Bread Pudding Recipe: A Timeless Comfort Dessert

Bread pudding Recipe is the ultimate comfort dessert—a warm, soft, and creamy dish that transforms simple pantry staples into something extraordinary. This recipe combines chunks of day-old bread with a rich, custardy mixture of eggs, milk, sugar, and spices, then bakes it to golden perfection. Whether you enjoy it as a dessert, a decadent brunch dish, or even a cozy breakfast, bread pudding is a classic that never goes out of style.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know to make the perfect bread pudding, from the ingredients and techniques to tips, variations, and serving suggestions. By the end, you’ll have a dish that’s rich, satisfying, and impossible to resist.

Why You’ll Love This Bread Pudding Recipe

This recipe is a must-try for so many reasons:

1. Simple Ingredients: It uses everyday ingredients you likely already have at home.
2. Perfect for Leftover Bread: It’s the ideal way to use up stale bread, reducing food waste.
3. Incredibly Versatile: You can customize the flavors with your favorite mix-ins, toppings, and sauces.
4. Crowd-Pleasing: Its warm, spiced flavors are loved by all and make it perfect for gatherings.
5. Make-Ahead Friendly: Bread pudding can be prepped ahead and reheated, making it convenient for busy schedules.

The Timeless Appeal of Bread Pudding

Bread pudding is more than just a dessert—it’s a dish steeped in history and comfort, with roots dating back centuries as a way to use up stale bread. This humble dessert has stood the test of time because of its simplicity, adaptability, and irresistible flavor. Whether it’s served as a cozy winter treat or a show-stopping brunch centerpiece, bread pudding has the ability to bring warmth and nostalgia to any table. What makes this dish even more appealing is its versatility; you can make it uniquely yours with a variety of mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruits, or nuts. Drizzle it with a rich caramel or vanilla sauce, or serve it with a scoop of ice cream for a luxurious finish. From family gatherings to special occasions, bread pudding is a timeless favorite that never fails to leave a lasting impression on those lucky enough to enjoy it.

Why Bread Pudding Will Always Be a Classic

Bread pudding is more than just a dessert—it’s a dish steeped in history and comfort, with roots dating back centuries as a way to use up stale bread. This humble dessert has stood the test of time because of its simplicity, adaptability, and irresistible flavor. Whether it’s served as a cozy winter treat or a show-stopping brunch centerpiece, bread pudding has the ability to bring warmth and nostalgia to any table. What makes this dish even more appealing is its versatility; you can make it uniquely yours with a variety of mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruits, or nuts. Drizzle it with a rich caramel or vanilla sauce, or serve it with a scoop of ice cream for a luxurious finish. From family gatherings to special occasions, bread pudding is a timeless favorite that never fails to leave a lasting impression on those lucky enough to enjoy it.

What Does Bread Pudding Taste Like?

Ingredients for Bread Pudding Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need for this classic bread pudding recipe:

For the Bread Pudding:

• Bread (6-8 cups, day-old or stale; use French bread, brioche, or challah, cubed)
• Milk (2 cups; whole milk is best, but you can use half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative)
• Heavy Cream (1 cup)
• Sugar (¾ cup; granulated or brown sugar for a deeper flavor)
• Eggs (4 large)
• Vanilla Extract (1 tbsp)
• Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp)
• Ground Nutmeg (¼ tsp)
• Salt (¼ tsp)
• Raisins or Chocolate Chips (½ cup, optional)

For the Optional Sauce:

• Butter (½ cup)
• Brown Sugar (1 cup)
• Heavy Cream (½ cup)
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp)

Tools You’ll Need

This recipe is straightforward and requires just a few basic tools:

• Mixing Bowl: For preparing the custard mixture.
• Whisk: To mix the custard ingredients.
• 9×13 Baking Dish: Perfect for even baking.
• Spatula: For spreading and pressing down the bread.
• Saucepan: If making the optional sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Bread pudding is highly adaptable, so feel free to get creative:

1. Bread Options: Use croissants, sourdough, or even cinnamon raisin bread for added flavor.
2. Non-Dairy Version: Replace milk and cream with almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk.
3. Sweeteners: Swap sugar for honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar.
4. Mix-Ins: Add chopped nuts, dried fruits, shredded coconut, or fresh berries.
5. Spices: Experiment with cardamom, allspice, or pumpkin pie spice for a unique twist.
6. Boozy Flavor: Soak the raisins in rum or bourbon for an adult-friendly version.

How to Make Bread Pudding Recipe

1: Prepare the Bread

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
2. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them evenly in the baking dish. If the bread is fresh, toast the cubes in the oven for 5-10 minutes to dry them out slightly.

2: Make the Custard

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.

3: Assemble the Dish

1. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring all the pieces are soaked.
2. Gently press the bread down with a spatula to help it absorb the liquid.
3. If using raisins or chocolate chips, sprinkle them evenly over the top.

4: Bake

1. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

5: Optional Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir until dissolved.
2. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and vanilla extract, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
3. Drizzle the sauce over the bread pudding before serving.

What to Serve with Bread Pudding

Bread pudding is a delicious standalone dessert, but it pairs beautifully with these accompaniments:

• Ice Cream: Vanilla or caramel ice cream melts perfectly over warm bread pudding.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a touch of elegance.
• Fresh Fruit: Serve with sliced strawberries, blueberries, or a side of mixed fruit.
• Hot Beverages: Coffee, tea, or hot cocoa are ideal drinks to enjoy alongside.

Tips for Perfect Bread Pudding Recipe

1. Use Stale Bread: Day-old bread absorbs the custard better and prevents sogginess.
2. Customize the Sweetness: Adjust the sugar to your preference, especially if using sweet bread or mix-ins.
3. Soak the Bread: Let the bread sit in the custard for at least 10 minutes before baking.
4. Check for Doneness: The pudding is done when a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Serve Warm: Bread pudding tastes best when served warm, straight out of the oven.

Storing and Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap the bread pudding tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or in the oven at 300°F until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make bread pudding ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the dish and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before baking the next day.

What’s the best bread for bread pudding?

Brioche, challah, or French bread are ideal due to their soft texture and ability to soak up the custard.

Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?

Absolutely! You can adjust the sugar to suit your taste or replace it with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.

How do I keep bread pudding from becoming soggy?

Use slightly stale bread and ensure the custard ratio isn’t too liquid-heavy. Baking uncovered for the last portion helps create a crisp top.

Conclusion

Classic bread pudding is a dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite. It’s simple, affordable, and endlessly customizable, making it a favorite in kitchens everywhere. Whether you enjoy it plain, with a drizzle of sauce, or topped with ice cream, it’s a treat that never fails to delight.

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your experience in the comments below or tag your photos on Pinterest. And for more delicious comfort desserts, check out my recipes for Apple Crisp or Chocolate Lava Cake.

Indulge in the comforting flavors of bread pudding—simple, timeless, and guaranteed to bring warmth to any occasion!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 7g
• Carbs: 40g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 1g

Happy baking and enjoy your bread pudding! 😊