Irish Soda Bread Pudding is a cozy, satisfying dessert that transforms traditional Irish soda bread into a creamy, custard-filled delight. Perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, this dish is a sweet and tangy twist on classic bread pudding.
Each bite is soft, rich, and warmly spiced, making it an irresistible treat to share with loved ones.
The recipe is wonderfully simple, using common ingredients and minimal preparation. With a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar, this dessert becomes a holiday favorite you’ll want to make year after year.
Contents
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups cubed Irish soda bread
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup raisins or currants (optional)
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Pro Tips for Perfect Irish Soda Bread Pudding
- Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale soda bread works best as it absorbs the custard mixture more evenly.
- Soak Thoroughly: Allow the bread to sit in the custard for at least 15 minutes to ensure every piece is saturated.
- Adjust Sweetness: Add 1-2 tablespoons of brown sugar for a richer flavor if desired.
- Optional Toppings: Enhance the flavor with a drizzle of caramel or whiskey sauce, or serve with whipped cream.
- Prevent Overbaking: Check the pudding at the 40-minute mark; it should be set but still soft.
Substitutions and Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free Irish soda bread to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute milk and cream with coconut milk or almond milk.
- Add Nuts: Toss in 1/4 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
- Fruit Alternatives: Replace raisins with dried cranberries or chopped dates for a different flavor.
- Boozy Twist: Add a splash of Irish cream or whiskey to the custard mixture for a festive kick.
Make Ahead Tips
- Assemble the bread pudding up to 6 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Yield: 6-8 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Cuisine: Irish-Inspired Dessert
Full Ingredient List
- 4 cups cubed Irish soda bread
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup raisins or currants (optional)
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. - Make the Custard:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and well combined. - Prepare the Bread:
Place the cubed Irish soda bread in the greased baking dish. If using raisins or currants, sprinkle them evenly over the bread. - Soak the Bread:
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are coated. Let the dish sit for about 15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid. - Bake the Pudding:
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the pudding is set and golden brown on top. - Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the bread pudding warm, optionally drizzled with caramel sauce or dusted with powdered sugar.
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