This baked custard bread pudding is a comforting dessert made with simple pantry ingredients. Soft bread cubes are soaked in a creamy vanilla custard, gently cooked, then baked until set and chilled for the perfect sliceable texture. It is rich, mildly sweet, and ideal for both everyday desserts and special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to prepare and does not require eggs, making it suitable for many dietary preferences. It uses basic ingredients that are often already available at home. The pudding has a smooth, creamy texture with soft bread pieces and crunchy nuts on top. It can be made ahead of time and served chilled, making it convenient for gatherings. It is also easily customizable with different nuts or flavorings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

White bread slices, 6 slices, cut into medium cubes
Full cream milk, 2 cups (500 ml), at room temperature
Vanilla custard powder, 2 tablespoons
Granulated sugar, 4 tablespoons
Butter or ghee, 1 tablespoon, plus extra for greasing
Mixed chopped nuts (almonds and cashews), 3 tablespoons
Raisins, 1 tablespoon
Extra sliced almonds and cashews for topping, 2 tablespoons

Directions

1. Cut the bread slices into medium-sized cubes and keep them aside.
2. In a bowl, add 1 cup of milk and the vanilla custard powder. Whisk well until the custard powder is fully dissolved and smooth.
3. Add the remaining 1 cup of milk and sugar to the bowl. Whisk again until the sugar dissolves completely.
4. Heat butter or ghee in a pan over medium heat. Pour in the custard milk mixture and cook while stirring continuously until it comes to a gentle boil and thickens slightly.
5. Switch off the heat. Grease a microwave-safe baking pot or dish with butter or ghee.
6. Add the bread cubes to the hot custard mixture and mix lightly so the bread absorbs the custard without breaking.
7. Add chopped nuts and raisins, then gently mix again.
8. Pour the mixture into the greased pot and level the top. Sprinkle extra almonds, cashews, and raisins over the surface.
9. Bake in a microwave or oven at 180°C for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pudding is set.
10. Remove from the oven and let it cool at room temperature. Refrigerate for about 1 hour to set completely.
11. Cut into pieces and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6 servings.
Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes.
Cooking and baking time is about 30 minutes.
Chilling time is 1 hour.

Variations

You can add a pinch of cardamom powder or cinnamon to the custard for extra flavor. Chopped pistachios can be used along with or instead of almonds and cashews. For a richer taste, replace part of the milk with fresh cream. You can also add finely chopped dates or dried figs for natural sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

Store the custard bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dessert is best enjoyed chilled. If you prefer it warm, reheat individual portions gently in the microwave for a few seconds, being careful not to overheat as it may dry out.

FAQs

Can I use brown bread instead of white bread?

Yes, brown bread can be used, but the texture will be slightly denser compared to white bread.

Can I make this recipe without nuts?

Yes, you can skip the nuts entirely or replace them with dried fruits of your choice.

Can this pudding be baked in a conventional oven?

Yes, it can be baked in a preheated oven at 180°C using the same baking time.

How do I know the pudding is fully baked?

The pudding is done when the center is set and no longer liquid when gently shaken.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

Yes, you can adjust the sugar according to your taste preference.

Is custard powder necessary?

Custard powder is essential for thickening and flavor, but you can experiment with cornstarch and vanilla if needed.

Can I prepare this pudding in advance?

Yes, it can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator until serving.

Why should the milk be at room temperature?

Room temperature milk helps the custard powder dissolve smoothly without lumps.

Can I add fruits to this pudding?

Yes, small pieces of apple, banana, or dried fruits can be mixed in, but avoid very watery fruits.

Can this recipe be doubled?

Yes, simply double all ingredients and use a larger baking dish, adjusting baking time slightly if needed.

Conclusion

Custard bread pudding is a simple yet satisfying dessert that transforms everyday bread into a creamy baked treat. With its smooth custard base, soft texture, and crunchy nut topping, it is a recipe that is easy to make and loved by all ages. Whether served chilled or slightly warm, it is a comforting dessert worth adding to your regular recipe collection.

Print