Welcome to WeeZful – Your Guide to Healthy Living!

My name is Nyla, and I’m passionate about helping people make smarter food choices for a healthier, happier life. Through my website, I share expert-backed nutrition tips, wholesome recipes, and practical wellness advice to make healthy eating simple, enjoyable, and sustainable. Whether you’re looking to boost your energy, manage your weight, or simply adopt a better lifestyle, you’re in the right place! Today, we’re diving headfirst into a comforting classic with a twist: Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding. This isn’t just dessert; it’s a hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings or a cozy brunch. Let’s transform simple ingredients into a decadent treat!

Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding: A Comfort Food Classic

What’s better than the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen? How about that aroma leading you to a delicious, homemade cinnamon raisin bread pudding? This recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a trip down memory lane, a culinary embrace, and a perfect way to use up that slightly stale bread sitting on your counter. Think of it as your grandmother’s favorite dish, but with a modern, WeeZful twist!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

Okay, let’s be honest, there are tons of dessert recipes out there. So, why should you choose this cinnamon raisin bread pudding? Well, for starters:

It’s Incredibly Easy: No fancy techniques or complicated steps here. This recipe is straightforward and perfect for bakers of all levels.

It’s Budget-Friendly: We’re talking pantry staples here. Bread, milk, eggs, cinnamon, raisins… you probably already have most of the ingredients!

It’s the Ultimate Comfort Food: Warm, gooey, and packed with cinnamon-spiced goodness, this bread pudding is guaranteed to soothe your soul.

It’s a Great Way to Reduce Food Waste: That leftover bread? Don’t toss it! Transform it into something amazing.

It’s Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or even a splash of rum for an extra layer of flavor.

The Star of the Show: Ingredients Breakdown

Before we jump into the recipe, let’s talk about the key players. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect cinnamon raisin bread pudding.

Bread: Choosing the Right Loaf

The foundation of any good bread pudding is, well, the bread! You don’t need anything fancy here. Stale bread works best as it soaks up the custard better without becoming mushy. Here are a few suggestions:

Challah: Adds a lovely richness and slightly sweet flavor.

Brioche: Similar to challah but even richer and more buttery.

French Bread: A classic choice that provides a sturdy base.

Sourdough: Adds a subtle tanginess that complements the sweetness of the pudding.

Plain White Bread: Works in a pinch!

The Custard: Creamy Goodness

The custard is what binds everything together and provides that luscious, creamy texture.

Eggs: Essential for thickening the custard.

Milk: Provides the liquid base. Whole milk will give you the richest result, but you can use 2% or even non-dairy milk for a lighter version.

Cream: Adds extra richness and decadence.

Sugar: Sweetens the pudding and helps create a beautiful golden crust.

Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor.

Cinnamon and Raisins: The Dynamic Duo

These two are the heart and soul of this recipe.

Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice. Don’t be shy!

Raisins: Provide a chewy texture and burst of sweetness. You can soak them in rum or warm water for extra plumpness.

Optional Add-Ins: Time to Get Creative!

Want to take your bread pudding to the next level? Consider these additions:

Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or almonds add a nice crunch.

Chocolate Chips: Because chocolate makes everything better!

Rum or Bourbon: A splash adds a sophisticated touch.

Apple Pie Spice: For an extra layer of warm spices.

Step-by-Step: Baking Your Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding

Alright, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create a cinnamon raisin bread pudding that will impress your friends and family.

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes.

Spread the cubes on a baking sheet and let them dry out overnight. If you’re short on time, you can toast them in a low oven (200°F) for about 30-45 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla extract.

Add the cinnamon and a pinch of salt.

Step 3: Combine Bread and Custard

Place the bread cubes in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

Sprinkle the raisins over the bread.

Pour the custard over the bread, making sure all the cubes are soaked.

Gently press down on the bread to submerge it in the custard.

Let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to an hour) to allow the bread to absorb the custard.

Step 4: Bake!

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake the bread pudding for 45-55 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and the custard is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.

Let the bread pudding cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Tips and Tricks for Bread Pudding Perfection

Want to bake a truly outstanding cinnamon raisin bread pudding? Here are some secrets to success:

Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will result in a dry, rubbery pudding. Keep a close eye on it and remove it from the oven as soon as it’s set.

Use Stale Bread: Fresh bread will become soggy and won’t hold its shape.

Soak the Bread Properly: Allowing the bread to soak in the custard for at least 30 minutes is crucial for achieving a moist and delicious pudding.

Add a Crumb Topping: For extra texture and flavor, sprinkle a crumb topping (made with flour, butter, sugar, and cinnamon) over the bread pudding before baking.

Serve Warm: Bread pudding is best served warm, either on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Variations on the Classic Recipe

The beauty of cinnamon raisin bread pudding is that it’s incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own signature version.

Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding

Add diced apples and apple pie spice to the custard for a fall-inspired treat.

Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding

Stir in chocolate chips for a decadent chocolatey twist.

Nutella Bread Pudding

Swirl Nutella into the custard for a hazelnut-flavored delight.

Bourbon Bread Pudding

Add a splash of bourbon to the custard for a sophisticated flavor.

Serving Suggestions: Make it a Meal!

While cinnamon raisin bread pudding is delicious on its own, here are some ideas for serving it as part of a larger meal:

Brunch: Serve it alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit for a complete brunch spread.

Dessert: Top it with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce for a decadent dessert.

Snack: Enjoy a warm slice with a cup of coffee or tea for a comforting afternoon snack.

Storage and Reheating

Got leftovers? Lucky you!

Storage: Store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Nutrition Information: A Treat in Moderation

While cinnamon raisin bread pudding is undeniably delicious, it’s also important to enjoy it in moderation. It’s a dessert, after all! The nutritional content will vary depending on the ingredients used, but generally, a serving of bread pudding is high in calories, carbohydrates, and sugar.

Troubleshooting: Common Issues and Solutions

Bread Pudding is Too Dry: You may have overbaked it. Next time, reduce the baking time or cover the dish with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.

Bread Pudding is Too Soggy: You may have used too much custard or not enough bread. Make sure to use stale bread and allow it to soak in the custard for the recommended amount of time.

Bread Pudding is Not Sweet Enough: Add more sugar to the custard.

Why Make Bread Pudding from Scratch?

Sure, you could buy a pre-made bread pudding, but where’s the fun in that? Making it from scratch allows you to control the ingredients, customize the flavors, and experience the pure joy of creating something delicious from simple ingredients. Plus, the aroma of baking cinnamon raisin bread pudding is guaranteed to fill your home with warmth and happiness.

The Importance of High-Quality Ingredients

While this recipe is simple, using high-quality ingredients can make a world of difference. Fresh eggs, real vanilla extract, and good-quality cinnamon will all contribute to a more flavorful and satisfying bread pudding. Think of it like painting – the better the paints, the more vibrant the masterpiece.

Bread Pudding: More Than Just a Recipe

For many, cinnamon raisin bread pudding is more than just a dessert; it’s a connection to the past, a symbol of comfort, and a reminder of simpler times. It’s the taste of childhood, the smell of Grandma’s kitchen, and a guaranteed way to brighten any day.

Thank you for being here!

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FAQs About Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble the bread pudding and store it in the refrigerator overnight before baking. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in an even more delicious pudding.

Can I freeze bread pudding? Yes, you can! Bake the bread pudding as directed, let it cool completely, and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

What can I use instead of raisins? If you’re not a fan of raisins, try dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even dried cherries.

Can I make this recipe vegan? Yes! Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) to replace the eggs.

What’s the best way to serve bread pudding? Bread pudding is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dollop of whipped cream. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a few fresh berries also add a nice touch.

Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding Recipe