Why You Need to Try This Heavenly Sourdough Bread Pudding

Are you tired of the same old desserts and craving something new and exciting? Well, you’re in for a treat! Imagine a warm, comforting dessert that’s both easy to make and utterly delicious—yes, we’re talking about Sourdough Bread Pudding. It’s a perfect way to use up leftover sourdough bread while creating a dessert that’s as satisfying as it is simple to prepare.

Not only is this pudding a fun twist on traditional bread pudding, but it’s also a healthier option that you can feel good about. You can easily customize it with your favorite fruits, nuts, or spices to make it uniquely yours. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress your family or guests. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe and turn a humble loaf of bread into something extraordinary! You’re going to love how simple and scrumptious it is!

Choosing the Right Sourdough for Bread Pudding

How to Select the Best Sourdough Bread for Pudding

When you’re picking out sourdough for bread pudding, think about the texture and flavor. The best sourdough should have a firm crust and tangy flavor. This gives your pudding the right balance. You’ll want to choose sourdough with a dense, chewy interior that holds its shape when mixed with the custard. This makes the pudding soft yet sturdy. Also, try to find a loaf that’s a bit on the older side, as it will absorb the custard better. Fresh sourdough can be too soft and will break apart easily. Look for sourdough from a local bakery if possible; it’ll have a richer taste!

Stale vs Fresh Sourdough: Which Works Best?

Stale sourdough is your best bet for making a rich bread pudding!

How to Prepare the Perfect Sourdough Bread Base

Cutting and Cubing Sourdough for an Even Texture

To get the best texture, start by cutting your sourdough into cubes. These cubes should be about one to one-and-a-half inches in size. This ensures they soak up the custard evenly while baking. If the pieces are too small, the bread can become mushy. On the other hand, if they’re too big, the custard won’t penetrate well, leaving you with dry spots. Next, make sure the cubes are evenly sized so the pudding cooks at the same rate throughout. That’s the secret to achieving that perfect, soft texture!

Toasting vs. Untoasted Sourdough: What’s the Difference?

• Toasted Sourdough:
  • Adds crunch and texture
  • Prevents too much moisture absorption
  • Enhances the flavor of the bread
• Untoasted Sourdough:
  • Soaks up more custard for a creamier texture
  • Softer texture overall
  • Ideal for a more traditional, pudding-like consistency

Crafting a Rich and Creamy Custard for Bread Pudding

The Role of Eggs and Dairy in Custard Consistency

When making custard for sourdough bread pudding, the combination of eggs and dairy is essential. Eggs provide structure and richness, while the dairy (milk or cream) ensures it’s smooth and creamy. This mixture is what gives your bread pudding that irresistible, velvety texture. If you want a thicker custard, use more eggs or add a bit of heavy cream. For a lighter version, opt for skim milk or even plant-based milk. The key is to balance the egg-to-dairy ratio for the perfect consistency.

Alternative Custard Options for a Lighter Taste

• Use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
• Swap out some of the cream for Greek yogurt to reduce fat.
• Try using egg whites only for a fluffier, lower-calorie custard.

These alternatives help create a custard that’s still rich in flavor but lighter on the stomach!

Baking Tips for a Golden, Fluffy Sourdough Bread Pudding

Achieving the Ideal Bake Time and Temperature

Baking your sourdough bread pudding at the right temperature is crucial. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for the best results. Then, bake the pudding for about 45-50 minutes. Keep an eye on it, though! The pudding is done when it’s golden brown on top and a knife inserted comes out clean. This balance of heat ensures your pudding is cooked through without drying out. If you prefer a softer texture, you can bake it a little less, but don’t overdo it.

Preventing Over-Browning and Ensuring Even Cooking

• Use foil to prevent early browning
• Rotate halfway through baking
• Keep a close eye on the top for the perfect color

To keep your pudding from over-browning, cover it with foil for the first 30 minutes of baking. After that, remove the foil to allow the top to turn golden. This helps cook the pudding evenly without the risk of burning. Also, if you notice one area is browning too quickly, rotate the dish halfway through baking. These tips will ensure you have a beautifully golden, fluffy result!

