Are you ready for a sweet indulgence that defies dessert conventions?
Three Milk Bread Pudding is not just another traditional dessert; it redefines comfort food with its unique blend of flavors and textures. Did you know that bread pudding is often seen as a way to reduce food waste, transforming stale bread into a delightful treat? This recipe takes it a step further by introducing three different types of milk, creating a creamy, rich pudding that’ll leave everyone craving more. Let’s dive into the delicious world of Three Milk Bread Pudding and learn how to make this irresistible dessert.
Ingredients List
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Stale Bread: About 8 cups, cubed. Stale bread is essential for this recipe, as it absorbs the milky mixture without disintegrating. Day-old French bread or brioche works beautifully.
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Sweetened Condensed Milk: One 14-ounce can. This milk adds richness and sweetness, creating that lush texture that is characteristic of this dessert.
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Evaporated Milk: One cup. Evaporated milk adds a unique creamy texture without being overly sweet.
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Whole Milk: One cup. The balance of whole milk rounds out the flavors and adds a nice creaminess to the pudding.
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Eggs: Four large eggs. Eggs act as the binding agent and help create a custardy texture when baked.
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Granulated Sugar: Half a cup. Just the right amount of sugar enhances the overall sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.
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Vanilla Extract: Two teaspoons. This ingredient amplifies the dessert’s aroma and adds a warm, comforting flavor.
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Cinnamon: One teaspoon. A sprinkle of cinnamon brings a lovely warm spice that complements the pudding’s sweetness.
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Salt: A pinch. This may seem minor, but salt heightens the flavors in the dessert.
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Raisins or Chocolate Chips (optional): Half a cup. For an extra texture and flavor profile, add raisins or chocolate chips. They also provide a delightful burst of sweetness.
Timing
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
This straightforward recipe allows anyone, even novice bakers, to whip up a luscious dessert in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed stale bread and optional raisins or chocolate chips. Gently toss to combine.
Step 2: Mix the Milks
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk until fully blended. This trio of milks creates the richness that sets this bread pudding apart.
Step 3: Whisk the Eggs
In another bowl, whisk the eggs until they are light and frothy. This will ensure the pudding has a light texture once baked.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Once the eggs are whisked, add the milk mixture, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt to the eggs. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
Step 5: Soak the Bread
Pour the milk mixture over the bread cubes. Allow the mixture to sit for at least 10-15 minutes, giving the bread a chance to soak up the milky goodness.
Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish
Transfer the soaked bread mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly to ensure an even bake.
Step 7: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden-brown, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Serve
Once done, allow the pudding to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. You can enjoy it warm or at room temperature, and it pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutritional Value / Health Benefits
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Calories: Approximately 300 calories per serving. This amount helps satisfy your sweet tooth without overwhelming your daily caloric intake.
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Protein: About 8 grams. The combination of milk and eggs contributes to a protein-rich dessert, providing nourishment.
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Calcium: Contains over 20% of the recommended daily calcium intake. Essential for strong bones and teeth, calcium is an integral part of a balanced diet.
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Fiber: 2 grams per serving if using whole grain bread. Fiber aids digestion and gives a feeling of fullness, promoting gut health.
By incorporating these ingredients, you achieve not only a delicious dessert but also nutritious benefits.
Healthier Alternatives
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Whole Wheat Bread: Substituting with whole wheat bread will add fiber and nutrients, enhancing the dessert’s nutritional profile without drastically changing the flavor.
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Honey or Maple Syrup: Instead of granulated sugar, use honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener that also enriches the complexity of flavors.
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Almond or Coconut Milk: Use unsweetened almond or coconut milk for a dairy-free version. It will also lend a subtle flavor twist, enhancing the overall profile.
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Reduced-Fat Milk: For a lighter option, you can substitute reduced-fat or skim milk. This swap will reduce calories but may slightly alter the creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
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Toppings: Drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce for an over-the-top dessert experience.
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Fruit Sides: Fresh berries or a fruit compote can add a refreshing contrast to the creamy bread pudding.
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Spiced Whipped Cream: A spiced whipped cream can elevate the flavors while adding a light touch.
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Bread Pudding Parfaits: Layer the pudding with yogurt or ice cream and fresh fruit in a glass for a beautiful presentation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Using Fresh Bread: Avoid using fresh bread; it will become mushy instead of absorbing the custard. Stale bread is your best friend here.
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Skipping the Soaking Time: Do not rush the soaking process. If you skip this step, the bread will not fully absorb the milk mixture, resulting in an uneven texture.
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Overbaking: Keep an eye on the baking time. Overbaking can lead to a dry pudding. Always check with a knife or toothpick to ensure it is just right.
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Not Allowing to Cool: After baking, let it cool for a bit. This allows the pudding to set properly, enhancing the texture.
Storing Tips
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Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Proper storage helps maintain freshness without the growth of harmful bacteria.
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Freezing: For longer storage, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Reheating: Gently reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, which may make the pudding rubbery.
Conclusion
Three Milk Bread Pudding is an awe-inspiring dessert that combines the best of classic bread pudding with a luxurious twist. With its creamy, rich texture and hints of cinnamon and vanilla, it’s sure to delight your palate. Try this recipe today, and don’t forget to leave a review or comment; I would love to hear how it turned out for you!
FAQs
- A: Q: Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?
- A: Absolutely! Brioche, croissants, or even whole grain bread can offer unique flavors and textures, making the dessert your own.
- B: Q: Can I make this bread pudding in advance?
- A: Yes! You can prepare it the day before and bake it the next day. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- C: Q: Is it possible to make a vegan version of this bread pudding?
- A: Yes, use plant-based milks, flaxseed meal for eggs, and sweeteners like maple syrup to create a delicious vegan alternative.
Three Milk Bread Pudding
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy dessert made with stale bread and a blend of three types of milk for an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
- 8 cups stale bread, cubed
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup raisins or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed stale bread and optional raisins or chocolate chips. Gently toss to combine.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk until fully blended.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs until light and frothy.
- Add the milk mixture, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt to the eggs and whisk thoroughly.
- Pour the milk mixture over the bread cubes. Allow to soak for at least 10-15 minutes.
- Transfer the soaked bread mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the top is golden-brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve warm or at room temperature, topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: bread pudding, dessert, three milk, creamy pudding, comfort food