Bread Pudding

All the many versions of this classic “comfort” dessert begin with bread and milk.

Traxx: Chef Tara Thomas uses a buttery rosemary brioche bread, which gives her pudding richness and a lingering bouquet. It’s held together by a light custard and topped with a dark red berry coulis and cream. (Rosemary bread pudding with berry coulis, $5.) Traxx, Union Station, 800 N. Alameda St., L.A. (213) 625-1999.

vermont: First you taste vanilla custard, then toasted brioche, finally the dime-sized chips of bittersweet French chocolate, just beginning to melt. It’s garnished with a mint leaf and a few fresh berries. (Chocolate chip bread pudding, $7.) vermont, 1714 N. Vermont Ave., Los Feliz, (323) 661-6163.

5 Dudley: Here you might find homemade honey wheat toast or sourdough filone layered with a dried apricot and toasted coconut custard, served warm in a pool of strawberry mousse, topped with blueberry coulis and garnished with berries. There’s also a bittersweet chocolate and caramelized banana version with butterscotch sauce and creme anglais. (Bread pudding, $7.) 5 Dudley, 5 Dudley Ave., Venice, (310) 399-6678.

The Cat & the Custard Cup: This bread pudding is layers of French bread, caramel and vanilla custard, filled with dried apricots and fresh apple. Served warm with raspberry and orange sauce and whipped cream, you might take some home for breakfast. (Apricot bread pudding, $6.75) The Cat & the Custard Cup, 8000 E. Whittier Blvd., La Habra, (562) 694-3812.

Axe: Chef-owner Joanna Moore’s individual bread puddings, each made to order, are based on French bread, plenty of raisins and a bit of cinnamon. Dusted with sugar and broiled to get a nice sugary crust on top, they come hot and running with thick cream. (Bread pudding, $5.) Axe, 1009 Abby Kinney Blvd., Venice, (310) 664-9787.

Joan’s on Third: Here’s a place to get old-fashioned bread pudding to go. It’s made with raisins, French bread and evaporated and whole milk, stirred as it cooks to make sure every piece of bread browns. (Bread pudding, $4.50.) Joan’s on Third, 8350 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, (323) 655-2285.

Jessica Strand