Easy Peach Bread Pudding: A Comforting Dessert Recipe
Looking for a delicious and easy dessert to make with minimal effort and maximum flavor? Peach Bread Pudding is the perfect answer! This dessert combines the classic comfort of bread pudding with the sweet, juicy flavor of fresh peaches, creating a dessert that’s both heavenly and simple to prepare. Whether you’re baking for a family dinner, a holiday feast, or just a cozy night at home, this bread pudding will surely steal the spotlight.
🍑 Why You’ll Love Peach Bread Pudding
Bread pudding is one of those classic desserts that never goes out of style. When you add peaches into the mix, it takes the dish to a whole new level of sweetness and warmth. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and a simple baking process, you can have this mouthwatering dessert ready in no time.
Deliciously Comforting: The combination of day-old bread, creamy custard, and juicy peaches makes this dish the epitome of comfort food.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, bringing a dish to a potluck, or craving a warm dessert, this bread pudding fits any occasion.
Versatile: You can use fresh peaches when in season, or rely on canned peaches for a more convenient option. You can also substitute other fruits like apples or berries if preferred.
🧑🍳 Ingredients for Peach Bread Pudding
To make this delightful dessert, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Ingredients:
4 cups day-old bread (French bread or brioche works great): Day-old bread is ideal because it absorbs the custard mixture better than fresh bread. It also gives the bread pudding a slightly chewy texture that’s to die for.
2 cups fresh peaches (peeled and chopped) or 1 can of peach slices, drained: Fresh peaches add a juicy, sweet burst of flavor, but canned peaches are a great substitute for convenience.
1 1/2 cups whole milk: Adds creaminess to the custard base.
1/2 cup heavy cream: Makes the custard extra rich and indulgent.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard just enough to balance the peaches and bread.
3 large eggs: The eggs bind the custard together and help it set as it bakes.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, fragrant note to the pudding.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The perfect spice to complement the sweetness of the peaches.
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds depth to the flavor with its earthy warmth.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness of the dessert.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Provides a rich finish and a slight crispy texture on top of the pudding.
Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting or whipped cream for serving: These are great for topping off your bread pudding with extra sweetness and indulgence.
🍽️ Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Peach Bread Pudding
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Peach Bread Pudding that will have everyone asking for seconds:
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature will help the custard set while giving the bread a chance to absorb the flavors. Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish (or a similar-sized casserole dish) with butter or cooking spray to prevent the pudding from sticking as it bakes.
2. Prepare the Bread and Peaches
Next, cut your bread into cubes. You can use any stale bread like French bread or brioche for the best texture. Place the cubes in the prepared baking dish.
If you’re using fresh peaches, peel and chop them into small pieces. If you’re opting for canned peaches, simply drain and chop them. Scatter the chopped peaches evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish.
3. Make the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the following ingredients until fully combined:
Whole milk
Heavy cream
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
A pinch of salt
Whisk until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved completely. This custard will be poured over the bread cubes to soak them and create the rich, creamy base of the pudding.
4. Combine Bread and Custard
Once your custard is ready, pour it evenly over the bread cubes and chopped peaches. Be sure that all the bread cubes are soaked in the custard mixture. Gently press the bread down into the liquid to ensure everything is fully saturated.
Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the bread pudding. This adds a bit of extra richness and will help the pudding develop a slightly crispy golden top as it bakes.
5. Bake the Bread Pudding
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake the bread pudding for 40-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. You can test whether it’s ready by inserting a toothpick into the center — it should come out clean when the pudding is done.
The result should be a beautifully golden crust with a creamy, custard-filled center. The bread should be soft and sponge-like, with a slight crunch on top from the melted butter and caramelized sugar.
6. Serve
Let the bread pudding cool for a few minutes before serving. You can serve it warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
For a little extra indulgence, you can dust the top with powdered sugar or serve it with a dollop of whipped cream. If you’re feeling extra fancy, you could even add a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted nuts.
🍴 Tips for Making the Best Peach Bread Pudding
Use Day-Old Bread: Day-old bread works best for this recipe because it has the perfect texture to absorb the custard mixture. If you use fresh bread, it can get too soggy and may not hold up as well.
Feel Free to Experiment with Other Fruits: While peaches are the star of this recipe, you can substitute them with apples, berries, or even bananas for a different twist.
Add Some Crunch: If you love a little crunch in your dessert, try adding a topping of chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) or granola before baking.
Make Ahead: This bread pudding can be made in advance! Simply prepare the dish and cover it with plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge overnight, and bake it the next day. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in the oven until warmed through.
🎉 Final Thoughts on Peach Bread Pudding
Peach Bread Pudding is a comforting, indulgent dessert that combines the best of bread pudding with the sweet, juicy goodness of peaches. Whether you’re using fresh, seasonal peaches or canned peaches for convenience, this recipe is easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering.
With its rich custard, soft bread, and golden crust, this dessert is the perfect way to end any meal. Serve it warm with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent treat that everyone will love.
Next time you’re craving something warm and sweet, give this Peach Bread Pudding a try. It’s the ultimate dessert for family dinners, holiday feasts, or whenever you need a comforting treat to share with loved ones.