When I first tasted bread pudding at a cozy little café, I was entranced by its warm, comforting embrace and the way it effortlessly turned simple ingredients into a delightful dish. The softness of the stale brioche, paired with a decadent custard mixture, creates an experience that feels indulgent without the fuss. If you’ve ever found yourself with leftover bread that’s lost its charm, this recipe transforms those remnants into a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!).
As the aroma of cinnamon and vanilla wafts through the kitchen, I promise you’ll be swept away to your happiest culinary memories. This bread pudding is not just easy; it’s your ticket to impressing friends and family with minimal effort. Whether you choose to add pecans for a delightful crunch or soften it with cream, each bite is a reminder that homemade food is always best. Ready to bring some warmth and sweetness to your table? Let’s dive into this incredible recipe!
Why is Bread Pudding a Must-Try?
Comforting warmth: This bread pudding is a nostalgic hug in dessert form—perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings.
Easy preparation: With just a few simple steps, you’ll create a dessert that looks and tastes gourmet.
Versatile ingredients: Customize your bread pudding with your favorite add-ins like raisins or nuts for a personal touch!
Crowd-pleaser: Its rich, sweet flavor appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.
Time-saving treat: Ready in just an hour, this dessert fits seamlessly into your busy schedule while still feeling indulgent.
Impressive presentation: The golden, caramelized top will wow your guests and spark conversations over the flavors.
Bread Pudding Ingredients
For the Base
• Stale brioche or challah bread – 6 cups cubed; using stale bread elevates the texture, soaking up the custard beautifully.
• Large eggs – 4 eggs; these provide structure and richness to your bread pudding.
• Whole milk (or almond/oat milk) – 2 cups; feel free to substitute for a dairy-free option that still tastes creamy.
For the Sweetness
• Granulated sugar (or brown sugar) – 1 cup; brown sugar adds a deeper flavor with hints of molasses, enhancing sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon – 1 tsp; this spice brings warmth and an inviting aroma that makes your kitchen feel like home.
• Ground nutmeg – 1/2 tsp; a pinch of nutmeg adds complexity and a comforting flavor element.
• Pure vanilla extract – 2 tsp; using pure extract makes a significant difference in flavor compared to imitation.
For the Enrichment
• Melted butter – 4 tbsp; this adds richness and moisture, ensuring your pudding has that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
• Chopped pecans or raisins (optional) – 1/2 cup; both add delightful texture and bursts of flavor; choose your favorite or use both!
How to Make Bread Pudding
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a perfectly baked bread pudding, so don’t skip this step—your kitchen will soon fill with lovely, inviting aromas.
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Cube the stale brioche or challah bread into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl. The bread needs to be stale for the best absorption of the custard, creating that delightful creamy texture.
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Whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla in another bowl until smooth. This mixture is where all the magic happens, blending the flavors beautifully for your luscious custard.
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Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes and gently fold to coat. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes so the bread can soak up the flavors—this is essential for achieving that rich, satisfying texture!
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Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until it’s golden brown on top. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Let it cool slightly before serving. Pair it with your favorite cream or a scoop of ice cream for a truly indulgent experience—perfect for sharing with loved ones!
Optional: Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra sweet touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Bread Pudding?
Warm, comforting, and delightfully sweet, this dish can easily be paired with various sides to create a memorable meal.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light, airy texture that complements the richness of the pudding.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The coldness of vanilla ice cream against the warm bread pudding creates a heavenly contrast every bite should have.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce elevates the flavors with a buttery sweetness, making each mouthful feel indulgent.
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Fresh Berries: Serve with a side of fresh raspberries or blueberries to introduce a tart note that perfectly balances the sweetness.
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Coffee or Espresso: Pairing your bread pudding with a steaming cup of coffee or espresso provides a rich and satisfying finish to your meal.
The aroma of baked bread mingling with the coffee will turn your dining experience into an unforgettable cozy moment.
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Dusting of Powdered Sugar: A sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds an elegant touch and enhances the dessert’s visual appeal.
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Creamy Custard Sauce: A warm custard sauce drizzled generously over the top brings an extra layer of creaminess and enhances the overall experience.
How to Store and Freeze Bread Pudding
Fridge: Store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps it fresh and prevents it from drying out.
Freezer: For longer preservation, freeze the pudding once cooled. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Warm individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Serving Fresh: For the best flavor and texture, enjoy your bread pudding fresh, but know you have options if you wish to make it ahead of time!
