Cinnamon Maple Bread Pudding

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 50 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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Cinnamon Maple Bread Pudding is the cozy dessert you didn't know you needed. Perfect for those chilly evenings, it combines the warm flavors of cinnamon and maple syrup with the comforting texture of bread pudding. It's a simple way to turn leftover bread into something truly special.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Maple Bread Pudding

The star of this dish is the bread. Day-old bread works best because it's a bit drier, which means it soaks up the custard mixture well without becoming mushy. The eggs are essential for binding everything together, while the combination of whole milk and heavy cream adds a richness that makes the pudding creamy. Maple syrup not only sweetens the dish but also gives it a distinct, wonderful flavor that pairs beautifully with cinnamon and nutmeg. A touch of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor, while raisins add little pockets of sweetness throughout. Brown sugar deepens the sweetness, and a pinch of salt balances everything out. Finally, melted butter drizzled on top helps create a golden brown crust.

Tips & Tricks

  • Stale bread works best; fresher bread might turn too mushy.
  • For a more intense flavor, use dark maple syrup.
  • Consider adding a splash of bourbon or rum to the custard mix for a grown-up twist.
  • If you’re not a fan of raisins, chopped nuts or dried cranberries make excellent substitutes.

Serving Suggestions

This bread pudding is delightful on its own but pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a breakfast twist, serve it with a side of crispy bacon and a hot cup of coffee. It also makes a great brunch centerpiece when paired with fresh fruit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, you can use any type of bread. However, sturdier breads like challah, brioche, or French bread tend to hold up better.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the pudding the night before and refrigerate. Just bake it fresh when you're ready to serve.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
No worries! You can substitute with half-and-half or simply use more whole milk, though it may be slightly less rich.

Cinnamon Maple Bread Pudding Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and make sure to grease your 9x9 inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. Next, cube your day-old bread and place it into a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until everything is well combined.

Pour this sweet, spiced mixture over the bread cubes, and add in the raisins. Gently fold everything together so that the bread is thoroughly coated. Let this mixture sit for about 15 minutes. This gives the bread time to soak in all that delicious liquid.

Once the bread is nicely soaked, transfer it into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Drizzle the melted butter over the top to help it brown beautifully. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You'll know it's done when the top is golden brown and the pudding is set. Let it cool slightly before serving. If you like, dust the top with powdered sugar just before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Transforms day-old bread into a delightful dessert.
  • Rich flavors of cinnamon and maple syrup create a warm, inviting aroma.
  • Easy to make with simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
  • Flexible recipe that allows for easy customization.

Ingredients

4 cups cubed day-old bread
3 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup raisins
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking dish.
2. Place the cubed bread in a large mixing bowl.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
4. Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes and gently fold in the raisins. Let it sit for 15 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the liquid.
5. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
6. Drizzle the melted butter over the top.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.
8. Allow to cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.

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