A Simple Traditional Bread Pudding Recipe Everyone Can Make

Traditional baked bread pudding is a smart way to turn stale bread into a soft, golden dessert.

The bread soaks up a simple vanilla custard, then bakes until the top is lightly crisp.

Ingredients

• 300 g stale bread, cut into cubes
• 600 ml whole milk
• 3 large eggs
• 90 g sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 40 g melted butter
• 60 g raisins, optional
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 pinch fine salt

How to Make Baked Bread Pudding

Soak the bread

Place the bread cubes in a buttered baking dish. Warm the milk slightly and pour it over the bread. Let it soak for 10 minutes so the pieces soften.

Whisk the custard

In a bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, vanilla, melted butter, cinnamon, and salt. Pour this mixture over the soaked bread and add raisins if using.

Bake until golden

Bake at 180°C for 35 to 40 minutes, until the center is set and the top is golden. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with baking paper.

Cool before slicing

Let the pudding rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the custard settle and makes the slices cleaner.

Conclusion

This dessert is best when the bread is a little dry, because it absorbs the custard without collapsing. Serve it warm, plain, or with a spoonful of yogurt.