Best Slow Cooker Bread Pudding Recipe

This article explores various slow cooker bread pudding recipes, focusing on ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and serving suggestions. Whether you're looking for a traditional recipe or want to try variations with condensed milk, apples, or vanilla sauce, you’ll find everything you need here.

Bread Pudding recipe

What Makes Slow Cooker Bread Pudding Special?

Slow cooker bread pudding is beloved for its rich texture and comforting flavors. The slow cooking allows the bread to soak up the custard mixture fully, resulting in a moist and flavorful dessert. Plus, using a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it while your home fills with the enticing aroma of baking spices.

Basic Ingredients for Slow Cooker Bread Pudding

Before diving into specific recipes, let’s cover the essential ingredients you'll need for any bread pudding:

• Bread: 8 cups of day-old bread (French or brioche works best)
• Eggs: 4 large eggs for binding
• Milk: 2 cups (whole milk or cream for richness)
• Sugar: ½ to 1 cup (brown sugar adds depth)
• Butter: ¼ cup melted
• Spices: 1 teaspoon cinnamon and ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• Vanilla Extract: ½ teaspoon for flavor
• Add-ins: Optional ingredients like raisins, apples, or chocolate chips

Grease the inside of the slow cooker with butter.

• Mix the Custard:

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

• Combine:

Add the cubed bread to the custard mixture and gently stir until the bread is well coated. If using, fold in the raisins or chocolate chips.

• Cook:

Pour the mixture into the greased slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or until the pudding is set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

• Serve:

Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm, optionally topped with whipped cream, ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Pro Tip:

Using stale or day-old bread is crucial as it absorbs the custard better than fresh bread. If you only have fresh bread, consider toasting it slightly before using it.

Now, let’s explore some irresistible recipes!

Classic Slow Cooker Bread Pudding Recipe

Let’s kick things off with a classic recipe that showcases the traditional flavors of bread pudding.

Ingredients

• - 8 cups cubed day-old French bread
• - 4 large eggs
• - 2 cups whole milk
• - 1 cup granulated sugar
• - ¼ cup melted butter
• - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• - ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• - ½ cup raisins (optional)

Instructions

- Grease the inside of your slow cooker with butter or non-stick spray.

- Place the cubed bread and raisins in the slow cooker, spreading them evenly.

- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla until smooth.

Cover the bread cubes with the custard mixture. To make sure every piece is coated, gently swirl.

- Cover and cook on low for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

- Allow it to cool slightly before serving warm with whipped cream or ice cream.

Pro Tip:

Variations of Slow Cooker Bread Pudding

1. Apple Cinnamon Slow Cooker Bread Pudding

1. Follow steps 1 and 2 from the classic recipe.
2.  Add diced apples to the slow cooker along with the cubed bread.
3. Prepare the custard mixture as before and pour it over the apple-bread mixture.
4. Cook as directed in the classic recipe.

Toss apples in a bit of lemon juice before adding them to prevent browning and enhance their flavor!

2. Condensed Milk Bread Pudding

•  All ingredients from the classic recipe
•  Replace regular milk with one can (14 oz) of sweetened condensed milk mixed with one cup of water

1.  Prepare your slow cooker as usual.
2.  Combine all ingredients but replace regular milk with sweetened condensed milk mixture.
3. Follow cooking instructions as before.

Top with toasted coconut flakes during the last hour of cooking for added texture!

3. Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding

For chocolate lovers, this variation is sure to please!

• All ingredients from the classic recipe
• Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the mixture

1. Prepare your slow cooker and combine all ingredients.
2. Stir in chocolate chips before pouring over the bread.
3. Cook as per classic instructions.

Serve with a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an indulgent dessert!

4. Vanilla Sauce Topped Bread Pudding

This variation focuses on a creamy vanilla sauce that complements your pudding perfectly.

• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

1.  In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
2. Whisk for approximately 5 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the sauce slightly thickens.
3. Serve warm over individual portions of bread pudding.

Make this sauce ahead of time and warm it up just before serving!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve mastered various recipes for slow cooker bread pudding, let’s discuss how to serve this delightful dessert:

• Warm Toppings: Drizzle warm caramel or chocolate sauce over each serving.
• Ice Cream Pairing: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creaminess that balances out the warm pudding.
• Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream can enhance flavors without overpowering them.
• Fresh Fruits: Berries or sliced bananas add freshness and contrast to rich flavors.

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), here's how to store them properly:

1. Allow your bread pudding to cool completely.
2. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days.
3. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until warmed through or place in an oven at low heat until heated thoroughly.

 Pro Tip:

Leftover bread pudding can also be transformed into breakfast! Simply reheat and serve with yogurt or fresh fruit for a delicious start to your day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

While you can use almost any bread, brioche, challah, and French bread are preferred for their texture and flavor.

It typically takes about 2.5 to 3 hours on low heat, depending on your slow cooker.

• What are some common mistakes to avoid when making bread pudding in a slow cooker?

Avoid using fresh, soft bread as it may become too mushy. Also, don't skip greasing the slow cooker to prevent sticking.

Certainly! You can prep the ingredients ahead of time and refrigerate them overnight. Then, cook everything in the slow cooker the following day.

Use plant-based milk like almond or coconut milk and replace eggs with flaxseed or chia seed mixtures.

 Conclusion

Slow cooker bread pudding is not just a dessert; it's an experience that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. With its simple preparation and endless variations—from classic recipes to creative twists—this dish is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're enjoying it as a sweet ending to dinner or as a cozy breakfast treat, you'll find that each bite is filled with nostalgia and joy.

Have you tried making slow cooker bread pudding? Comment below with your preferred variants or advice! If you enjoyed this article, don’t forget to share it with friends who would love to indulge in this comforting dessert! Happy cooking!