By Dr. Jorge, Ph.D.
Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen subscription box for sourdough breads, fresh pastas, and artisanal pastries.
Choosing the right bread is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and flavor in bread pudding. If you’re struggling to create a dessert that's crisp on the outside and moist on the inside, we’re here to help. Read on to discover the best bread for bread pudding and how to avoid common pitfalls in your recipe.
What is bread pudding made of? What are the ingredients for bread pudding?
Bread pudding is a baked dish made with slightly stale bread and a custard mixture. The core ingredients of bread pudding are cubed bread, eggs, milk, sugar, and butter. Some recipes also call for raisins, cinnamon, chocolate chips, or vanilla extract. Since making bread pudding involves soaking bread in a milk and egg (custard) mixture, the type and freshness of the bread are crucial to achieve the right texture.
Is stale bread the best for bread pudding? Why does bread need to be stale for bread pudding?
Stale bread is the best type of bread to use for bread pudding. Stale bread, having dried out, holds its shape better when soaked in custard. In contrast, fresh bread is more likely to fall apart and become soggy. If you only have fresh bread on hand, you can speed up the drying process by cubing and toasting it in the oven until it reaches a light golden brown.
Is sourdough bread good for bread pudding?
Sourdough bread is a great choice for bread pudding and is one of the best breads to use in bread pudding. This is because sourdough bread is hearty and sturdy, so it won’t fall apart while soaking in a custard mixture. The tangy flavor of sourdough bread can also add a unique depth to bread pudding recipes.
Is whole wheat bread good for bread pudding?
Whole wheat bread can be used for bread pudding, but it works best when it is slightly stale. If your whole wheat bread is too fresh, toasting it before soaking it in the custard mixture can help you get better results. If you want to use an even sturdier bread, you can opt for whole wheat sourdough bread or whole wheat french bread.
What is the best bread for bread pudding?
The best bread to use in bread pudding is slightly stale or day-old bread. Stale bread will be dryer than fresh bread and won’t fall apart or get soggy while soaking in the egg/milk mixture. This will ensure the bread will hold its shape while still soaking up the delicious custard mixture. It is recommended to use sturdier breads for bread pudding such as challah bread, brioche bread, sourdough bread, or french bread.
Why does my bread pudding fall after I take it out of the oven? Why does my bread pudding go flat?
There are a few reasons why bread pudding may fall apart after baking. This might happen because the bread used in the pudding was too fresh or the pudding was baked at too high a temperature. Fresh bread will not be able to absorb custard the way stale bread will. Instead, the bread will get soggy and fall apart due to the higher moisture content in fresh bread compared to stale bread, which has dried out. If the pudding is baked at a higher temperature, the outside of the bread can brown while keeping the inside of the bread doughy and uncooked. This can cause the bread pudding to collapse as it cools after baking. The recommended baking temperature for bread pudding is 350° F.
How do you keep raisins from sinking in bread pudding?
If you have issues with raisins sinking to the bottom of your bread pudding dish, you can try lightly tossing them in flour before adding them to the batter. This will create a coating around the raisins which will help them to stick to the mixture and allow the raisins to stay evenly distributed throughout the bread pudding.
Why is my bread pudding soggy?
Bread pudding can become soggy for a variety of reasons. This can happen if you use the wrong kind of bread, add too much custard, bake the pudding at too high a temperature or not long enough, or over-soak the bread. Using bread that is not sturdy or cannot keep its form while soaking in the custard because it has not dried out, can lead to a soggy bread pudding. Similarly, adding too much liquid to the bread pudding can lead to a soggy texture. If you bake the bread pudding at too high of a temperature or for too short a time, the pudding won’t set properly and can become mushy. Lastly, if you soak the bread for longer than the recipe requires, it can lead to the bread being over-saturated and soggy.
Is bread pudding considered healthy?
Bread pudding is not considered healthy since the core ingredients are high in fat and sugar. However, you can make bread pudding healthier by using more nutritious breads (like sourdough or whole wheat bread) and reducing the sugar content. Bread pudding can still be enjoyed while maintaining a healthy lifestyle by being mindful of portion size and pairing high-nutrient foods, like yogurt, with your bread pudding.
Where can I buy the best bread for bread pudding online?
At Wildgrain, we specialize in making high-quality, fresh breads that are delivered directly to your door. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen delivery subscription service for breads, rolls, pastries, and fresh pastas. Some of our popular breads that can be used to make bread pudding include sourdough demi baguette, sourdough loaf, brioche sandwich loaf, and sourdough whole wheat. Learn more about Wildgrain and our artisanal baking and cooking methods.
About the Author
Dr. Jorge has been a public health researcher for many years, holding both a Bachelor's degree and a Ph.D. in Chemistry. They presently work as a medical writer and love being able to assist others in understanding various health and scientific topics.
This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns.
