If you are craving a warm, tender dessert that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly evening, then you are going to absolutely adore this Comforting Brioche Bread Pudding with Vanilla and Cinnamon Recipe. This dish transforms pillowy brioche bread into a luxuriously soft pudding infused with rich vanilla and aromatic cinnamon. Each bite delicately balances sweet and spiced flavors, making it the perfect treat to share with family or savor on your own. Simple ingredients come together to create a comforting classic that tastes far more indulgent than it really is.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, combining to create a perfect harmony of creamy texture, sweet warmth, and golden color.
- Brioche bread (1-pound loaf): Its buttery, tender crumb creates the plush base for the pudding and soaks up custard beautifully.
- Milk (4 cups): Adds creaminess that makes the pudding soft and luscious without being heavy.
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup melted, plus more for greasing): Infuses richness and helps achieve a silky texture in the custard.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Offers warm, fragrant notes that elevate the sweetness naturally.
- Granulated sugar (⅔ cup): Sweetens evenly and balances the spices.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle spice that rounds out the comforting flavors.
- Kosher salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness while bringing out the depth of flavors.
- Large eggs (4): Essential for binding the custard together and giving structure to the pudding.
- Powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries (for serving): Optional but delightful finishing touches that add sweetness, moisture, and a pop of freshness.
How to Make Comforting Brioche Bread Pudding with Vanilla and Cinnamon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Bread
Begin by preheating your oven to a steady 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it’s warming, slice the brioche bread into 2-inch cubes. Spread these cubes out evenly on a baking sheet and give them a quick 10-minute bake. This step ensures the bread dries out just enough to soak up the custard later without turning mushy, achieving the ideal texture for your pudding.
Step 2: Butter the Baking Dish and Layer the Bread
Once the bread cubes are ready, generously butter a 9 by 13-inch baking pan. This not only prevents sticking but adds a layer of buttery flavor around the edges. Next, place the toasted bread cubes into the dish and arrange them evenly to create a consistent base for soaking up the custard mixture.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Custard
In a large bowl, combine the milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, sugar, cinnamon, kosher salt, and eggs. Whisk them together thoroughly until everything is perfectly blended. This creamy custard mixture is where all the magic happens—the cinnamon and vanilla infuse the bread with warm, inviting flavors.
Step 4: Soak the Bread Cubes
Pour your custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Use a spatula to gently push the bread down and wiggle it around, encouraging every nook and cranny to absorb the flavorful liquid. This soaking process is crucial—it transforms the bread into a luscious, tender pudding. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 30 minutes or, if you prefer to plan ahead, cover and refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes until the pudding is fully set and the top has turned a gorgeous golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen at this stage is absolutely irresistible. Once done, allow the pudding to cool for about 5 minutes so it firms slightly, making it easier to serve.
How to Serve Comforting Brioche Bread Pudding with Vanilla and Cinnamon Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this already stunning dessert, dust the top with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar—it adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful snowy effect. A drizzle of pure maple syrup adds warmth and moisture, while fresh berries contribute bright color and a pleasant tart contrast to the rich custard.
Side Dishes
This pudding pairs beautifully with lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. For a beverage pairing, try a smooth coffee, spiced chai tea, or even a glass of sweet dessert wine to round out the comforting experience.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress at gatherings, try serving individual portions in ramekins topped with a cinnamon stick or a sprig of mint. Layer the pudding with fresh fruit compote in clear glasses for an elegant parfait-style presentation. You can also toast leftover cubes and sprinkle them over the pudding just before serving to add an unexpected crunchy texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be hard to believe), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bread pudding often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld and deepen. Consume within 3 to 4 days for best quality and freshness.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the cooled bread pudding tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. It keeps well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. This method ensures you have a comforting dessert on hand anytime cravings hit.
Reheating
Reheat portions gently in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes or microwave individual servings in short bursts to gently warm through. Avoid overheating to maintain the pudding’s creamy texture and avoid drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use bread other than brioche?
Yes, but brioche is ideal because of its buttery texture and slightly sweet flavor. Challah or a sturdy white bread can be used in a pinch, but avoid dense or rye breads that might alter the pudding’s texture and taste.
Is it necessary to toast the bread cubes first?
Toasting the bread cubes dries them out just enough so they absorb the custard properly without becoming soggy. Skipping this step can result in a pudding that is overly wet or mushy.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, letting the bread soak overnight in the custard enhances the flavors and texture. Just cover it and refrigerate before baking when you’re ready.
How do I know when the pudding is fully cooked?
The pudding should be set in the center and have a golden brown top. A clean toothpick inserted in the middle is a good test—it should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.
What are some topping alternatives to powdered sugar and berries?
Consider caramel sauce, toasted nuts, a dollop of crème fraîche, or even a spread of fruit preserves. These additions can add exciting layers of flavor and texture to your pudding.
Final Thoughts
Making this Comforting Brioche Bread Pudding with Vanilla and Cinnamon Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket of nostalgic flavors and simple indulgence. It’s easy enough for a weeknight treat and elegant enough for the holiday table. Dive in and savor every luscious bite—you’ll quickly discover why this dessert holds a special place in so many hearts.
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Comforting Brioche Bread Pudding with Vanilla and Cinnamon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Bread Pudding recipe features golden brioche bread soaked in a rich custard of milk, eggs, butter, and warm spices. Baked to a perfect golden brown, it’s a comforting dessert served with powdered sugar, maple syrup, and fresh berries, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 (1-pound) loaf brioche bread (454 grams)
Custard
- 4 cups milk (908 grams)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (57 grams, melted, plus more for greasing pan)
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract (12 grams)
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar (133 grams)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (3 grams)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 large eggs (200 grams)
Toppings (optional)
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
- Fresh berries
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare for baking the bread pudding.
- Dry the Bread: Cut the brioche loaf into 2-inch cubes and spread them evenly on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes until the bread is dry to the touch but not browned, which helps it absorb the custard better.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter to prevent sticking, then transfer the dried bread cubes into the pan and arrange them into an even layer.
- Make Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, cinnamon, kosher salt, and eggs until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Bread and Custard: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Use a spatula to gently press and wiggle the bread so that it fully soaks up the custard through all the cracks.
- Soak: Allow the mixture to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to let the bread absorb the custard. Alternatively, cover and refrigerate overnight for a deeper soak.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 45 minutes. The pudding is done when it is set and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread pudding cool for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with powdered sugar, drizzle maple syrup, and add fresh berries to enhance the flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Drying the bread before soaking helps prevent sogginess and creates a better texture.
- The soaking time can be extended overnight in the refrigerator for advanced preparation and a richer pudding.
- Use brioche or other rich, buttery bread varieties for best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the amount of cinnamon and sugar according to taste preference.
- Serve warm for the best experience as the bread pudding is comforting and cozy.