Creative Variations for Sourdough Bread Pudding

Incorporating Seasonal Fruits and Nuts

One of the best things about sourdough bread pudding is how easily it adapts to the seasons. You can add fresh fruits like apples, pears, or berries for a sweet, tangy twist. Nuts such as walnuts or pecans add crunch and richness. Simply fold them into the bread mixture before baking. The possibilities are endless! You can mix and match fruits and nuts depending on the time of year. This flexibility makes the recipe even more exciting!

Flavoring Your Pudding with Spices and Extracts

• Cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm, comforting flavor.
• Vanilla extract for a classic, sweet scent.
• Lemon zest for a fresh, bright touch.

Adding spices and extracts is a great way to make your sourdough bread pudding even more flavorful. These additions can really elevate your dessert and make it even more irresistible!

Ingredients

Let’s start with the fun part – the ingredients! Get ready to whip up something delicious and cozy.

Bread Base: 10 oz challah bread or brioche

This is the foundation of your bread pudding! But here’s the twist: instead of the usual white bread, we’re using challah or brioche. These slightly sweet, rich breads add a soft, luxurious texture that makes each bite melt in your mouth. They’ll soak up the custard beautifully, creating that perfect balance of crispy edges and creamy centers.

The Secret Ingredient: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Ah, butter! It’s the secret ingredient that brings everything together. The melted butter adds richness and a subtle flavor to the bread pudding. It also helps that golden brown top form, giving the dessert a little extra crispness on the outside while keeping the inside soft and moist.

Chocolate Delight: 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Chocolate, because why not? The little pockets of gooey chocolate will melt into the custard, adding sweetness and depth of flavor. You can choose dark, milk, or semi-sweet chips, but no matter what, these little bites of chocolate bliss will bring a smile to your face with every forkful.

Creamy Custard Base: 2/3 cup whole milk

This helps create a smooth custard that’s rich and creamy. Whole milk adds a luxurious, velvety texture to the pudding. It’s the base of the custard, making it both flavorful and indulgent.

Extra Richness: 2/3 cup whipping cream

Creamy, dreamy, and oh-so-smooth. Whipping cream adds that extra richness to the custard, giving it the perfect consistency that isn’t too thick or too runny. Trust me, this addition is what makes your bread pudding so irresistible!

Sweetness and Balance: 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Sweetness is key! The sugar brings balance to the custard and helps create a slightly caramelized top that’s simply heavenly. It works hand in hand with the chocolate and orange zest for a balanced, sweet bite every time.

Flavor Enhancement: 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

A touch of salt enhances all the flavors, making the sweetness pop. It’s like a little surprise that ties everything together without being overpowering.

The Binding Agent: 3 large eggs, whisked

Eggs are the magic binding agent. They help thicken the custard, giving the bread pudding structure and that smooth, custardy texture that we all love. You’ll want to make sure they’re well whisked to incorporate air for that light texture.

The Zesty Twist: 2 tablespoons orange zest

Now for the twist! The orange zest will infuse the pudding with a fresh, citrusy zing. It adds brightness and a layer of flavor that pairs perfectly with the chocolate chips, making every bite extra special.

A Splash of Citrus: 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice

In addition to the zest, a splash of orange juice brings a little tang and even more citrus flavor. It enhances the overall taste, making this bread pudding feel fresh and not too heavy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps to make your very own orange chocolate chip sourdough bread pudding.

