Amish Bread Pudding

Introduction

Amish Bread Pudding is a timeless comfort dessert that brings together rustic charm and rich flavors, embodying the resourcefulness and culinary traditions of the Amish community in the United States. This dessert transforms humble ingredients—stale bread, eggs, milk, sugar, and warm spices—into a luscious, silky treat that evokes nostalgia and homey warmth. Its origins lie in the practical mindset of early American settlers, who sought to minimize food waste by repurposing leftover bread into a satisfying sweet dish. Today, Amish Bread Pudding remains an enduring favorite across generations, cherished for its simplicity, hearty texture, and comforting aroma. It’s a perfect way to use up day-old bread, turning everyday ingredients into a dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite. As featured on Love With Recipes, this recipe is crafted to ensure you get the most flavorful, authentic, and satisfying experience possible, whether you enjoy it for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or cozy weekend treats.

Time

The total preparation and cooking time for Amish Bread Pudding is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. This includes about 30 minutes for soaking the bread, 10 minutes for mixing and assembling, and approximately 45-55 minutes for baking. The process is straightforward, but allowing the bread to soak properly ensures a moist, tender, and evenly textured pudding. For best results, plan ahead to give the bread enough time to absorb the flavorful custard, resulting in a dessert that’s silky, rich, and perfectly baked.

Needed Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish (glass or ceramic)
• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Whisk or hand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife or bread tearing tool
• Cutting board
• Greasing utensil (such as butter or non-stick spray)
• Oven
• Cooling rack (optional)
• Serving utensils (spoons or dessert forks)
• Optional: spatula for serving

Tags

Comfort Food, Classic Dessert, Amish Cuisine, Bread Recipes, Custard, Frugal Cooking, Easy Dessert, Family Favorite, Homemade, Rustic

Serving Size

Each serving of Amish Bread Pudding is approximately 1 cup. This recipe yields about 12 generous servings, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.

Difficulty Level

Intermediate. While the steps are straightforward, achieving an evenly baked, moist, and flavorful pudding requires attention to detail during soaking, mixing, and baking. Basic baking skills such as measuring accurately, mixing well, and oven handling are recommended.

Allergen Information

Note: This recipe contains common allergens such as eggs, dairy, and gluten. Always inform guests of potential allergens if serving in a group setting.

Dietary Preference

This recipe is suitable for lacto-vegetarian diets. It is not vegan due to the presence of eggs and dairy. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free bread and verify all ingredients. Adjust sugar content as necessary for low-sugar or diabetic-friendly versions.

Course

Dessert

Cuisine

American, Amish

Ingredients

Ingredient List in Tables

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Bread

Begin by tearing or cutting your stale bread into approximately 1-inch cubes. The size of the bread pieces influences how well the custard penetrates and how the final texture turns out. For a more rustic feel, irregular torn pieces are ideal, while uniform cubes give a neat appearance. Place the bread pieces into a large mixing bowl and set aside. If your bread has a thick crust, you can remove it if you prefer a softer pudding, but leaving it on adds texture and flavor.

Step 2: Making the Custard Mixture

In a medium bowl, crack the four eggs and whisk thoroughly until the yolks and whites are fully combined. This ensures a smooth custard base. Add the 2 cups of milk, the melted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Whisk all ingredients together vigorously for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is uniform, slightly frothy, and well blended. The sugar should be fully dissolved, and the spices evenly distributed. This custard mixture forms the flavorful liquid that will soak into the bread, transforming it into a luscious pudding.

Step 3: Combining Bread and Custard

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the torn bread in the baking dish. Use a spatula or a gentle swirl motion to ensure all bread pieces are coated and submerged in the custard. If you desire additional flavor and texture, sprinkle in your choice of optional add-ins such as raisins, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries. These ingredients add bursts of sweetness, crunch, or chewiness, elevating the dessert’s complexity.

Step 4: Resting and Absorption

Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. During this resting period, the bread absorbs the custard mixture, swelling slightly and becoming tender. This step is crucial for achieving a moist, custardy texture and ensures that the pudding bakes evenly with a silky consistency. If you are short on time, you can skip this step, but the texture might be slightly less refined.

