Irresistible Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding

Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding: The Only Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Imagine transforming simple day-old bread into a warm, comforting hug on a plate—that’s the magic of Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding. As a beloved classic dessert, this recipe from lalytarecipes.com solves the everyday dilemma of using up stale bread while delivering an ultra-creamy custard that sets it apart from ordinary versions. With its perfect blend of spices and sweetness, this Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding not only satisfies your cravings but also brings families together for cozy evenings. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this foolproof guide ensures you’ll create a dessert that’s irresistibly moist and flavorful every single time.

The allure of Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding lies in its tantalizing sensory experience. Picture the soft, custard-soaked bread cubes that yield a velvety, melt-in-your-mouth texture with every bite. The warm aroma of ground cinnamon wafts through your kitchen, mingling with the sweet scent of raisins plumping up in the creamy base. Each spoonful delivers a harmonious blend of spicy cinnamon notes, juicy raisins bursting with natural sweetness, and a subtle vanilla undertone that creates a comforting warmth. This ultra-creamy custard elevates the dish, making it not just a dessert, but a multisensory delight that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

What makes this Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding recipe from lalytarecipes.com the ultimate resource is the expertise of Chef Lalyta, who has perfected the ultra-creamy custard technique through years of testing and refinement. You’ll discover insider tips, from the ideal soaking time to creative variations, that guarantee success in your kitchen. Plus, we’ve included a Chef’s Secret to achieve that unbeatable moisture without sogginess. By the end of this post, you’ll feel empowered to whip up this bread pudding masterpiece, impressing your loved ones with its rich flavors and effortless preparation.

Why This Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding Recipe is a Game-Changer

The Chef’s Secret: The key to this recipe’s superiority lies in the ultra-creamy custard achieved by allowing the bread to fully absorb the milk mixture before baking. This step, often overlooked, infuses every cube with a luxurious, silky texture that makes this Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding stand out. By whisking the eggs and milk just until blended—not overbeaten—we prevent curdling and ensure a smooth, velvety finish that rivals high-end bakery versions.

Unbeatable Texture: The science behind the texture is all about the custard base. The combination of fresh milk and eggs creates a stable emulsion that sets perfectly in the oven, resulting in a tender, custard-like interior with a golden, slightly crisp top. This ultra-creamy consistency comes from the careful balance of liquids and the resting period, which allows the starches in the bread to swell and bind, avoiding any dry or rubbery outcomes.

Foolproof for a Reason: This recipe has been tested multiple times in real home kitchens to ensure reliability. With straightforward steps and precise measurements, even beginners can achieve perfect results, making it a trustworthy go-to for Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding enthusiasts. Its adaptability to common dietary tweaks further solidifies its status as the best resource online.

Ingredient Spotlight: Quality Makes the Difference

Day-old bread: As the foundation of this Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding, day-old bread provides the ideal structure, absorbing the ultra-creamy custard without turning mushy. Opt for a sturdy loaf like French or brioche for better texture—fresh bread can make the pudding too soggy. Quality matters because stale bread holds its shape during baking, ensuring a delightful contrast of soft and chewy. For substitutions, try whole-grain bread for a nuttier flavor or gluten-free options to keep it inclusive.

Raisins: These plump gems add natural sweetness and a chewy burst to the Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding, balancing the spices perfectly. Choose high-quality, unsulfured raisins for their authentic taste and moisture. They enhance the overall ultra-creamy texture by rehydrating in the custard. If you’re not a fan, substitute with dried cranberries for a tart twist or chopped dates for extra caramel notes, maintaining the recipe’s essence.

Ground cinnamon: The star spice in this Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding, it infuses a warm, aromatic depth that elevates the dessert’s flavor profile. Freshly ground cinnamon ensures potent notes without bitterness, making the pudding irresistibly fragrant. Use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the ultra-creamy base. Substitutes include a blend of nutmeg and allspice for a similar warmth, but stick to cinnamon for the authentic taste.

Milk: This liquid base is crucial for creating the ultra-creamy custard in Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding, providing richness and a smooth consistency. Whole milk works best for its fat content, which helps emulsify the eggs and prevents a watery result. Quality matters as lower-fat versions can lead to a less luxurious texture. For alternatives, use almond milk for a dairy-free option or coconut milk to add a subtle tropical hint.

Eggs: Eggs act as the binding agent in this Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding, giving the custard its structure and creamy finish. Fresh, large eggs ensure the perfect set without scrambling. Their proteins help thicken the mixture, contributing to the ultra-creamy mouthfeel. A common substitution is flax eggs for vegans, which mimic the binding properties while keeping the pudding cohesive.

