Description

Orleans Bread Pudding is a rich and comforting dessert featuring custard-soaked stale bread baked to perfection with warming spices. Creamy on the inside with gently crisped edges, this versatile treat works well for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Easy to customize with fruits, nuts, or chocolate, it delivers a nostalgic and indulgent experience perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

6 cups stale French bread or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
4 large eggs
3/4 cup granulated sugar (optional: 1/4 cup brown sugar for deeper caramel flavor)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted plus extra for greasing
Optional: 1/2 cup raisins or dried fruit

Variations and Optional Mix-ins

1/2 cup dark or milk chocolate chips
1 cup fresh berries or chopped apples
Toasted pecans or almonds, about 1/2 cup
Spices: cardamom or ginger (adjust quantity to taste)
Dairy-free substitutions: 2 cups coconut milk and 3 tablespoons vegan butter

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Instructions

Prepare the bread: Cut your stale bread into 1-inch cubes and place them evenly in a buttered baking dish, making sure the cubes have space to absorb the custard thoroughly.
Mix the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth and fragrant.
Combine bread and custard: Pour the custard over the bread cubes, gently pressing to submerge all pieces. Let the mixture sit for at least 20 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard fully.
Bake to perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the pudding for 45-55 minutes until the top is golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, while the pudding stays soft inside.
Rest and serve: Allow the bread pudding to cool slightly before serving warm. Optionally, drizzle with caramel sauce or top with whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Notes

Use day-old bread for better custard absorption without turning mushy.
Allow the bread to soak in custard for at least 20 minutes to ensure creamy texture.
Bake at 350°F to set custard evenly without drying out the pudding.
Add optional dried fruits or nuts just before baking to retain their texture.
Serve slightly warm for best flavor and texture.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/8th of the recipe)
Calories: 350
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 140mg