Make Ahead Options
These delightful bread pudding options are perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something comforting without the time commitment! You can prepare the custard mixture (eggs, milk, sugar, spices, and vanilla) and store it in the refrigerator up to 24 hours in advance. Just be sure to keep your bread cubes separate, as they’ll absorb too much liquid if combined too early. When you’re ready to bake, gently fold the custard mixture over the bread cubes, let them sit for 10 minutes to soak up the flavors, and then transfer to your baking dish to bake as instructed. This way, you’ll have a warm, homemade bread pudding waiting for you with minimal effort!
Bread Pudding Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful twists, adding your personal touch to create a truly unique dessert experience!
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Chocolate Chip: Mix in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for that irresistible melty goodness. Who can resist chocolate, right? Each bite becomes a lavish treat that children and adults alike will adore.
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Fruit Medley: Substitute the pecans or raisins with a mix of fresh or frozen berries. Blueberries, raspberries, or sliced bananas add a burst of flavor and a touch of tartness, transforming your bread pudding into a fruity delight!
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Spiced Rum: Add 2 tablespoons of dark spiced rum to the custard for a sophisticated twist. The rum elevates the depth of flavor, creating a magical balance that transports you to a cozy tropical escape.
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Pumpkin Spice: Blend in 1 cup of canned pumpkin puree and an extra teaspoon of pumpkin spice into your custard. This fall-inspired variation offers a rich, seasonal treat that’s perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings.
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Nut-Free: Swap out the nuts for additional fruit or chocolate chips if you’re avoiding nuts. The added sweetness and flavor variation keep the texture interesting without compromising on taste.
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Maple Syrup: Replace granulated sugar with 3/4 cup of pure maple syrup for a deeper, more robust sweetness. This substitution brings a lovely earthy note that pairs beautifully with the custard.
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Zesty Citrus: Add the zest of one orange or lemon into the custard mixture for a refreshing brightness. The hint of citrus cuts through the richness and adds a lovely aromatic layer.
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Savory Style: For an unexpected twist, incorporate 1 cup of sautéed spinach and feta cheese instead of sweet ingredients. Transform this dessert into an elegant side dish, perfect for special occasions or brunch.
Expert Tips for Bread Pudding
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Stale Bread is Key: Ensure your bread is sufficiently stale. Fresh bread will not absorb the custard properly, resulting in a less satisfying texture.
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Soak Time Matters: Allow the bread to sit in the custard for at least 10 minutes. This soaking is crucial for achieving that perfect creamy consistency in your bread pudding.
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Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your bread pudding as it bakes. Overbaking can dry it out; it should be firm but still slightly jiggly in the center when done.
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Mix-In Options: Get creative with add-ins! Whether you use pecans, raisins, or even chocolate chips, they add delightful texture and flavor to your bread pudding.
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Serving Suggestions: Serve warm with whipped cream, ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added indulgence—these toppings elevate this already amazing dish!
Bread Pudding Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best bread for my bread pudding?
Absolutely! For the best results, use stale brioche or challah bread, as these varieties absorb the custard beautifully while maintaining a delightful texture. Look for bread that is slightly dry and firm; avoid any with dark spots or mold. If you don’t have stale bread on hand, you can cube fresh bread and toast it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes until lightly golden.
How should I store leftover bread pudding?
Very simple! Store your leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps it fresh and ensures that it won’t dry out. When ready to enjoy, just warm it up in the microwave or oven; the flavors will still be delicious!
Can I freeze bread pudding?
Yes! To freeze your bread pudding, first allow it to cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned previously.
What should I do if my bread pudding turns out too dry?
If you find yourself with a dry bread pudding, worry not! Next time, ensure your bread cubes are adequately soaked in the custard mixture for at least 10 minutes. You can also add a touch more milk or cream to the custard mixture to create a more moist final result. If it’s already baked, consider serving it with a drizzle of cream or a scoop of ice cream to add moisture back into each bite.
Is this recipe suitable for people with nut allergies?
Yes, absolutely! You can personalize this bread pudding by omitting nuts altogether. If you’re adding raisins for sweetness, just be sure none of your guests have a raisin allergy. Always check with your loved ones regarding any dietary restrictions to ensure everyone can enjoy this comforting dessert.
What are some delicious mix-ins for my bread pudding?
Oh, the options are endless! Besides pecans and raisins, consider chocolate chips for a sweet twist, or even diced apples or berries for added flavor and texture. Just keep in mind to adjust the sugar levels in the custard if you’re adding sweeter ingredients. Be creative, and have fun experimenting!
Irresistibly Comforting Bread Pudding: A Delightful Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cube the stale brioche or challah bread into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla in another bowl until smooth.
- Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes and gently fold to coat. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
- Let it cool slightly before serving. Pair it with your favorite cream or a scoop of ice cream.
