Can I make this bread pudding ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pudding the night before and refrigerate it. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
DESSERT
Hearty Irish Soda Bread Pudding with Raisins and Vanilla Custard
Give your leftover Irish soda bread a delicious second life as a comforting, satisfying dessert. This recipe transforms humble bread into a rich pudding, studded with plump raisins and generously soaked in a luscious vanilla custard. It's a wonderfully cozy treat, perfect for any occasion.
HOW TO MAKE IT
Let's cook.
01
Lightly grease an 8x8 inch baking dish. Arrange the cubed Irish soda bread and raisins evenly in the prepared dish.
02
In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
03
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the soda bread and raisins, ensuring all bread cubes are moistened. Gently press down the bread to help it absorb the liquid.
04
Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes to allow the bread to fully soak up the custard.
05
Bake the bread pudding in a 350°F/175°C oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
06
Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
About This Recipe
Give your leftover Irish soda bread a delicious second life as a comforting, satisfying dessert. This recipe transforms humble bread into a rich pudding, studded with plump raisins and generously soaked in a luscious vanilla custard. It's a wonderfully cozy treat, perfect for any occasion.
Simple ingredients.
Big flavor.✦
Big flavor.✦
Chef's Tips
For extra flavor, soak the raisins in a tablespoon of Irish whiskey or hot tea for 15 minutes before adding them to the pudding. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg to the custard for a warmer spice profile.
Easy Substitutions
If you don't have Irish soda bread, challah or brioche can be used as a substitute. Dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots can replace raisins. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and cream alternatives, and a flax egg substitute.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bread pudding covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. It also pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
Common Mistakes
1. Using fresh bread: This leads to a soggy texture. Always use stale bread. 2. Not soaking long enough: The bread won't absorb enough custard, resulting in dry spots. Ensure at least 15 minutes of soaking. 3. Overbaking: This can make the pudding dry and rubbery. Bake until just set and golden. 4. Not greasing the dish: The pudding will stick, making it difficult to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of Irish soda bread should I use?
Plain, unsweetened Irish soda bread works best. If your soda bread is sweet, you might want to reduce the sugar in the custard slightly.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would be a delicious addition. Add about 1/4 cup along with the raisins.
MORE TO KNOW
The key to a great bread pudding is using slightly stale bread. Fresh bread tends to get soggy, while stale bread absorbs the custard beautifully, resulting in a rich, tender texture. Don't rush the soaking step; it's crucial for the bread to fully absorb the liquid, preventing a dry pudding. If your soda bread is very dry, you might need to increase the soaking time slightly.
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