One of the best ways to use up leftover bread is to make bread pudding. It’s a classic dessert that simply doesn’t disappoint. But if you don’t store it correctly, you might not enjoy its yummy goodness as you’d hoped. That said, how do you store bread pudding, and does it need to be refrigerated?
Because bread pudding is made with perishable ingredients, like milk and eggs, it must be refrigerated. Aside from the ingredients, the bread pudding is impeccably moist. If left at room temp, it can succumb to molding swiftly. Store in the fridge or freezer wrapped or placed in an airtight container.
Hey! My name’s Michelle, and I’ve enjoyed baking in my kitchen for the past ten years. My other passion (besides baking) is utilizing all of my ingredients. That said, I make my fair share of bread pudding when my bread loaf is on its way out the door.
Keep reading to find out how to store bread pudding correctly!
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How to Store Bread Pudding
Like other foods, proper storage is critical to extending the shelf life of bread pudding. Luckily, storing bread pudding is a cinch. Here’s how to do it.
1. Allow the Bread Pudding to Cool
Always allow your bread pudding to cool down before storing it. Storing warm bread pudding will lead to excess moisture, which will ruin your bread pudding.
You can let your bread pudding cool for up to two hours at room temperature before it must be stored in the refrigerator or freezer (more on that later, folks).
2. Wrap Tightly or Place in an Airtight Container
After your bread pudding has cooled entirely, it’s time to store it!
Now, don’t think you can throw your uncovered bread pudding into the fridge or freezer and call it a day. Left uncovered, bread pudding will succumb to drying out. It may also take on other flavors in your appliance, leaving you with an odd-flavored dessert. Yuck.
You have three options for storage.
My number one choice is to place bread pudding in an airtight container. These containers lock in freshness and keep other flavors out. They’re also easier to use. Simply open the lid, remove your desired amount of bread pudding, and seal it back up. Easy peasy!
If you don’t have any airtight containers that will accommodate your bread pudding, you can wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Or, you can toss it into a resealable freezer bag. Whatever works.
3. Place in the Fridge or Freezer
Some websites mention that it’s OK to leave your bread pudding on the counter at room temperature. I disagree. Bread pudding is simply too moist to stash on the countertop. That said, I always recommend placing bread pudding in the fridge or freezer.
How Long Does Bread Pudding Last?
Knowing how long bread pudding lasts is another essential thing to know. Let’s take a closer look:
1. At Room Temp (Up to Two Hours)
Bread pudding contains a lot of perishable ingredients, namely milk, and eggs. And I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to drink milk left sitting on the counter for too long!
That said, bread pudding shouldn’t be left at room temperature for over two hours (or one hour if the temperature exceeds 90F).
2. In the Fridge (Up to Four Days)
Again, some websites say it’s OK for bread pudding to sit in the fridge for up to five days, but I like to err on the side of caution. No dessert is worth getting sick from. With that in mind, don’t consume after the four-day mark.
3. In the Freezer (Up to Six Months)
Opt for the freezer if you need to store your bread pudding for long periods. Bread pudding can last up to six months in the freezer. However, I recommend eating it up before the six-month mark. It will taste fresher the sooner you consume it.
Does Bread Pudding Need to be Refrigerated?
Honestly, it depends on who you ask.
Some people claim it’s a-okay to stash bread pudding on the counter for a couple of days.
Me, on the other hand? I’m going to tell you otherwise. Bread pudding must be refrigerated after it’s cooled down.
Bread pudding contains perishable ingredients. Not only that, but it’s one of the moistest desserts you’ll ever sink your teeth into. Moistness + room temperature = a recipe for rapid mold growth. Put it in the fridge or freezer, yall!
Signs of Spoiled Bread Pudding
Hey, do you want to eat some rotten bread pudding?
Yeah, I didn’t think so.
Nobody wants to bite into something that’s gone rancid. Knowing the signs of spoilage is the only way to avoid this unpleasant situation.
Here’s what to watch for.
1. Mold
A tell-tale sign that bread pudding has gone bad is the presence of mold. Mold can be black, gray, white, or an array of colors. If you notice any colorful spots – whether paired with fuzziness or not – toss the bread pudding ASAP.
2. Sour Smell
No mold? Then perform test number two – smelling the bread pudding.
Bread pudding should have a neutral or desirable odor. If it smells sour, almost like sour milk, then get rid of it.
3. Funky Flavor
If your bread pudding passes the mold and smell test, your last resort is tasting it. If it tastes “off” in any way, spit it out and toss the rest in the trash. It’s gone past its prime and isn’t worth the bellyache.
FAQs
Got more questions? I’ve got answers. Below, I have highlighted a few frequently asked questions that have been asked by readers – just like you. You’ll learn a few more things about bread pudding storage, so tune in!
Can bread pudding sit out overnight?
You should not leave your bread pudding sitting out overnight. At this point, it will likely have gone bad. It’s best to store bread pudding in the refrigerator or the freezer within two hours of sitting at room temperature. Keep it in an airtight container or another sealable vessel.
Should bread pudding be warm or cold?
Honestly, you can eat bread pudding however you please. There is no steadfast rule about how bread pudding should be consumed. Yet, most people prefer warm bread pudding. So, when stored in the fridge or freezer, warm it up before eating.
Is bread pudding good leftover?
Bread pudding is best when it’s eaten fresh. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the leftovers, though. When consuming leftover bread pudding, enjoy it warm or cold. Make sure that the bread pudding leftovers do not sit at room temperature for longer than two hours.
Bread Pudding Storage is Vital to its Longevity
When storing bread pudding, you need to keep it in the fridge or freezer. It must be wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, stored in a resealable freezer bag, or placed inside an airtight container. Do not leave it at room temp for longer than two hours.
Do you like bread pudding? How do you store your bread pudding? Do you have anything to add to this article? Share below!
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