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Yummy Peach Bread Pudding

The scent of peaches and cinnamon always takes me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. She had this knack for transforming simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary, and her bread pudding was legendary. I remember standing on a stool, watching her meticulously cube the bread, the sweet aroma of ripe peaches filling the air. Each bite was like a warm hug, a reminder of her love and the joy of simple pleasures. Now, I carry on her tradition, adding my own little twist to this comforting classic.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8-10
Yield: 1 (13×9 inch) baking dish
Dietary Type: Comfort Food

Ingredients

1 baguette (about 1 lb.) or 1 crusty French bread (about 1 lb.)
2 cups canned peaches, drained, or 2 cups frozen peaches, thawed
5 eggs
¾ cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
4 cups milk
2 teaspoons vanilla

Equipment Needed

13×9 inch glass baking dish
Large bowl
Whisk
Spatula
Knife
Cutting board

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, butter a 13×9 inch glass baking dish. This prevents the bread pudding from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
Prepare the bread. Cut the baguette or French bread into 1-inch cubes. You should end up with approximately 10-12 cups of cubed bread.
Place the bread cubes into the buttered baking dish. Add the peaches (drained canned peaches or thawed frozen peaches) to the dish and gently toss the bread and peaches together until evenly distributed.
In a large bowl, prepare the custard. Whisk together the eggs, packed brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until well combined and smooth. This mixture forms the base of the bread pudding and gives it its rich, comforting flavor.
Gradually whisk in the milk and vanilla into the egg mixture until everything is fully incorporated.
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and peaches in the baking dish.
Using a spatula, gently press the bread down into the liquid, ensuring that all the bread cubes are well coated with the custard. This step is crucial for achieving a moist and delicious bread pudding.
Let the bread pudding stand at room temperature for about 10 minutes, or until the bread is thoroughly soaked through with the custard mixture. This allows the bread to absorb the liquid and prevents it from being dry after baking.
Bake the bread pudding in the preheated oven for about 55 minutes, or until it is puffed and golden brown. To check for doneness, insert a knife into the center of the bread pudding; it should come out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it loosely with foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
Remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Day-old bread is ideal for this recipe, as it absorbs the custard better than fresh bread. However, make sure the bread isn’t stale, as it can make the bread pudding tough. If using fresh bread, you can lightly toast the cubes in a low oven (200°F) for about 15 minutes to dry them out slightly.
For a richer flavor, use whole milk or even half-and-half instead of milk. You can also add a splash of heavy cream to the custard mixture.
If using canned peaches, ensure they are well-drained and patted dry before measuring. This prevents the bread pudding from becoming too soggy.
To prevent the top from browning too quickly, tent the baking dish with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a tablespoon of bourbon or rum to the custard mixture.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the peach bread pudding hot or warm. It’s delicious on its own, but you can also enhance it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Leftover bread pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or oven until heated through. You can also freeze individual portions for longer storage, thawing them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	384.6 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	84 g	22%
Total Fat	9.4 g	14%
Saturated Fat	4.1 g	20%
Cholesterol	149.3 mg	49%
Sodium	457.1 mg	19%
Total Carbohydrate	61.3 g	20%
Dietary Fiber	2.5 g	10%
Sugars	23.9 g	N/A
Protein	13.5 g	27%

Variations & Substitutions

Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of cardamom to the custard mixture for a warmer, more complex flavor.
Use different fruit: Substitute the peaches with other fruits like apples, berries, or pears. Adjust the spices accordingly (e.g., use apple pie spice with apples).
Chocolate chips: As the original recipe suggests, add 1 cup of chopped white chocolate or white baking chips with the peaches for a decadent treat.
Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free baguette or bread. Ensure that the flour you use is also gluten-free.
Dairy-free: Substitute the milk with almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use stale bread for this recipe?
A: While day-old bread is ideal, truly stale bread might be too dry. If your bread is very dry, consider soaking it in the custard for a longer period to ensure it’s properly moistened.

Q: Can I make this bread pudding ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the bread pudding a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Add the baking time to the cooking time so it will bake through.

Q: My bread pudding is browning too quickly. What should I do?
A: Tent the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking to prevent the top from burning.

Q: Can I freeze the bread pudding?
A: Yes, you can freeze individual portions of the baked bread pudding. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q: What is the best way to reheat bread pudding?
A: You can reheat bread pudding in the microwave for a quick fix, or in the oven for a more even warming. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Final Thoughts

Peach bread pudding is more than just a dessert; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is simple enough to master and impressive enough to share. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the aroma of peaches and cinnamon fill your kitchen. I encourage you to try this recipe, add your own personal touches, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Pair it with a warm cup of coffee or a glass of sweet dessert wine for the ultimate indulgence. Enjoy!

Yummy Peach Bread Pudding Recipe