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KFC Bread Pudding: A Culinary Throwback

My first encounter with bread pudding wasn’t at a fancy bakery or a cozy grandma’s kitchen; it was at KFC. As a kid, I’d strategically leave room after demolishing my crispy fried chicken, solely for that little square of warm, cinnamon-spiced sweetness. It was an unexpected delight amidst the savory feast, and it sparked a lifelong love for this humble dessert. Recreating that specific KFC bread pudding at home has become a cherished quest, a comforting journey back to simpler, tastier times.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
Total Time: 20-23 minutes
Servings: 6
Yield: 1 (8×8 inch) pan
Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

6 buttermilk biscuits (from KFC or a box mix)
½ cup brown sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
¾ cup milk

For the Icing:

1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon milk
Powdered sugar

Equipment Needed

8×8 inch baking pan
Large bowl
Small bowl
Whisk or fork
Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan. This prevents the bread pudding from sticking and ensures easy removal after baking.
Prepare the biscuit base: Break the buttermilk biscuits down into crumbs. Aim for a mixture of textures; leave some chunks no larger than a quarter for added heartiness. You can achieve this by hand or using a food processor for a quicker process.
In a large bowl, combine the crumbled biscuits with ½ cup of brown sugar and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of sweetness and spice. This will ensure every bite is a flavor explosion.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the 2 eggs, ½ teaspoon of vanilla, and ¾ cup of milk. Whisk until the mixture is well combined and slightly frothy.
Pour the wet ingredients (egg mixture) into the bowl with the dry ingredients (biscuit crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon). Stir until everything is completely mixed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tougher bread pudding. The mixture should form a thick batter.
Adjust consistency if needed: If you prefer a less dense bread pudding, add a little more milk to the batter until it reaches your desired consistency. Remember, the original KFC bread pudding is fairly dense, so a thicker batter is truer to the original.
Pour the batter into the prepared 8×8 inch baking pan. Spread it evenly to ensure uniform baking.
Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-18 minutes. Keep a close eye on it.
Check for doneness: The bread pudding is ready when it’s lightly golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil during the last few minutes of baking.
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before icing. This prevents the icing from melting completely and disappearing into the bread pudding.
Prepare the icing: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of milk together until the butter is completely melted. Stir until smooth.
Gradually add powdered sugar to the melted butter and milk mixture, whisking continuously until you achieve a thin, drizzle-able consistency. Start with a small amount of powdered sugar and add more as needed.
Drizzle the icing generously over the slightly cooled bread pudding. Cut into squares and serve warm.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Biscuit Quality: The quality of your buttermilk biscuits will significantly impact the final taste. Using fresh, high-quality biscuits (whether from KFC or homemade) is highly recommended. If using a boxed mix, consider adding a touch of buttermilk powder for a more authentic flavor.
Spice it up: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon to your liking. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a more complex flavor profile.
Make it Ahead: The bread pudding can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator overnight. Simply bake it the next day, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if necessary.
Preventing a Soggy Bottom: Make sure your oven is properly preheated. This helps the bread pudding cook evenly and prevents the bottom from becoming soggy. Also, avoid overmixing the batter, as this can develop the gluten in the biscuits and result in a denser texture.
Icing Consistency: Adjust the amount of powdered sugar to achieve your desired icing consistency. For a thinner icing, add a little more milk. For a thicker icing, add more powdered sugar.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the bread pudding warm, ideally within a few hours of baking, for the best texture and flavor. It’s delicious on its own or accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Leftover bread pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving. To reheat in the oven, cover the bread pudding with foil to prevent it from drying out. You can also freeze the bread pudding for longer storage. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Frozen bread pudding can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator and reheated as above.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	327.8 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	121 g	37%
Total Fat	13.4 g	20%
Saturated Fat	4.8 g	24%
Cholesterol	80.2 mg	26%
Sodium	665.5 mg	27%
Total Carbohydrate	44.8 g	14%
Dietary Fiber	0.1 g	0%
Sugars	17.8 g	71%
Protein	7.4 g	14%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Variations & Substitutions

Spice Variation: Enhance the warmth with a dash of ground nutmeg or allspice in the biscuit mixture.
Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for added texture and flavor.
Fruity Indulgence: Stir in dried cranberries or raisins for a touch of sweetness and chewiness.
Icing Alternatives: Instead of powdered sugar icing, try a simple glaze made with maple syrup or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and milk alternatives like almond or soy milk. Be aware that this may affect the final taste and texture.
Gluten-Free: Although harder to replicate the exact taste, substitute the biscuits with a gluten-free biscuit recipe or gluten-free bread.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use day-old biscuits for this recipe?
A: Yes, day-old biscuits work perfectly fine! They’ll soak up the wet ingredients even better, resulting in a moist bread pudding.

Q: Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe?
A: Absolutely. Reduce the brown sugar to your liking, but keep in mind it will impact the overall sweetness. You could also substitute with a sugar alternative.

Q: How do I prevent the bread pudding from getting too dry?
A: Be careful not to overbake it. Check for doneness using a toothpick, and remove it from the oven as soon as it’s ready.

Q: Can I add other ingredients, like chocolate chips or fruit?
A: Of course! Feel free to customize the bread pudding with your favorite additions. Chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even a sprinkle of nuts would be delicious.

Q: What is the best way to reheat leftover bread pudding?
A: Reheat gently in the microwave in 30-second intervals, or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.

Final Thoughts

This KFC bread pudding recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a journey down memory lane. The familiar spices, the comforting texture, and the sweet icing evoke a sense of nostalgia. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the original or simply looking for a unique and satisfying treat, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. Share your creation with loved ones, and don’t hesitate to put your own spin on it. Bon appétit!

Kfc Bread Pudding Recipe