Bread pudding is one of the most delicious desserts in existence, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to refrigerate it. But, does bread pudding need to be refrigerated? Before you store your bread pudding, learn how to properly store it and for how long so you can enjoy it for a long time.
You can keep bread pudding at room temperature for 3 days, but it’s safest stored in a refrigerator as it will last a long time when refrigerated. Bacteria can grow in any food held at a warmer than 40-degree temperature, so keeping your bread pudding in the refrigerator will help ensure its freshness.
However, a lot of people believe that because a pudding is already cold, it does not need put in the refrigerator. This is only half true and needs to be put into the fridge for two reasons.
The first reason is that your Bread Pudding needs to be refrigerated because custard sauce recipes are considered egg-based; therefore they should always be chilled as opposed to room temperature.
Secondly, when you put Bread Pudding into the refrigerator it will help keep the moisture level in check with less expansion and less chance of spillage.
What is bread pudding?
Bread pudding is a pudding made with bread pieces, which are soaked in broth and layered with different types of fruits, spices, and sugar.
It is easy to make since bread pieces can just be added to the batter while cooking, unlike other dishes that called for careful preparation and marinating of meat.
The ingredients from different locations vary depending on the recipe but the root of what is bread pudding is still maintained.
Moreso, it is can be served warm or cold. Its texture is like a soft, sweet custard or stuffing. The only difference between this and other desserts is that bread pudding contains cubes of bread instead of cake, cookies, or pie crusts.
A typical bread pudding recipe consists of cubes (or slices) of bread that are soaked in milk and eggs and it is generally baked either in an oven or on top of the stove.
How to store bread pudding
There are several bread pudding storage methods you can use, the following are the most common and effective methods:
Stored in an airtight container or Tupperware
The best way to store bread pudding is in an airtight container or zippered seal bag. You can leave it at room temperature, as long as you put it in the fridge and consume it within one to three days.
Cover the top of the pudding with plastic wrap
A perfect way to store bread pudding is to cover the top with plastic wrap. This will keep your bread pudding fresh for several days so that you can make your way through each scrumptious serving. Also, it will not get soggy as easily as it might if it sat out for a few hours or days uncovered.
However, covered bread pudding can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Store in a refrigerator
You can store this bread pudding for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve it, remove it from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature. Then, heat it in a 350° oven for about 30 minutes.
Put it into the freezer
Wrap it very carefully in plastic wrap and put it into the freezer. It’s wise to use a plastic freezer bag for storage because even if you have baked your bread pudding a couple of hours ahead of time, and it has become cold, remains flexible and can be rolled up and put into the freezer.
Additionally, to freeze leftover bread pudding, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before placing it in the freezer.
Wrapping the bread pudding in aluminum foil
If you have leftovers, wrap the bread pudding tightly in aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze for up to six weeks. To reheat, remove from the freezer and thaw before warming in a microwave or oven.
How long does bread pudding last?
The shelf life of Bread Pudding depends to a large extent on storage conditions – bread pudding will last much longer in a cool or dry place, such as your basement. The shelf life of bread pudding purchased from the store can vary widely and is generally one or two months.
Fresh bread pudding should be eaten within 3 days after preparation while it’s still fresh while Bread pudding made with leftover bread will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
However, Bread Pudding will keep at room temperature for 2 – 4 days.
Though sliced bread pudding can last up to 4 days and whole loaves will hold up for 1 to 2 weeks when stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container after cutting. Keeps longer in the freezer, while the smell lasts up to 1 month.
Does bread pudding need refrigeration?
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The bread pudding will go bad if not kept in the refrigerator. According to the USDA food safety guidelines, you should refrigerate bread puddings and various other desserts within 2 hours of serving. When it is made with actual dairy products. The dairy products will spoil without proper refrigeration and therefore, so will the bread pudding.
