If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort dessert that wraps you in warm, nostalgic vibes, Bread Pudding is ready to deliver. Each bite combines tender, custard-soaked bread with sweet cinnamon, a touch of vanilla, and the irresistible richness of cream. It’s a humble, no-fuss treat that rises to elegant heights with the simplest of ingredients, making it a shining favorite for both cozy family dinners and impressive gatherings. Whether you’ve only heard whispers of this classic or crave a fresh new take, this Bread Pudding recipe will soon become your go-to for easy, crowd-pleasing sweetness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how just a few pantry staples can transform into a luxurious Bread Pudding with golden, custardy magic. Each ingredient serves a delicious purpose—let’s take a look at what brings this dessert to life and why you definitely shouldn’t skip a thing.
- Day-old bread (6 cups, cubed): Using slightly stale bread is key; it soaks up the custard beautifully without getting mushy. French bread or brioche makes this extra special.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Provides creamy richness and helps meld all the flavors together.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Deepens the custard’s decadence for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Large eggs (4): Give the pudding structure and a lovely, velvety texture.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the custard just enough without overpowering the subtle spices.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Adds a hint of caramel flavor and a darker sweetness that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Brings warmth and balances the overall flavor.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Infuses the pudding with cozy, familiar spice notes.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): A dash of nutmeg complements the cinnamon and makes each bite extra aromatic.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances every other ingredient’s flavor (don’t skip it, even in dessert!).
- Raisins (1/2 cup, optional): For little bursts of sweetness and chew that make the pudding extra special.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Gives a glossy, rich finish and helps crisp up the top layer.
How to Make Bread Pudding
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish and Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Give a 9×13-inch baking dish a light coating of grease so nothing sticks later. Next, pile in your bread cubes (preferably day-old and a bit crusty)—this is going to be the foundation that soaks up all the custard goodness.
Step 2: Make the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Take your time here—a smooth, well-blended custard means an even bake and the silkiest texture in every forkful. If you’re team Raisin, toss them in now and stir gently.
Step 3: Assemble and Soak
Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes, making sure every piece gets a nice soaking. Use the back of a spoon or your (clean!) hands to press the bread down so it drinks up as much liquid as possible. Drizzle the melted butter over the whole surface, then let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes, allowing the bread to fully absorb all those rich flavors.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes. You’re looking for a pudding that’s subtly puffed, with a golden brown top and a custard that’s set but still tender. The kitchen will smell incredible as it cooks, so don’t be surprised if everyone hovers nearby!
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Let your Bread Pudding cool slightly before serving. It’s pure bliss when warm, and even better with a generous drizzle of caramel sauce or a cold scoop of vanilla ice cream. Every bite is soft, spiced, and utterly satisfying.
How to Serve Bread Pudding
Garnishes
A well-dressed Bread Pudding only magnifies its appeal. Finish your warm squares with a flourish: think a dusting of powdered sugar, a pour of rich caramel or bourbon sauce, a sprinkle of toasted nuts, or a scoop of velvety ice cream. Each of these garnishes compliments the pudding’s cozy flavors and elevates dessert into a little moment of luxury.
Side Dishes
Although Bread Pudding stands proudly on its own, pairing it with fresh, tart berries or a dollop of lightly whipped cream adds brightness and balance. For a brunch setting, serve alongside citrus fruit salad or even a small scoop of tangy Greek yogurt to contrast the decadent sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with how you serve! For special occasions, cut the pudding into rounds using a biscuit cutter and layer with whipped cream for a mini trifle. Or, bake individual portions in ramekins for a restaurant-worthy look. For a rustic spin, serve straight from the pan and let everyone help themselves, adding their own toppings for a fun, interactive dessert.
Bread Pudding Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your Bread Pudding tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. It truly holds up beautifully and seems to get even better as the flavors blend together overnight.
Freezing
Want to enjoy Bread Pudding down the line? No problem! Wrap portions individually in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat just before serving for a warm, fresh-tasting treat any time you crave it.
Reheating
For that just-baked experience, reheat pieces in the microwave in 20-second bursts until warm, or pop them in a 300°F oven for about 15 minutes. To maintain a hint of crispness on top, use the oven method and cover loosely with foil for the first half, then uncover to finish.
FAQs
Can I use any type Dessert
Absolutely! While day-old French bread and brioche make for extra-silky bites, you can use any bread you have on hand—a heartier whole wheat or leftover rolls work too. The key is choosing something that holds up well to soaking.
Is it necessary to use both granulated and brown sugar?
Using both sugars gives a lovely balance; granulated sugar provides bright sweetness while brown sugar lends caramel notes. If you only have one or the other, the pudding will still be delicious, but the dual-sugar mix really shines.
Can I make Bread Pudding in advance?
Definitely! You can fully assemble Bread Pudding up to a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Just bake it off when you’re ready to serve—add a few extra minutes to your bake time if going straight from the fridge.
What can I use as a topping besides caramel sauce or ice cream?
Try a drizzle of maple syrup, a spoonful of berry compote, or a dusting of cocoa powder for something a little different. Even lemon curd or honey are delightful options if you like a brighter twist.
How do I know when my Bread Pudding is done baking?
A perfectly baked Bread Pudding will have a golden top and the center will be set but still tender—you can check by gently pressing the center with a spoon. If it springs back slightly and doesn’t ooze liquid, it’s ready!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made Bread Pudding before, this is your invitation to give it a try—and if you have, then you know just how comforting and crave-worthy this classic does get. Warm, sweet, and ready to adapt to your favorite toppings or add-ins, it’s a treat that brings people together and always earns rave reviews. Get baking and share a little coziness with every bite!
Print
Bread Pudding Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting and classic flavors of this easy-to-make bread pudding. A rich and creamy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Bread Pudding:
6 cups day-old bread, cubed
Custard Mixture:
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
4 large eggs
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup raisins (optional)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Bread: Place the cubed bread in the baking dish.
- Make the Custard Mixture: Whisk together milk, cream, eggs, sugars, vanilla, spices, and salt. Add raisins if desired.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard over the bread, press down gently, drizzle with melted butter, and let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and set.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with caramel sauce or ice cream.
Notes
- Day-old French bread or brioche is recommended.
- Enhance with nuts or chocolate chips for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
