces that will fit snugly in your baking dish.

Make the Custard

Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon (if using), and salt. Make sure everything is well-combined and the sugar has dissolved completely. This will form the custard that soaks into the bread.

Add Optional Add-ins: If you’re using raisins or any other dried fruit, fold them into the custard mixture now.

Assemble the Bread Pudding

Layer the Bread: Add the cubed bread into the greased baking dish, packing it in gently. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring every piece is soaked. Press down on the bread gently with a spatula or your hands to ensure all of it absorbs the custard. Allow the bread to sit for 5-10 minutes so it can soak up the liquid.

Dot with Butter (Optional): For extra richness, you can dot the top of the pudding with small pieces of butter before baking.

Bake the French Toast Bread Pudding

Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set in the center. You can insert a knife or toothpick into the middle to check—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s done.

Cool: Let the bread pudding cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the pudding to firm up slightly and makes it easier to cut.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve: Cut the French Toast Bread Pudding into squares and serve warm. It pairs beautifully with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also serve it with fresh fruit like strawberries, bananas, or berries for a fresh contrast.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 8
Calories: 300
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 8g