Introduction

Bread Pudding is the epitome of comfort food, offering a warm, sweet treat that’s both satisfying and simple to make. Made with humble ingredients like stale bread, eggs, milk, sugar, and a touch of spices, this classic dessert transforms everyday pantry staples into a rich, custardy delight that’s perfect for any season. What I love about it is that it’s so adaptable—you can use any type of bread you have on hand, whether it’s a day-old baguette or leftover rolls.

I’ve made Bread Pudding countless times, and it never fails to bring a sense of home and nostalgia. One of my favorite memories is baking a batch for a family holiday dinner. The house was filled with the comforting scent of vanilla and cinnamon, and when it came time for dessert, everyone gathered around the table with excited smiles. The rich, warm pudding was the perfect way to end the meal, and it was gone in minutes!

Whether you’re using up leftover bread or just craving something cozy, Bread Pudding is the answer. It’s the kind of dessert that’s perfect for family gatherings, holiday meals, or as an indulgent after-dinner treat. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of indulgence, and enjoy every comforting bite.

Perfect for:

Family gatherings
Holiday dinners (especially Thanksgiving and Christmas)
Using up leftover bread
Cozy evenings at home
Comfort food cravings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Bread Pudding will win your heart:

Versatile Flavor: You can customize this dessert with endless variations—think of adding fruits like raisins, apples, or berries, or even a sprinkle of chocolate chips.
Comforting and Cozy: The warm, soft texture and rich custard make Bread Pudding the ultimate comfort food, especially on chilly nights.
Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like bread, milk, sugar, and eggs, Bread Pudding is easy to whip up and requires minimal preparation.
Great for Leftovers: Bread Pudding is an excellent way to use up stale or leftover bread, reducing waste while creating a delicious dessert.
Make-Ahead Dessert: This dessert can be prepared the day before, allowing the flavors to meld together and making it a perfect option for a stress-free dessert on the big day.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 6g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

To make your Bread Pudding, gather the following ingredients:

6 cups cubed bread (preferably a day or two old)
2 cups whole milk
¾ cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter, melted
½ cup raisins (optional)
¼ cup chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts, optional)
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

Bread: Day-old bread works best because it soaks up the custard without falling apart. You can use brioche, challah, or even a simple white bread.
Eggs: Eggs help bind the bread together and create the custard-like texture that makes Bread Pudding so rich and comforting.
Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess to the pudding, making it smooth and indulgent. You can substitute with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth and depth of flavor to the dish, making it even more comforting and aromatic.
Raisins and Nuts: Adding raisins and nuts is optional but recommended for extra texture and flavor. Raisins provide sweetness and a chewy bite, while nuts give crunch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create the perfect Bread Pudding:

Prepare the Bread:

Cube the Bread: Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes, making sure they are uniform in size for even baking. If the bread is fresh, toast the cubes lightly to help them absorb the custard mixture.
Soak the Bread: Place the cubed bread in a large bowl and set it aside while you prepare the custard mixture.

Make the Custard:

Whisk the Eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined.
Add the Milk: Slowly add the milk to the egg mixture, continuing to whisk to create a smooth custard.
Combine with Bread: Pour the custard mixture over the cubed bread. Gently press the bread into the custard, ensuring all the cubes are soaked. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard fully.

Add Optional Ingredients:

Add Raisins and Nuts: If using raisins and nuts, fold them into the soaked bread mixture for added texture and flavor.

Bake the Pudding:

Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×9-inch or similar-sized baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the bread mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread pudding for 45-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. You can test doneness by inserting a knife into the center—it should come out clean.

