Cozy Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding Recipe for Sweet Comfort

Comfort arrives with this delectable cinnamon raisin bread pudding that whispers sweet memories of grandmother’s kitchen.

Warm spices mingle with soft, custardy bread, creating a dessert that feels like a hug.

Raisins nestle between layers of soft bread, adding bursts of natural sweetness.

Each bite promises rich, nostalgic flavors that transport you to cozy afternoons.

Creamy textures and aromatic cinnamon dance together in a harmonious blend of simple ingredients.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction with this classic dessert that never disappoints.

FAQs

• Why use challah bread for this recipe?

Challah’s rich, eggy texture and soft crumb make it perfect for bread pudding. It absorbs liquid beautifully and creates a luxurious, custardy consistency that elevates the entire dessert.

• Can I make this bread pudding without raisins?

Yes, you can skip the raisins or substitute them with other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped dates. The recipe is flexible and will still taste delicious without them.

• How do I know when the bread pudding is fully baked?

The pudding is done when the top is golden brown and slightly crispy, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. The edges should be set, while the middle remains slightly soft and custardy.

Why Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding Is a Cozy Treat

• Comfort Food Champion: Dive into a classic dessert that wraps you in warmth with its rich, custardy texture and sweet cinnamon-raisin embrace.
• Crowd-Pleasing Simplicity: Craft an impressive dessert without complex techniques, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Versatile Serving Sensation: Enjoy as a decadent breakfast treat, cozy afternoon snack, or elegant dinner party dessert that impresses without overwhelming.
• Ingredient Flexibility: Customize with different bread types, swap raisins for other dried fruits, or add nuts for extra crunch and personal flair.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding

• Challah Bread: A rich, eggy bread that provides the perfect base for this comforting dessert.
• Eggs: These bind the pudding together and create a smooth, custardy texture.
• Milk: Adds richness and helps create a creamy consistency in the bread pudding.
• Heavy Cream: Provides extra richness and contributes to the luxurious mouthfeel of the dessert.
• Raisins: Sweet dried fruits that add bursts of flavor and chewy texture throughout the pudding.

• Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice that gives the bread pudding its signature cozy flavor and aroma.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and adds depth to the dessert's flavor profile.

• Granulated Sugar, Water, Butter: These ingredients help create the sweet base and assist in softening the raisins and binding the pudding together.

• Glaze Components: Whisked together to create a sweet topping that complements the bread pudding.

Baking Instructions for Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab your 9×13 baking dish and give it a generous coating of grease to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Plump the Raisins

Toss raisins, water, butter, and cinnamon into a saucepan. Fire up the heat to medium-high and let the mixture bubble away.

Watch the raisins swell and grow until they’re looking plump and juicy. Once they’ve reached peak puffiness, pull the pan off the heat.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Base

• Eggs
• Milk
• Heavy cream
• Vanilla extract
• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well-blended. Fold in the raisin mixture, liquid and all, creating a luxurious custard.

Step 4: Soak the Bread

Tumble the cubed challah bread into the creamy mixture. Make sure every single cube gets a good bath in the liquid.

Let it sit and soak for about 10 minutes, allowing the bread to drink up all that delicious flavor.

Step 5: Prep for Baking

Transfer the soaked bread mixture into the greased baking dish.

Drape a sheet of aluminum foil over the top to keep things moist.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the covered dish into the oven.

Bake for 50 minutes, then remove the foil and let it continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until it’s golden and set.

Step 7: Finish with a Glaze

Whip up a quick glaze by mixing the ingredients.

Drizzle it over the warm pudding right before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.

Tips for Moist and Flavorful Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding

• Soak bread thoroughly to ensure maximum flavor absorption and a soft, custardy texture throughout the pudding.
• Use day-old challah bread for best results, as slightly stale bread absorbs the liquid mixture more effectively and creates a more consistent pudding.
• Allow the bread pudding to rest for 10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier without falling apart.
• Enhance the dish's richness by serving warm with a drizzle of vanilla glaze or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and gently reheat in the microwave or oven before serving to maintain its delicious texture.

Delicious Variations of Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace challah bread with gluten-free bread cubes or almond flour bread for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Comfort: Substitute eggs with mashed bananas or silken tofu, use plant-based milk and coconut cream instead of dairy, and swap butter with coconut oil.
• Tropical Fusion: Add shredded coconut and chopped macadamia nuts to the mixture, replace water with coconut milk, and garnish with fresh mango chunks.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated sugar, incorporate sugar-free dried cranberries, and reduce overall sugar content while maintaining flavor.

Pairing Suggestions for Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding

• Select a sweet dessert wine like Sauternes or late-harvest Riesling to complement the bread pudding's rich cinnamon and raisin flavors. The wine's honeyed notes will beautifully enhance the dessert's sweetness.
• Brew a warm mug of chai tea with its aromatic spices that mirror the cinnamon in the pudding. The tea's cardamom, ginger, and clove undertones will create a harmonious flavor experience.
• Pour a small glass of bourbon or aged whiskey alongside the bread pudding. The whiskey's caramel and vanilla undertones will wonderfully accentuate the dessert's warm, comforting profile and provide a delightful counterpoint to the sweet pudding.

Storage Advice for Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
• Freeze: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Bread pudding can be frozen for maximum 2 months without losing quality.
• Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place pudding in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, checking temperature midway.
• Microwave Option: Place single serving on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute warmth evenly. Stop when pudding reaches desired temperature, typically 45-60 seconds total.

Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Silky cinnamon raisin bread pudding brings warmth from traditional French dessert techniques. Home bakers will savor rich custard-soaked bread layered with sweet spices and creamy textures you’ll crave repeatedly.

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Ingredients

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• 1 loaf stale challah bread (cut into cubes)
• 5 large eggs
• 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
• 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (150 g) seedless raisins
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated white sugar
• 2 tbsps (28 g) unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 cup (240 ml) water

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. In a saucepan, combine raisins, water, butter, and cinnamon over medium-high heat. Simmer until raisins plump and expand, then remove from heat.
3. Whisk eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla, sugar, and ground cinnamon in a large mixing bowl until smooth and well-integrated. Fold in the raisin mixture, including the cooking liquid.
4. Add cubed challah bread to the liquid blend, ensuring complete saturation. Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes, allowing bread to absorb the flavors and liquid completely.
5. Transfer the soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to maintain moisture during initial baking.
6. Bake the covered pudding for 50 minutes in the preheated oven. Uncover and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top turns golden and slightly crispy.
7. Prepare the glaze by whisking the designated ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over the warm bread pudding just before serving to enhance its richness and presentation.

Notes

• Soak bread thoroughly to ensure maximum flavor absorption and prevent dry, crumbly texture.
• Experiment with different bread types like brioche or day-old croissants for varied richness and texture.
• Adjust sweetness by reducing sugar or using alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for dietary preferences.
• Toast raisins briefly before adding to enhance their natural caramelized flavor and prevent them from becoming too soft during baking.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 343 kcal
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg