Rustic Bread Cake – Easy & Delicious No-Waste Dessert

Turn your stale bread into a deliciously moist Bread Cake! This simple, no-waste dessert combines rich flavors from dark chocolate, dried fruit, nuts, and warm spices. It’s a great way to repurpose leftover bread into a comforting treat that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea.

What Is Bread Cake?

Bread cake is a traditional no-waste dessert made by soaking stale bread in milk and combining it with eggs, sugar, cocoa, and a mix of dried fruits and nuts. The result is a moist and dense cake that is both budget-friendly and packed with flavor.

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

• No-Waste Dessert – A great way to use stale bread instead of throwing it away.
• Rich and Flavorful – Filled with chocolate, nuts, and dried fruits.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal effort.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Enjoy as breakfast, a snack, or a sweet treat.

Cooking Tips

1. Use any type of stale bread – white, whole wheat, or even brioche.
2. Let the bread soak fully in milk for a softer texture.
3. Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
4. Add cinnamon or vanilla extract for extra warmth.
5. Serve warm with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Fresh Bread Instead of Stale Bread?

Yes, but stale bread absorbs milk better. If using fresh bread, lightly toast it first.

What Other Fruits Can I Add?

Try chopped figs, prunes, or cranberries for a variation in flavor.

Can I Make it Gluten-Free?

Yes! Use gluten-free bread and cookies to make a gluten-free version.

How Do I Know When The Cake is Done?

Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Yes, this cake stays fresh for up to 3 days and tastes even better the next day.

How to Freeze

Let the cake cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm up in the oven.

How to Store

Store the bread cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

How To Make Bread Cake

Step 1

Step 1

Place the raisins in a bowl of lukewarm water and let them soak for 10 minutes. Using a food processor, roughly chop the dry biscuits and amaretti cookies. Cut the stale bread into pieces and place it in a large bowl with the milk. Mix with a spoon or hands until the bread is fully absorbed and forms a smooth mixture. Add the eggs to the soaked bread and mix well.

Place the raisins in a bowl of lukewarm water and let them soak for 10 minutes. Using a food processor, roughly chop the dry biscuits and amaretti cookies. Cut the stale bread into pieces and place it in a large bowl with the milk. Mix with a spoon or hands until the bread is fully absorbed and forms a smooth mixture. Add the eggs to the soaked bread and mix well.

Step 2

Step 2

Stir in the chopped biscuits, amaretti cookies, cocoa powder, and sugar. Drain the soaked raisins and add them to the mixture along with the candied fruit, chopped walnuts, pine nuts, diced apple, and dark chocolate. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated and the batter is uniform.

Stir in the chopped biscuits, amaretti cookies, cocoa powder, and sugar. Drain the soaked raisins and add them to the mixture along with the candied fruit, chopped walnuts, pine nuts, diced apple, and dark chocolate. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated and the batter is uniform.

Step 3

Step 3

Line a cake tin with parchment paper and pour in the batter, leveling it with a spatula. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake for about 1 hour, or until firm and slightly golden on top.

Line a cake tin with parchment paper and pour in the batter, leveling it with a spatula. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake for about 1 hour, or until firm and slightly golden on top.

Step 4

Step 4

Let the cake cool before slicing. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Let the cake cool before slicing. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.