Granulated sugar: This sweetener balances the spices and enhances the overall flavor in Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding, creating a subtle caramelization during baking. Use pure cane sugar for even dissolving and a cleaner taste. It plays a key role in the ultra-creamy custard by adding body. Substitute with honey for a natural option or brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor, adjusting quantities to taste.

Vanilla extract: A small amount of vanilla extract adds a fragrant, floral note to this Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding, rounding out the spices and enhancing the ultra-creamy custard. Always choose pure extract over imitation for authentic flavor. It prevents the pudding from tasting flat. If needed, substitute with vanilla bean paste for a more intense aroma or almond extract for a nutty variation.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to ensure the bread pudding doesn’t stick. This step is essential for even baking and easy removal. Combine the cubed day-old bread, raisins, and ground cinnamon in a large mixing bowl, tossing gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.

Pro Tip: Use room-temperature butter for greasing to create a better non-stick barrier, preventing the edges from burning and ensuring your Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding slides out perfectly.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 cups of milk, 4 large eggs, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This creates the ultra-creamy custard base that will soak into the bread. Avoid over-whisking to prevent incorporating too much air, which could lead to a spongy texture.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t rush the whisking; uneven blending can result in curdled spots in your Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding. Take your time to ensure everything is fully incorporated for that signature creaminess.

Step 3: Combine and Soak the Mixtures

Pour the whisked milk mixture over the bread mixture in the large bowl. Stir gently to coat all the bread cubes, then let it sit for 10 minutes. This soaking time allows the bread to absorb the ultra-creamy custard, ensuring a moist and flavorful result without becoming overly soggy.

Pro Tip: If your bread is very dry, extend the soaking time slightly for better absorption, but don’t exceed 15 minutes to maintain the perfect texture in your Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding.

Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish

After soaking, transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. If using optional chopped nuts, sprinkle them on top for added crunch. This step ensures uniform baking and a golden finish.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Over-packing the dish can lead to uneven cooking; leave some space for the custard to expand, guaranteeing your Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding bakes through without a raw center.

Step 5: Bake the Pudding

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set (a knife inserted should come out clean). This baking time is crucial for developing the ultra-creamy interior while achieving a crisp exterior.

Pro Tip: Rotate the dish halfway through baking for even heat distribution, ensuring every bite of your Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding is perfectly cooked.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes slicing easier.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Cutting into the pudding too soon can cause it to fall apart; patience here preserves the ultra-creamy texture of your Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding.

Serving & Presentation

For an impressive presentation of your Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding, serve it warm in individual bowls or on elegant plates, allowing the ultra-creamy custard to shine. Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of fresh cinnamon for visual appeal. To complement the spiced flavors, pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, which adds a cool contrast to the warm, tender bread. This dessert pairs beautifully with a light coffee or tea, making it ideal for holiday gatherings or weeknight treats.

Enhance your Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding by incorporating complementary side dishes, such as fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries, to balance the richness. For a more decadent meal, serve it after a simple main course like roasted chicken or a fresh salad, letting the pudding’s comforting spices take center stage. Creative plating ideas include layering it in dessert glasses for a parfait-style presentation or drizzling with a homemade caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Make-Ahead & Storage Solutions

Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare the bread mixture up to 3 days in advance by combining the cubed bread, raisins, and cinnamon in a sealed container in the fridge. Mix the custard just before baking to keep it fresh, then assemble and bake when ready. This approach saves time for busy days while preserving the ultra-creamy texture of your Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding.

Storing Leftovers: Store any remaining pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months, ensuring to cool completely first to maintain quality. Always thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

The Best Way to Reheat: To restore the original ultra-creamy texture, reheat slices in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for 30-60 seconds on low power. Add a splash of milk before reheating to prevent drying out, keeping your Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding as delicious as freshly baked.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding

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• Author: Chef Lalyta
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

A classic comfort dessert made with cubed bread, cinnamon, and raisins, baked in a creamy custard.

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Ingredients

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• 6 slices of day-old bread, cubed
• 1 cup raisins
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 4 cups milk
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread, raisins, and cinnamon.
3. In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until well blended.
4. Pour the milk mixture over the bread mixture and let it sit for 10 minutes to absorb.
5. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and bake for 45 minutes or until golden and set.
6. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

This pudding is best served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. For a variation, add apples for extra flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Method: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 30g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Protein: 10g