How To Prevent A Horribly Runny Bread Pudding (2024)

Nikki Munoz

·4 min read

From cinnamon roll bread pudding torich bread pudding, we're big fans of the dish, which consists of dried bread mixed with custard that is then baked. So, suffice to say, we understand the importance of getting your bread pudding just right. One major problem that you may have come across is bread pudding that is just too wet. A good bread pudding needs to be moist-- it is made from custard, after all -- but it should not be anywhere close to runny.

Luckily for you, we have a few tips and tricks to share in order to make sure your bread pudding turns out moist and delicious, not wet and runny. These tips include warming the liquid you put into the mix, covering it at the right time in the oven, and making sure you cook it for the right amount of time.

Read more: 23 Whole Foods Baked Goods, Ranked

Be Thorough And Precise With The Wet Ingredients

How To Prevent A Horribly Runny Bread Pudding (1)

When you think about it, the amount of liquid that needs to be added to bread pudding definitely puts it at risk of becoming too wet. This is why it's important to handle the wet ingredients in the correct way. Firstly, just about every bread pudding recipe calls for milk, but what the recipe may not tell you is that it's helpful to warm up the milk before adding it into the mixture. This way, when you pour the liquid over the bread, it's not cold and it will be soaked up by the bread more easily.

Speaking of soaking up the bread, you need to make sure that all of the bread gets soaked up by the custard. For this, you can pour the custard over the bread in a mixing bowl, then gently mix together the bread and the custard (without over-mixing, which will ruin the batter) before transferring it to the pan. It's also important to let the combined mixture (bread and custard) sit for about 20 to 25 minutes to ensure the custard is thoroughly soaked up by the bread.

Only Cover The Bread Pudding In Oven For Some Of The Time

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To be sure that you get the bread pudding to just the right consistency, here's another trick: Coverthe bread pudding with aluminum foil for about half the time. With this method, the aluminum foil will keep the top of the bread pudding from getting crispy too soon, which would cause you to have to take it before the cooking time is up. If you take it out too soon, you'll be left with a mushy and wet middle thathasn't been given the time it needs in the oven to set, but with a super crispy top -- not ideal, to say the least.

After the bread pudding has been in the oven for about 25 minutes with aluminum foil over the top, take it out and remove the foil. Then, put it back in the oven for the remainder of the baking time. During the second half, while it's uncovered, the top will crisp up while the middle finishes baking thoroughly.

Temperature Is Key

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Besides knowing how long to keep the bread pudding covered, there are a few other details about its time in the oven that you should keep in mind. Firstly,it's important to make sure that your oven is at the right temperature -- and, specifically, not too hot as this can lead to the top crisping up too soon -- similar to if you leave it uncovered for the whole baking time. The ideal temperatureto set the oven for bread pudding is between 350 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Finally, to avoid overcooking it, it's important to know when it's done. To check the inside to see if all the liquid has been absorbed, insert a knife into the middle of the pudding and create a small hole by pushing the bread to the side: If liquid begins oozing into the hole, it's not yet ready. If there's no liquid oozing, it's good to go.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.

How To Prevent A Horribly Runny Bread Pudding (2024)

FAQs

Why is my bread pudding so watery? ›

To prevent horribly runny bread pudding, you also want to warm up the milk before adding it to the other ingredients for easier soaking. Additionally, cover the bread pudding with foil — but only for half of the baking time. This will ensure that the pudding is neither overdone nor underdone.

How do you keep bread pudding from getting soggy? ›

Only Cover The Bread Pudding In Oven For Some Of The Time

To be sure that you get the bread pudding to just the right consistency, here's another trick: Cover the bread pudding with aluminum foil for about half the time.

How do you salvage runny pudding? ›

Remove 1/3 of the whipped cream, set aside. Add 2/3 of the pudding to the whipped cream, whip until just combined.

Why does my bread pudding fall after I take it out of the oven? ›

Not allowing it to rest after baking

It is usual for bread pudding to somewhat collapse when it goes from the oven to the room temperature air, but you surely don't want to further contribute to it becoming flat. Therefore, don't dish it out too quickly.

Why does my pudding get watery? ›

Depending on the structure of the food the water can leach out from the gel used in creating the pudding - a process known as syneresis - usually when the set has been disturbed by serving part of the dish and it has been subject to fluctuations in temperature.

How do you keep pudding moist? ›

After you have steamed and cooled your pudding, replace the foil with a freshly buttered piece to keep it moist and store in a cool, dark place, or the fridge, until you are ready to reheat it on Christmas day.

Should I cover my bread pudding when baking? ›

Before the inside of your pudding is set, the outer layer can become burnt and dry, which is why covering bread pudding during baking is the best move.

How can you tell when bread pudding is done? ›

Bake about 1 hour or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Another way to judge whether the pudding is fully baked, is to gently press down on the center of the pudding. If any custard comes up to the top, the pudding needs to be baked a little longer.

Why is my pudding soggy? ›

Pudding is usually runny because it has been stored in the refrigerator for too long or in an open space. Another cause could be due to improper cooking methods.

Does pudding thicken as it sits? ›

It will coat the back of the spoon; test it by running your finger down the spoon. You should wipe a clear, clean line through the custard. Remove from heat. The pudding will thicken more as it cools.

Is watery pudding safe to eat? ›

The first sign of caution in prepared pudding is when you see pockets of watery liquid (the liquid has separated from the other ingredients) and the sweet taste is replaced with a sharp, bitter flavor.

Why is bread pudding watery? ›

Only Cover The Bread Pudding In Oven For Some Of The Time

If you take it out too soon, you'll be left with a mushy and wet middle that hasn't been given the time it needs in the oven to set, but with a super crispy top -- not ideal, to say the least.

Is bread pudding supposed to be soggy? ›

A good bread pudding needs to be moist with a custardy-like texture, but it should not be anywhere close to runny. Luckily for you, we have a few tips and tricks to share in order to make sure your bread pudding turns out moist and delicious, not wet and runny.

Should bread pudding be refrigerated overnight before baking? ›

Refrigerate up to 24 hours. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Remove the plastic from the baking dish and bake the bread pudding for 45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the milk mixture is set.

How do you keep a pudding pie from getting watery? ›

A metal pie pan placed on a preheated surface will set the bottom crust quickest; once cooked, the liquids from the filling above won't soak in, and as a result: no soggy bottom.

Which ingredient causes the pudding to thicken? ›

It typically contains milk or cream, although there are non-dairy puddings made with plant-based "milk." Pudding is similar to custard in that they both can contain eggs and milk, but pudding is usually thickened with a starch, whereas custard is thickened by the eggs.

How do you keep custard from getting watery? ›

Whole eggs, as opposed to just egg yolks, will also give you a firmer texture. If you are really concerned, you could add a teaspoon of flour to the ingredients to help firm up the custard's texture.

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