Ah, Thanksgiving bread pudding! Just saying it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. This dish is like a cozy hug on a chilly autumn day. I still remember the first time I made it for my family – the smell of cinnamon and vanilla wafting through the house, luring everyone into the kitchen. It’s such a comforting dessert, perfect for gathering around the table after a hearty meal. The way the bread soaks up the creamy custard and transforms into something utterly delicious is pure magic. Plus, you can customize it to your heart’s content! Trust me, once you serve this up, everyone will come back for seconds, and you’ll be the star of the holiday feast. Let me share my secret recipe with you!
Ingredients List
- 6 cups of cubed bread (day-old bread works best for soaking up that custard!)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups of milk
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1 cup of raisins (or your favorite dried fruit!)
- 1/2 cup of chopped pecans (for that delightful crunch)
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for getting that lovely golden top on your bread pudding!
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until everything is well combined and smooth. You want a nice, creamy custard base that will soak into the bread.
- Now it’s time for the star of the show! Add the cubed bread, raisins, and chopped pecans to the custard mixture. Gently fold everything together until the bread is fully coated. Don’t rush this part; let the bread soak up all that deliciousness!
- Next, pour this heavenly mixture into a greased baking dish. I usually use a 9×13 inch dish, but any similar size will work just fine.
- Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and the center is set, but still a little jiggly. It’ll firm up as it cools!
- Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This time is essential, as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly comforting—perfect for warming up chilly fall nights.
- Quick to prepare, making it an easy addition to your Thanksgiving spread.
- Customizable! You can swap out fruits, nuts, and spices to suit your taste.
- A delicious way to use up leftover bread—no waste here!
- Everyone loves it, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any holiday gathering.
Tips for Success
- Use Day-Old Bread: Trust me, day-old bread really soaks up the custard better, giving you that perfect texture. Fresh bread can get too mushy.
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Choose good-quality vanilla extract and fresh spices. They make a world of difference in flavor!
- Let It Rest: Allow the bread pudding to sit for about 10 minutes after baking before serving. This helps it set up nicely and makes for easier slicing.
- Add a Topping: Consider a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce on top before serving for that extra indulgence!
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to mix in chocolate chips or swap the raisins for dried cherries. It’s all about your personal taste!
Variations
The beauty of Thanksgiving bread pudding is how versatile it can be! If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the raisins for dried cranberries or chopped apples for a fruity twist. You can even mix in some chocolate chips for a decadent touch that chocolate lovers won’t be able to resist! For a spicier flavor, add a pinch of ginger or cloves along with the cinnamon and nutmeg. And don’t forget about toppings—how about serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of maple syrup, or even a sprinkle of toasted coconut for a tropical vibe? The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your Thanksgiving bread pudding, you might have some leftovers (though I doubt it!). To store, simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to indulge again, just preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), slice a piece, and pop it in for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings for about 30-45 seconds, but I recommend the oven for that lovely, crispy top. Enjoy those cozy flavors all over again!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note: nutrition values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are just estimates. For each slice of this delightful Thanksgiving bread pudding, you can expect around 350 calories, 15g of fat, 20g of sugar, 6g of protein, and 50g of carbohydrates. It’s a lovely treat, but as always, enjoy in moderation and savor every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I make Thanksgiving bread pudding ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven.
What type of bread works best?
I love using brioche or challah for their rich flavor, but any sturdy bread will do. Just make sure it’s a bit stale for the best texture!
Can I use different fruits?
Yes! Feel free to swap the raisins for dried cranberries, chopped apples, or even fresh berries. Just adjust the sugar if you’re using sweeter fruits.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply use gluten-free bread, and you’re good to go. The taste will still be delicious!
Can I add more spices?
Of course! Experimenting with spices like ginger or cardamom can give your Thanksgiving bread pudding a unique twist. Just be careful not to overpower the classic flavors!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear what you think about this Thanksgiving bread pudding! Did you make any fun variations? Please leave a comment below and share your thoughts or any tips you discovered along the way. And if you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to rate it! Happy baking!
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Thanksgiving Bread Pudding: 5 Tips for Irresistible Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm and comforting thanksgiving bread pudding.
Ingredients
- 6 cups of cubed bread
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups of milk
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1 cup of raisins
- 1/2 cup of chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Add the cubed bread, raisins, and pecans to the mixture. Stir to combine.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
- You can substitute the raisins with chocolate chips or other dried fruits.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: thanksgiving bread pudding, dessert, comfort food
