Decadent Vanilla Cinnamon Challah Bread Pudding
Indulge in the comforting flavors of our Decadent Vanilla Cinnamon Challah Bread Pudding, a beloved dessert perfect for breaking the fast on Yom Kippur. This delightful bread pudding combines chunks of soft challah with a creamy custard made from a blend of evaporated milk, whole milk, and half-and-half, creating a rich, moist texture. Infused with warm vanilla and fragrant cinnamon, this recipe brings a touch of tradition and warmth to your table. Optional additions of sweet apples and plump raisins provide bursts of flavor, making each bite a delightful experience. Enjoy it warm, or chilled for a refreshing dessert, this bread pudding is sure to be a favorite in your home for years to come. Serve it dusted with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar and cinnamon for a beautiful presentation!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Challah
10 cups (Cut into chunks)
Evaporated milk
1 (12-ounce) can (None)
Whole milk
1 cup (None)
Half-and-half
1 cup (None)
Eggs
8 (Lightly beaten)
Granulated sugar
1 cup (None)
Unsalted butter
1/2 cup (Melted & cooled)
Vanilla extract
2 teaspoons (None)
Ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (None)
Baking powder
2 teaspoons (None)
Salt
1/8 teaspoon (To taste)
Apples
2 cups (Peeled, coarsely chopped (optional))
Raisins
3/4 cup (Optional)
Powdered sugar
2 tablespoons (To taste)
Ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (To taste)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9"x13" baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2
In a large mixing bowl, add the chunks of challah bread, ensuring they are distributed evenly.
3
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, whole milk, half-and-half, lightly beaten eggs, granulated sugar, melted and cooled butter, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
4
Pour the rich custard mixture over the bread chunks, making sure all the bread is soaked through. Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the liquid.
5
If desired, fold in the chopped apples and raisins gently, ensuring they're evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
6
Transfer the bread mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula.
7
For a delightful finishing touch, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar and a sprinkle of additional cinnamon.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the top is slightly golden and the pudding has set in the center.
9
Allow the pudding to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This dish can be enjoyed warm or chilled, as both options provide a delightful taste.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Vanilla Cinnamon Challah Bread Pudding?
It is a comforting dessert made with chunks of soft challah bread soaked in a rich custard of evaporated milk, whole milk, and half-and-half, flavored with vanilla and cinnamon.
What type of bread is best for this recipe?
Challah bread is the primary ingredient, cut into 10 cups of chunks to provide a soft and absorbent base for the custard.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) before baking.
What size baking dish is required?
A lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How many eggs are needed for the custard?
This recipe calls for 8 eggs, which should be lightly beaten before being mixed into the dairy.
What dairy products are used in the custard mixture?
The custard uses a blend of one 12-ounce can of evaporated milk, 1 cup of whole milk, and 1 cup of half-and-half.
How long should the bread soak in the custard?
After pouring the custard over the bread, let it sit for about 10 minutes to ensure all the bread is soaked through.
Can I add fruit to the bread pudding?
Yes, you can optionally fold in 2 cups of peeled, coarsely chopped apples and 3/4 cup of raisins.
What is the total baking time?
Bake the pudding for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the top is slightly golden and the center has set.
How should the pudding be served?
It can be enjoyed either warm or chilled, making it a versatile dessert option.
Is this recipe suitable for Yom Kippur?
Yes, it is a beloved traditional dessert often used for breaking the fast on Yom Kippur.
How do I prepare the butter for the recipe?
Use 1/2 cup of unsalted butter that has been melted and allowed to cool before whisking it into the custard.
What spices provide the main flavor profile?
The primary flavors come from 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and ground cinnamon.
Does the recipe require a leavening agent?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of baking powder are included in the custard mixture.
How should I finish the top of the bread pudding?
Dust the top lightly with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and an extra sprinkle of cinnamon before or after baking.
How many cups of challah are needed?
You will need approximately 10 cups of challah cut into chunks.
How much sugar is in the pudding?
The recipe uses 1 cup of granulated sugar in the custard.
How long should I let it cool before serving?
Allow the bread pudding to cool for at least 5 minutes before serving.
Should I peel the apples if I use them?
Yes, the recipe recommends peeling and coarsely chopping the 2 cups of apples.
What is the purpose of the 10-minute resting period?
The resting period allows the bread chunks to absorb the liquid custard mixture for a better texture.
How do I grease the baking dish?
You can lightly grease the 9x13 dish with butter or cooking spray.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe specifically calls for unsalted butter, but if using salted, you may want to reduce the additional salt.
How much cinnamon goes into the custard?
One teaspoon of ground cinnamon is mixed directly into the custard mixture.
What is the texture of this bread pudding?
It has a rich, moist, and creamy texture due to the combination of three types of milk and 8 eggs.
Are the raisins required?
No, the 3/4 cup of raisins is an optional addition.
How much salt is used?
The recipe calls for 1/8 teaspoon of salt, or more to taste.
Can I use a different type of bread?
While challah is traditional and recommended for its soft texture, you could substitute other enriched breads like brioche.
Is this a traditional Jewish dessert?
Yes, it is categorized with tags like Jewish and traditional, and is noted as a Yom Kippur favorite.
How do I know the center is set?
The center is set when it no longer jiggles significantly and the top is slightly golden.
What equipment do I need for the custard?
You will need a large mixing bowl and a whisk to combine the milk, eggs, sugar, and spices.