Alternatively, bread pudding doesn’t need to be put in the refrigerator, although most people do because they think it’s less likely to spoil. Bread pudding is much safer at room temperature than many dairy desserts that are stored in the refrigerator because bread pudding only contains milk and eggs. Bread pudding does best at room temperature because it’s easier to eat when you can cut it with a fork.
At these temperatures, bread pudding can stay fresh for about 3 days. In contrast, if placed in a refrigerator, bread pudding must be refrigerated immediately after it’s prepared because it must be consumed within one day. It’s best to enjoy your bread pudding while it’s still at room temperature so you can enjoy its full flavor without having to worry about foodborne illness.
How long will bread pudding keep in refrigerator?
It depends on storage conditions – in other words, bread pudding that has been refrigerated at or below 40°F will keep safely for about 3 to 5 days. Before serving, allow pudding to come to room temperature and reheat in a 300-degree oven for about 10 minutes.
Additionally, a pudding made with less bread will keep well longer.
However, according to the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), leftover bread pudding should be thrown away after 2 days. Also, the federal government recommends cooking this dessert at a temperature of 325 degrees Fahrenheit to kill any dangerous bacteria that may be present in the ingredients.
Is bread pudding better the next day?
Bread pudding is an excellent dish to make ahead, as it tastes even better the next day after all of the flavors have had a chance to meld.
It gets better with age. The stale bread reabsorbs the custard, so more of the alcohol from the vanilla pod and brandy intensifies. It gets more delicious the next day.
However, if you are preparing it at a dinner party and most of your guests will not be there the next day you should make it a day ahead of baking it, just to make sure it tastes fresh. Bread pudding tastes great with whipped cream and caramel sauce, so enjoy your dessert.
How long can bread pudding sit out?
If you are serving it fresh, keep it in an insulated container on your counter. Bread pudding can sit out for at least 4 hours before spoiling (the longer it sits the less, the faster it spoil).
However, It can be served warm or cold and usually sits better if chilled. The amount of time a bread pudding stays good for varies depending on the recipe, but the typical period can be anywhere from 2 – 3 days to 3 – 4 days or even longer only if it has been frozen. The longevity of the bread pudding depends on its ingredients and preparation method.
Moreso, commercial bread puddings in cans might be good for up to 6-8 months if the pudding is preserved inside an air-tight container.
How long does bread pudding take to cook?
Bread pudding is a hearty dessert. It can be eaten as breakfast or dessert. Bread pudding recipe preparation time depends on the recipe and your own egg bread pudding recipes but it will take some times like 10 to 30 minutes.
As a general rule, one hour is required per pound of bread and eggs used in your bread pudding recipe. This can be reduced to 45 minutes if you are using fairly fresh bread that contains less moisture.
Bread pudding ingredients are various such as cream, eggs, butter, sugar and there are many more. However, the type of bread you use will determine the texture of your dessert. Pudding that uses slices of soft white bread produces a very moist dish.
Turkey, raisin, and challah bread all make good custard bases as they have large amounts of loose crumbs that can absorb liquid and eggs better than their denser counterparts.
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Bread pudding problems
One problem that can occur in making bread pudding is that the pudding can be too runny.
Another problem can be that while it is cooking, the bottom of the pan can get burnt or stick to the pan.
The pudding may be savory, sweet, or both depending on the recipe.
Is bread pudding healthy?
Bread pudding is indeed healthy. High in carbohydrates bread pudding does not have many calories.
It is nutritious and healthy for your heart as it is one of the foods on the American Heart Association’s diet that helps promote health by reducing bad cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol. In addition to containing fiber, bread puddings also have vitamins and minerals.
Bread pudding provides less than 1 gram of fat, is an excellent source of thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B6, a good source of calcium, iron, and zinc, and a very good source of dietary fiber.
It is low in sodium and contains no cholesterol or saturated fat.
Is bread pudding bad for you?
Some bread puddings also contain alcohol such as whiskey. Bread pudding is not a healthy dessert as it is often high in fat, calories, and carbohydrates.
