Texas-Style Bread Pudding: A Simple Yet Classic Dessert Recipe

In the heart of Texas, where everything is bigger and bolder, there's one dessert that remains timeless in its simplicity and comfort: bread pudding. Often considered a classic comfort food, this humble dessert has roots that stretch across generations of home bakers. And while Texas is known for its BBQ and Tex-Mex, Texans also have a special place for desserts like bread pudding, a dish that perfectly embodies the warmth and hospitality of the state.

Photo bypinkowlkitchen.com

Bread pudding in Texas is more than just a way to use up stale bread; it's a celebration of tradition. Whether served at family gatherings, holiday feasts, or as a sweet treat after Sunday dinner, this dish holds a special spot in many Southern kitchens. With a few ingredients and a little time, anyone can whip up a homemade version that captures the essence of Texas-style comfort.

Texas-Style Simple Bread Pudding Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 cups day-old bread, torn into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups whole milk
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
• 2 tbsp butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
3. Add the torn bread pieces to the milk mixture and stir gently to ensure all the bread is soaked in the liquid. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
4. If using, fold in the raisins and then pour the mixture into the greased baking dish.
5. Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the bread pudding.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. For an extra indulgence, serve with a drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

The Sweet Taste of Texas Tradition

This simple bread pudding captures the spirit of Texas in every bite. It’s a dessert that brings back memories of childhood, family dinners, and celebrations. The creamy, custard-soaked bread, with hints of vanilla and cinnamon, creates a rich, yet down-to-earth dessert that’s satisfying without being overly complicated. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or dress it up with raisins or caramel, this dessert will always find a place at the table in a Texan household.

It’s not just the taste that makes this dish special, it’s the comfort it brings—a reminder that sometimes, the simplest recipes are the ones that leave the most lasting impressions.

Sources:

How to Bake Buttery Bread Pudding | A Decadent Dessert Recipe (texasrealfood.com)

Bread Pudding Recipe (southernliving.com)

The BEST Bread Pudding Recipe - Pink Owl Kitchen