Cinnamon-Raisin Bread Custard with Fresh Berries

• Recipe by Bradley Ogden

Chef Bradley Ogden’s 1987 recipe for ultrarich bread pudding is perfect for dessert or brunch. It can be made with store-bought bread, but it’s best made with a fresh bakery loaf, sliced 1/2 inch thick.

Ingredients

1. 16 slices of cinnamon-raisin bread
2. 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
3. 4 large eggs
4. 2 large egg yolks
5. 3/4 cup granulated sugar
6. 3 cups milk
7. 1 cup heavy cream
8. 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
9. Confectioners’ sugar
10. Fresh berries, for serving

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Butter a 9-by-13-inch glass or ceramic baking dish. Brush both sides of each bread slice with melted butter. Arrange the bread in the prepared dish in 2 even rows.
2. In a large bowl, whisk the whole eggs with the egg yolks until blended. Whisk in the granulated sugar, milk, heavy cream and vanilla. Strain the milk mixture over the bread, pressing on the slices to make sure they’re evenly moistened.
3. Place the baking dish in a larger roasting pan and pour enough warm water into the pan to reach halfway up the side of the dish. Bake in the upper third of the oven for about 25 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the custard is set. Transfer the baking dish to a rack and let the custard rest for 15 minutes. Sift confectioners’ sugar over the custard and cut into squares. Serve with berries.

Make Ahead

The bread custard can be prepared through Step 2. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.