Indulge in the comforting embrace of a classic dessert with our irresistible Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding recipe. This timeless treat combines the warmth of cinnamon, the sweetness of raisins, and the rich texture of challah bread for a truly heavenly experience. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at your next gathering or simply craving a cozy dessert for a quiet night in, this bread pudding is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients:
For the Bread Pudding:
- 1 loaf stale challah bread, cubed
- 5 eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Prepare the Bread: In a large bowl, place the cubed challah bread and set aside.
- Make the Custard Mixture: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, white sugar, and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon until well combined.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture over the cubed bread, making sure all the bread is evenly coated. Allow it to soak for 15-20 minutes, gently pressing down on the bread occasionally to ensure thorough soaking.
- Add Raisins: While the bread is soaking, in a small saucepan, combine the raisins and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 5 minutes. Drain the raisins and set aside.
- Combine Bread and Raisins: After the bread has soaked, gently fold in the drained raisins until evenly distributed throughout the bread mixture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the bread mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake: In a small bowl, melt the butter and stir in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Drizzle the cinnamon butter mixture over the bread pudding. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.
- Prepare the Glaze: In the meantime, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, milk, and cinnamon until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if necessary.
- Serve: Once the bread pudding is done baking, let it cool slightly before drizzling with the cinnamon glaze. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Bread Selection: While challah bread adds a rich flavor and texture to this pudding, you can also use brioche or French bread as alternatives.
- Raisin Substitute: Not a fan of raisins? Feel free to swap them out for dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or even chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
- Customize the Glaze: Adjust the sweetness and spice level of the glaze to your liking by adding more or less powdered sugar and cinnamon.
- Make It Boozy: For an adult twist, soak the raisins in rum or bourbon before adding them to the bread mixture for a subtle kick of flavor.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding:
- Replace white sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener, adjusting the amount to taste.
- Substitute the challah bread with a low-carb alternative like almond flour bread or coconut flour bread.
- Use a combination of heavy cream and unsweetened almond milk instead of whole milk and heavy cream.
- Omit the raisins or use a small amount to reduce the carb content.
Low-Carb Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding:
- Reduce the amount of white sugar by half or replace it with a low-carb sweetener.
- Opt for a lower-carb bread option such as whole grain bread or a high-fiber, low-carb bread.
- Use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk in place of whole milk.
- Limit the amount of raisins or omit them entirely to lower the carb count further.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread?
A: While stale bread is traditionally used for bread pudding, you can use fresh bread if needed. To mimic the texture of stale bread, you can lightly toast the fresh bread cubes in the oven before soaking them in the custard mixture.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the bread pudding ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before baking as directed.
Q: How should I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven before serving.
Q: Can I omit the glaze?
A: While the glaze adds a sweet finishing touch to the bread pudding, you can omit it if desired or substitute it with a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream.
Q: Can I freeze bread pudding?
A: Yes, you can freeze bread pudding for longer storage. Wrap individual servings or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Experience the nostalgic charm of homemade bread pudding with our delightful Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding recipe. Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle, watching your carb intake, or simply craving a comforting dessert, this versatile recipe offers something for everyone. From its fragrant cinnamon aroma to its luscious texture, every bite is a journey to dessert bliss.
So, gather your ingredients and let the aroma of cinnamon and raisins fill your kitchen as you bake up a batch of this irresistible bread pudding. Whether served warm with a generous drizzle of glaze or enjoyed as a midnight snack, this classic dessert is sure to warm your heart and soul.
From our kitchen to yours, may your days be filled with sweetness and joy, one slice of bread pudding at a time!
With detailed instructions, cook notes, variations, and FAQs, this blog post provides all the information you need to create the perfect Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, you’ll find everything you need to make this classic dessert a success.