1. Preheat the oven: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important so that your bread pudding bakes evenly and develops that perfect golden brown top. The oven should be nice and hot by the time you’re ready to pop it in!
2. Prepare the bread: Next, cut your bread into cubes, about 1-2 inches. Spread them evenly in a greased baking dish. This will be the base of your bread pudding, and you want it to absorb the creamy custard mixture without getting too soggy.
3. Mix the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, salt, orange juice, and orange zest. Stir until everything is well combined. The eggs are going to thicken this mixture into a rich, smooth custard that coats the bread perfectly.
4. Add chocolate chips: Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the cubed bread. This is where the magic happens! The chocolate chips will melt into the custard and create little pockets of chocolaty goodness throughout your pudding.
5. Pour the custard over the bread: Slowly pour the custard mixture over the bread and chocolate chips. Press the bread down gently with a spoon to ensure it’s all soaked evenly. Let it sit for a few minutes so the bread can absorb all that custard.
6. Bake and enjoy: Bake your pudding for about 45-50 minutes, or until it’s golden brown on top and the custard is set. You’ll know it’s done when a knife inserted comes out clean. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving – but don’t wait too long, because you’ll want to dig right in!

Serving

Once your orange chocolate chip sourdough bread pudding is ready, it’s time to enjoy it!

This recipe serves about 6-8 people, making it perfect for a cozy family dessert or a small gathering with friends.

To serve, dish it out warm, straight from the oven. It’s just perfect on its own, but you can also add a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.

For a fun twist, serve it with a side of fresh berries or a light fruit salad to balance out the richness.

What to Serve with Orange Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding

• Purple Black Bean Soup Recipe – A hearty, flavorful soup that balances the sweetness of the bread pudding.
• Chicken Dressing Recipe – A savory dish that complements the rich and creamy pudding perfectly.
• Million Dollar Chicken Casserole – A rich and cheesy casserole that makes a great pairing with dessert.
• Banana Porridge Pancakes – A sweet, comforting breakfast that could be served alongside the pudding for extra indulgence.

Tips and Hacks

Here are a few handy tips to make your orange chocolate chip sourdough bread pudding even better:

• Tip 1: If you want a firmer texture, use slightly stale sourdough bread instead of fresh bread. It’ll hold up better and soak up the custard more evenly.
• Tip 2: For an extra burst of orange flavor, try adding a little extra orange juice or zest. It’ll brighten up the flavors and make the pudding even more fragrant.
• Tip 3: Make it your own! Feel free to swap out the chocolate chips for other add-ins like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even white chocolate chips. The options are endless!
• Tip 4: Want to prep ahead? You can assemble the bread pudding the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. Then, just bake it the next day when you’re ready to serve!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size: 1 piece
Calories: 320
Fat: 18g
Carbs: 36g
Protein: 6g
Sodium: 180mg
Fiber: 2g

Please note: These estimates are based on ingredient brands, portion sizes, and preparation methods.

Prep Time

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Please note: These times are estimates based on your oven and ingredient preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make bread pudding out of sourdough bread?

Absolutely! Sourdough bread makes a delicious base for bread pudding. The tangy flavor of sourdough pairs perfectly with the creamy custard. First, you’ll need to cut the sourdough into cubes. Then, soak it in the custard mixture. The bread absorbs all the sweetness and flavor. You’re going to love how the sourdough adds a unique twist to this classic dessert!

What is the biggest mistake you can make with your sourdough starter?

The biggest mistake with a sourdough starter is not feeding it regularly. If you leave it without food for too long, the starter can become weak or inactive. To keep your sourdough starter bubbly and happy, make sure to feed it with flour and water every day. This way, your starter will always be ready to make the best bread or bread pudding.

What is the best bread for bread pudding?

The best bread for bread pudding is slightly stale bread, like challah or brioche. These breads are rich and absorb the custard beautifully, giving your pudding a soft and fluffy texture. You can even use sourdough for a tangy twist! Avoid using fresh bread, as it can get too mushy. Let the bread sit out for a few hours, or use day-old bread for the perfect results!

Why is sourdough bread not fattening?

Sourdough bread is not necessarily fattening because of its unique fermentation process. The natural yeast and bacteria in sourdough break down the flour, making it easier to digest. Plus, it’s lower in sugar and often made with whole grains. While it’s still bread, sourdough can be a healthier option when enjoyed in moderation. So, go ahead and enjoy your sourdough bread pudding without guilt!