Bread Pudding with Nutmeg

Total Time

Prep: 15 min. Bake: 40 min.

Makes

6 servings

Updated: Dec. 14, 2023
I always make this bread pudding recipe for my dad on his birthday and on holidays. He says it tastes exactly like the bread pudding with nutmeg he enjoyed as a child. —Donna Powell, Montgomery City, Missouri

Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/4 cup butter, cubed
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4-1/2 to 5 cups soft bread cubes (about 9 slices)
  • 1/2 cup raisins, optional
  • VANILLA SAUCE:
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1-2/3 cups cold water
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, lightly beat eggs. Combine milk and butter; add to eggs along with sugar, salt, spices and vanilla. Add bread cubes and, if desired, raisins; stir gently.
  2. Pour into a well-greased 11x7-in. baking dish. Bake at 350° until a knife inserted 1 in. from edge comes out clean, 40-45 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, for sauce, combine the sugar, cornstarch and salt in a saucepan. Stir in water until smooth. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat. Stir in the butter, vanilla and nutmeg. Serve with warm pudding.
Bread Pudding Tips

What kind of bread should you use to make bread pudding?

Just about any kind of bread you like can be used in bread pudding, but for this (sweeter) recipe, stick with plain breads rather than savory or flavored loaves such as rye or pumpernickel. Bakery breads work exceptionally well—namely, a French or Italian loaf. Many bread pudding recipes will call for "day-old" bread, which is basically bread that has been allowed to dry and become a bit stale. This makes for an almost creamier, custard-like bread pudding, because the bread cubes soak up the liquids in the pudding more.

How can you make bread pudding your own?

The fun thing about bread pudding is that you can jazz it up easily to your liking. Instead of raisins, use dried cranberries, currants, or another dried fruit. Toss in a handful of sliced or blanched almonds. Chocolate, either chopped or in chips, is a delightful addition. Finally, instead of the sauce, drizzle on some store-bought or homemade caramel sauce.

How long will leftovers of bread pudding last?

Stored tightly covered in your refrigerator, bread pudding can last for up to 3 days. Warm it up again in the oven on an oven-safe plate, or reheat it in the microwave. If your bread pudding is sliceable, you can also wrap individual portions and store them in the refrigerator to "grab and go". In the mood for more "cozy" baking treats like bread pudding? Here are some cozy baking contest winners you might like to try!

—Mark Neufang, Taste of Home Culinary Assistant

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 419 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 118mg cholesterol, 534mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.