1(12-ounce) loaf day-old white bread, cubed or torn into 1/2 to 1-inch pieces (see notes for excellent gluten-free options)
1(14.5-ounce) can light coconut milk (see notes)
2cupsmilk (I use non-fat)
1cup(8 ounces) packed brown sugar
1/2cupbutter, melted
3eggs, beaten
1teaspoonvanilla extract
1cupbutterscotch chips
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F, and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine the milks, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in the brown sugar and butterscotch chips, and then fold in the bread. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until set. (We like crispy edges, so I bake on the longer side, covering loosely with foil once the top is sufficiently browned.) Serve warm, cold, or at room temperature. Covered tightly, leftovers will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
Pepperidge Farm’s classic white bread is a great option. I have also used French bread. If the bread is very fresh, allow it to sit, uncovered, on the counter for several hours to dry out a bit. Twelve ounces of cubed bread twice fills my Pyrex quart-size measuring cup just past the 4-cup line.
For gluten-free bread pudding, I have used Schar’s and Udi’s gluten-free white bread with excellent results. These brands retain their texture better than many gluten-free breads, making them good options for casserole-type dishes. Most gluten-free breads can be found in the frozen section of your grocery store’s gluten-free aisle.
Canned coconut milk is a healthier option to cream and is easy to have on hand. It does not lend a “coconutty” flavor to this recipe. As an option, you may substitute light cream or experiment by using all whole or 2% milk.