Silky Rich Custard Bread Pudding with Vanilla Bean and Cranberries

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Elevate your brunch game with this Silky Rich Custard Bread Pudding, a sophisticated take on the classic comfort dessert. As a pastry chef, I believe the secret lies in the golden custard-to-bread ratio, achieved by adding an extra egg yolk for that professional-grade creaminess. Infused with the delicate aroma of real vanilla bean and punctuated by the tart sweetness of dried cranberries, every bite offers a luxurious texture that melts in your mouth. This isn’t just a way to use up leftover bread; it’s a meticulously crafted dessert that balances simplicity with artisanal flair. Whether served warm from the oven or chilled, it’s the ultimate treat for those who crave a bakery-quality experience at home.

Bread Pudding

Bread Pudding is a cozy, comforting dessert made with soft bread, eggs, milk, and a touch of sweetness. It’s a great way to use up leftover bread and can be customized with your favorite add-ins — from raisins and chocolate chips to fruit or flavored syrups.
This easy recipe is especially kid-friendly, making it a perfect choice for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. The result is soft, custardy, and lightly crisp on top — warm and satisfying for all ages.
Whether you’re baking for little ones or simply want a quick, fuss-free dessert, this bread pudding is a delicious go-to that turns simple ingredients into something special.
Servings 2 people
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 0 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking Dish
  • Whisk

Ingredients

  • 2 slices white bread (cut into 2-inch squares)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 20 g castor sugar (1-1/2 tablespoon)
  • 80 ml milk (4 tablespoons)
  • 1/2 vanilla bean (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
  • 2 teaspoons dried cranberry (or raisin, optional)
  • 1 teaspoon icing sugar (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C)

Make egg-milk mixture

  • Cut the vanilla bean half and scrape seeds into a medium bowl.
  • Add the egg, egg yolk, and castor sugar into the bowl, and stir gently to combine.
  • In another bowl, sift the egg mixture into the bowl, and add milk to mix well.

Soak bread in the egg-milk mixture:

  • Place the bread into an 8×4-in baking dish.
  • Pour the mixture evenly over the bread in the dish. Press the bread into the mixture with hands until all of the milk is absorbed.
  • Set aside for 5 minutes to soak.

Baking

  • Sprinkle some cranberry over the top. (optional)
  • Baking at 300°F for 15 minutes, until the liquid has set.
  • Remove from the oven and cool slightly before serving.

Serve the Bread Pudding

  • Decorate by sprinkling a thin layer of icing sugar over the top, and serve warm.
  • Finish and enjoy
Calories: 450kcal
Course: Pastry
Cuisine: Western
Keyword: baked pudding, bread dessert, easy family dessert, kid-friendly baking, use leftover bread

Cooking & Storage Tips

  • For the most custard-like interior, let the bread squares soak in the egg-milk mixture for at least 15-20 minutes before baking. This ensures the center is completely saturated and stays incredibly moist, preventing the pudding from becoming dry or bread-like.
  • Don’t just scrape the seeds! Rub the vanilla seeds into the sugar before whisking in the milk and eggs. This helps the aromatic oils distribute evenly throughout the custard, ensuring a deep, fragrant profile in every single bite.

Tools & equipment you may need

Ovens

Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Compact

Baking Dish

Au Gratin Baking Dishes

Last Updated on 2026-04-30

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