Bread to Bliss: Irresistible Bread-Based Desserts for Every Occasion

Transform the humble loaf into a range of irresistible desserts that will leave your taste buds dancing. While bread has long been a kitchen staple, its potential as a base for decadent treats often goes unnoticed. Perfect for any occasion, bread desserts are easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re saving a stale loaf or simply craving something sweet, these bread desserts are sure to surprise and delight!

1. Classic Bread Pudding

You can have Chocolate Pudding anytime you want, try this instead. It’s sweet, soft, and satisfyingly indulgent, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an after-dinner treat.

Ingredients:

• 300 gm of stale bread (preferably sturdy bread like brioche, French bread, or challah)
• 500 ml of whole milk
• 100 ml of heavy cream
• 100 gm of granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 5 ml vanilla extract
• 50g raisins (optional)
• 5 gm ground cinnamon
• 50 gm butter (for greasing)
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Method:

• Preheat your oven to 180°C. Grease a medium baking dish with butter.
• Tear the bread into bite-sized chunks and place them in the dish. You can leave the crusts on for extra texture.
• Whisk together the milk, cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. If you’re feeling extra cozy, add a pinch of nutmeg.
• Pour the mixture over the bread and gently press down to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid. Sprinkle the raisins over the top if you’re using them.
• Let it sit for 10 minutes to soak.
• Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden in 180°C and set. The top should be slightly crisp, while the inside remains custardy.
• Dust with powdered sugar and serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

2. French Toast Casserole

The French toast casserole: a make-ahead breakfast or dessert that brings the sweet, cinnamon-infused goodness of French toast without the fuss. Loved Oreo Lasagna? You need to try this casserole recipe too.

Ingredients:

• 400 gm of thick-sliced bread (brioche or white bread)
• 6 large eggs
• 400 ml whole milk
• 100 ml heavy cream
• 100 gm brown sugar
• 5 gm ground cinnamon
• 2 gm nutmeg (optional)
• 5 ml vanilla extract
• 50 gm butter (melted)
• 50 ml maple syrup
• Fresh berries or fruit for topping (optional)

Method:

1. Grease a large baking dish and preheat your oven to 175°C.
2. Arrange the bread slices in the dish, slightly overlapping them like roof tiles.
3. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring every piece is soaked.
5. Drizzle the melted butter over the top, followed by the maple syrup.
6. Cover with foil and refrigerate for at least an hour (or overnight, if prepping for brunch).
7. Bake at 175°C for 30 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.
8. Serve with fresh berries, powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream.

3. Bread Trifle

If you like Truffle Cake, try this dessert that almost rhymes in name. Trifle is a dessert masterpiece that layers custard, fruit, and cake. But why not use bread for a quirky twist? This bread trifle is perfect for summer picnics, garden parties, or when you want something that looks fancy but is secretly easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 200 gm of white bread (crusts removed and cut into cubes)
• 300 ml of whole milk
• 150 ml heavy cream
• 50 gm caster sugar
• 300 gm mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• 100 gm berry jam (or any fruit jam of choice)
• 50 ml orange liqueur (optional)
• 5 ml vanilla extract
• 1 packet of instant vanilla custard (or 500ml homemade custard)
• 100 ml whipped cream (for topping)
• 50 gm toasted almonds (optional)

Method:

1. Prepare the custard as per the packet instructions or make your own from scratch if you’re feeling extra fancy.
2. Layer the bread cubes at the bottom of a trifle dish. If using, drizzle orange liqueur over the bread to soak.
3. Spread a thin layer of jam on top of the bread, followed by half of the mixed berries.
4. Pour half the custard over the berries and bread, smoothing it out with a spoon.
5. Repeat the layers (bread, jam, berries, custard) until the dish is full.
6. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with toasted almonds for crunch.
7. Chill for at least 1-2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.