Step 5: Baking

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and place the baking dish in the oven. Bake uncovered for approximately 45-55 minutes. The pudding should be puffed and golden on top, with a slight jiggly center that sets as it cools. To test for doneness, insert a knife or toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the pudding is ready. For a more caramelized top, you can broil it for an additional 1-2 minutes, but watch carefully to avoid burning.

Step 6: Serving

Allow the Amish Bread Pudding to rest for about 10 minutes after baking. Serve warm with optional toppings such as whipped cream, caramel sauce, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm pudding pairs beautifully with cold, creamy toppings, enhancing its indulgent appeal. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven for best results.

Preparation Tips

• Use bread that is at least a day old for better absorption. Fresh bread can be too soft and may become soggy.
• Adjust sugar levels based on your sweetness preference or dietary needs. For a less sweet version, reduce the sugar to 1/2 cup.
• For richer flavor, substitute half of the milk with heavy cream or half-and-half.
• Enhance aroma with freshly grated nutmeg or a splash of bourbon or rum in the custard.
• For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts or dried fruits before baking.
• If you prefer a firmer pudding, bake it a few minutes longer, but avoid overbaking to prevent dryness.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• Use a mix of bread types to add depth of flavor—whole wheat, French bread, or even croissants work well.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond, soy, or coconut milk, and use vegan butter or margarine.
• Adjust spices to your taste—adding a pinch of ground cloves or allspice can enhance the warm flavor profile.
• To make ahead, prepare the pudding up to the baking stage, refrigerate overnight, and bake fresh the next day.
• For a more decadent dessert, drizzle caramel sauce or melted chocolate over the serving.

Add-ons

• Fresh berries or fruit compote
• Whipped cream or vanilla bean ice cream
• Caramel or chocolate sauce
• Chopped toasted nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds)
• Dusting of powdered sugar or cocoa powder

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad for a light contrast
• Warm spiced apple compote
• Vanilla or caramel sauce drizzle
• Homemade whipped cream
• Serving with a hot beverage like coffee or spiced tea enhances the experience

Improvements

• Incorporate seasonal fruits—apples, berries, or pumpkin—for variation
• Use brown sugar for a richer, caramel-like flavor
• Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the custard for depth
• Top with streusel or crumb topping before baking for added crunch
• Opt for gluten-free bread to accommodate special diets

Save and Store

Leftover Amish Bread Pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 30-60 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10 minutes. For longer storage, freeze individual servings wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as desired.

FAQ

Can I make Amish Bread Pudding vegan?

Yes, substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives such as almond or coconut milk, vegan butter, and use flaxseed or chia seed eggs as replacements for chicken eggs. Adjust spices and flavorings accordingly.

Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread?

While fresh bread is not ideal because it lacks the dryness needed to absorb the custard effectively, you can dry out fresh bread slices in the oven at low temperature (around 300°F) for about 10-15 minutes to mimic stale bread.

How can I make this dessert healthier?

Reduce sugar, use whole wheat or gluten-free bread, incorporate more fruits and nuts, and opt for low-fat milk or dairy alternatives. You can also add spices like ginger or cardamom for flavor without extra sugar.

What are suitable substitutions for nuts and dried fruits?

Fresh fruits such as sliced apples or berries can be used. Seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds add crunch. For allergies, omit nuts and dried fruits or replace with allergen-friendly options.

Conclusion

Amish Bread Pudding stands as a testament to the ingenuity and frugal spirit of traditional American baking. Its rich, custardy texture, infused with warm spices and customizable add-ins, makes it an enduring comfort food that appeals to all ages. Whether enjoyed warm straight from the oven or chilled the next day, it offers a nostalgic taste of Americana rooted in resourcefulness and simplicity. Perfect for using up day-old bread, this dessert transforms humble ingredients into a luxurious treat that feels both satisfying and homey. With the tips, tricks, and variations shared here, you can adapt the recipe to suit your dietary preferences, enhance its flavor, or elevate its presentation, making it a versatile addition to your dessert repertoire. Remember, at Love With Recipes, we aim to bring you authentic, flavorful, and memorable culinary experiences—this Amish Bread Pudding is no exception.

References

• “The Amish Cook: Simple, Satisfying, and Traditional Recipes,” by Elizabeth Coblentz.
• “Classic American Desserts,” Food Network Recipes and Traditions.