Moreso, there are many variations on this classic dessert, such as whiskey bread pudding, topped with a variety of sweet syrups. It can have as little as 200 calories, but some creamy desserts might have up to 1000 calories and 40 grams of fat.
However, in some instances, it could potentially be unhealthy and high in calories. This is because some recipes use ingredients that are not in their natural states like white bread infused with sugar and butter, or made with an excessive amount of sugar, as well as an excessive amount of calories which can be harmful to one’s health.
Is bread pudding served warm or cold?
Bread pudding is served warm. If served warm, bread pudding is a sweet dessert composed of bread slices or bread that has been soaked in a liquid (e.g. milk, cream, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg) combined with sugar and beaten eggs or egg yolks then baked until it forms a custard.
When served warm, bread pudding is soft and gooey and when served cold, bread pudding is crusty and firm.
Finally, sometimes it’s served warm, sometimes it’s chilled. It all depends on your mood.
How to Reheat Bread Pudding
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You can freeze uncooked roast beef. It is even a good idea to do so if you do not plan on using the meat right away. If you freeze the meat in advance and then thaw it when you are ready to use it, it will be just as fresh as if you had never frozen it at all.
You can Microwave in a glass pie plate or shallow bowl at 100% power for 3 minutes, stir then microwave at 50% power until hot – about 5-10 minutes. You can also reheat bread pudding in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
To warm directly from frozen, remove the pan from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. If you have cooked your pudding in individual ramekins, microwave for about 45 seconds to a minute–just enough time for it to begin to steam and feel warm to the touch.
How Long Does Bread Pudding Take to Cook
Your bread pudding will be done when the center no longer appears wet and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
If your bread was stale, it might take up to an hour to bake through, but if it’s fresh, it should only take about 45 minutes. Let the bread pudding rest for 10 minutes before serving to set the custard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can bread pudding be left unrefrigerated?
Yes, bread pudding can be left outside for several hours at room temperature without going bad.
However, If it is vegan and does not contain eggs or dairy products, it can remain on the counter for two hours before becoming a safety issue.
Does bread pudding keep overnight?
Bread pudding can keep well overnight. The bread will soak up any extra liquid, and because it’s eaten cold, there won’t be much of a risk of bacteria growth.
Just be sure to cover the dish firmly with plastic wrap, or place it in a covered container, to prevent stale food smells from wafting through your refrigerator.
Conclusion
The short answer to “Does bread pudding need to be refrigerated” is that only refrigerate bread pudding that has eggs in it. The eggs present a whole range of bacteria that will cause the bread pudding to mold and spoil if it is left out on the counter at room temperature. Heavy cream presents the same problem, just milder.
So use room temperature cream to make bread pudding, or buy some from the store and use it up quickly before it spoils.
Equipment
- 1 Oven
Ingredients
- 8 slice harddough bread
- 4 tablespoon margarine
- 1 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1/2 teaspoon all spice
- 4 eggs
- 2 cup whole milk
- 1 cup evaporated milk
Instructions
- Three tablespoons of margarine are used to smoothly butter one side of each slice of bread.
- Use the remaining butter to generously grease a 1-liter ovenproof baking dish.
- Buttery bread should be torn or cut into bits, then layered in the dish’s bottom.
- Sprinkle over a third of the raisins, add another layer of bread on top, followed by a layer of raisins, and finish with the remaining bread and raisins.
- Granulated sugar, salt, cinnamon powder, allspice, eggs, and milk should all be combined in a bowl and mixed completely but not too.
- Pour the mixture over the bread and raisins, and then give it 15 minutes to set.
- Bake at 190°C (375°F) in a preheated oven until the pudding is properly puffed, the top is well browned, or a knife inserted in the centre comes out clean.
Video
Nutrition
My blog is all about creating delicious meals with ingredients that are easy to find in your local grocery store. I’m passionate about making yummy meals that I can share with my friends and family.