Cool and Serve:

Cool Slightly: Let the bread pudding cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. It will firm up a bit as it cools.
Serve with Toppings: Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with caramel sauce, or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

How to Serve

Bread Pudding can be served in several delightful ways:

With Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a cold, creamy contrast to the warm bread pudding, making each bite even more indulgent.
With Whipped Cream: Freshly whipped cream is another great topping that adds lightness and sweetness to the rich pudding.
With Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the pudding for a sweet, buttery addition.
For Breakfast or Brunch: Serve a smaller portion with fresh fruit, like berries or sliced bananas, for a more breakfast-oriented dish.
As a Dessert: Serve as a rich dessert after dinner, with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or fresh cream on top.
With a Cup of Coffee: Bread pudding pairs wonderfully with a strong cup of coffee or a latte for a perfect after-meal treat.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your Bread Pudding is perfect every time:

Use Stale Bread: Day-old or stale bread soaks up the custard better, creating a soft, creamy texture. Fresh bread can become too soggy.
Let It Soak: Don’t rush the soaking process. Let the bread sit in the custard for at least 15 minutes so it fully absorbs the liquid.
Customize the Flavor: Experiment with different spices like cloves or cardamom to give your Bread Pudding a unique twist.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dessert, add more sugar or drizzle some honey over the top before serving.
Use a Larger Dish for Less Thickness: If you prefer a thinner pudding, use a larger dish or reduce the amount of bread.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 ways you can customize Bread Pudding:

Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding: Add diced apples and extra cinnamon to the bread mixture for a spiced, fruity version.
Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding: Fold in a cup of chocolate chips for a rich, chocolatey treat.
Peach Bread Pudding: Add fresh or canned peaches to the bread mixture for a fruity variation.
Pumpkin Bread Pudding: Mix in pureed pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice for a fall-inspired version.
Caramel Pecan Bread Pudding: Add caramel sauce and chopped pecans for a sweet, nutty twist.
Banana Bread Pudding: Use mashed ripe bananas in the custard and layer sliced bananas throughout for a banana-flavored pudding.
Bourbon Bread Pudding: Add a tablespoon or two of bourbon to the custard for a sophisticated, adult version.
Coconut Bread Pudding: Add shredded coconut for a tropical flavor, pairing it with pineapple or mango on top.
Berry Bread Pudding: Mix in fresh or frozen berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a juicy, fruity pudding.
Maple Pecan Bread Pudding: Swap the sugar for maple syrup and add toasted pecans for a fall-inspired dessert.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: You can freeze Bread Pudding before baking by assembling it in the dish, covering tightly with plastic wrap, and freezing. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Storage: Store leftover Bread Pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving for the best texture.

Special Equipment

Here are some special equipment items to help you make the best Bread Pudding:

Electric Mixer: Useful for whisking the eggs and sugar together quickly and evenly.
9×9-inch Baking Dish: A medium-sized baking dish is perfect for this recipe, allowing the pudding to bake evenly.
Whisk: Essential for mixing the custard and ensuring a smooth texture.
Knife or Bread Knife: To easily cut the bread into even cubes.
Large Mixing Bowl: To hold the bread and custard mixture while soaking.

FAQ Section

Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes! While a denser bread like brioche or challah is ideal, you can use any type of bread you have on hand, including white bread or whole wheat.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the milk with almond milk, coconut milk, or another dairy-free alternative. Use a dairy-free butter for the melted butter.
Can I make Bread Pudding without raisins?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of raisins, you can leave them out or substitute them with other dried fruits like cranberries or currants.
How can I make Bread Pudding more custardy?
For a more custardy texture, use more eggs or reduce the amount of bread. Also, be sure to let the bread soak in the custard mixture for at least 15 minutes.
Can I make Bread Pudding ahead of time?
Yes, Bread Pudding can be assembled the day before and stored in the fridge overnight. Simply bake it the next day.

Conclusion

Bread Pudding is the ultimate comfort dessert that combines a rich, custardy texture with endless possibilities for customization. Whether you prefer it with a touch of cinnamon and vanilla, or a more decadent version with fruits, nuts, or chocolate, this dish is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed all year round. It’s easy to make, and with just a few basic ingredients, you can create a dessert that’s both nostalgic and indulgent.

Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, Bread Pudding always seems to hit the spot. Its warm, comforting nature makes it an ideal treat to share with loved ones, and its simplicity means you can easily tweak it to fit your tastes. Whether you add a splash of rum, mix in some berries, or even drizzle with caramel sauce, you can make this dish your own.

I can’t wait to see how your Bread Pudding turns out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your delicious creation! Feel free to share any twists you added to the recipe in the comments below. Enjoy!