The Best Bread Pudding Recipe: A Cozy Comfort Classic

Crafting an irresistible bread pudding demands creativity and a dash of culinary magic.

Comfort surfaces through each delectable spoonful of this classic dessert.

Warm memories flood back with every rich, custardy bite.

Soft bread pieces mingle with sweet custard, creating a symphony of textures.

Fragrant cinnamon and vanilla whisper promises of indulgence.

Grandmothers’ secret recipes inspired this particular version, blending tradition with modern flair.

Prepare to experience pure dessert bliss that will make you the star of any gathering.

Why The Best Bread Pudding Is Always A Crowd Favorite

• Conquer Kitchen Complexity: Beginner bakers can confidently master this recipe with simple steps and basic ingredients, making it perfect for those learning culinary skills.
• Transform Leftover Bread: Rescue day-old bread and turn it into a luxurious dessert, reducing food waste while creating a delectable treat that feels like a gourmet indulgence.
• Customize with Comfort: Easily personalize the bread pudding by adding different mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruits, or nuts, making it adaptable to individual taste preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Delight family and friends with a classic comfort dessert that works beautifully for casual gatherings, potlucks, or special celebrations, guaranteed to bring smiles and create memorable moments.

Ingredients For The Best Bread Pudding

• Day-Old White Bread: A sturdy bread that absorbs the custard perfectly while providing varied textures.
• Butter: Used to brush bread chunks, enhancing flavor and creating a slight crispness.

• Eggs: Create a smooth, frothy base for the rich custard mixture.
• Milk: Provides the liquid foundation for the creamy texture.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and depth to the pudding's custard.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the entire dessert with a classic sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Introduces a warm, aromatic flavor to the pudding.
• Ground Cinnamon: Delivers a warm, comforting spice note.
• Salt: Balances and enhances all the sweet flavors.

• Raisins, Chopped Pecans: Provide delightful bursts of texture and additional flavor complexity.
• Bourbon: Offers an optional layer of depth and sophistication.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates an elegant finishing touch for serving.

How To Bake The Best Bread Pudding

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Crank up the oven to a toasty 350°F. Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter, making sure every nook and cranny is covered to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Break Down the Bread

Rip the day-old white bread into chunky, uneven pieces. These irregular bits will soak up the creamy custard like little flavor sponges.

Step 3: Butter Up the Bread

Melt some butter and lovingly brush each bread chunk. This adds extra flavor and helps create those irresistible crispy edges.

Step 4: Whisk the Custard Base

In a large mixing bowl, whip those eggs until they’re smooth and slightly frothy. This creates the perfect foundation for our dreamy custard.

Step 5: Create the Magical Custard Mixture

• Milk
• Heavy cream
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt

Stir continuously until the mixture becomes a silky, heavenly blend.

Step 6: Add Texture Boosters

• Raisins
• Chopped pecans

Distribute these goodies evenly to create surprise bursts of flavor in every bite.

Step 7: Soak the Bread

Pour the luscious custard over the bread chunks. Press down gently to ensure every piece gets thoroughly saturated with creamy goodness.

Step 8: Let It Rest

Give the bread a 10-15 minute soak, allowing it to drink up all that custardy deliciousness.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the soaked mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly, creating a rustic, mouth-watering surface.

Step 10: Bake and Watch the Magic Happen

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown top and a center that’s set but still has a slight jiggle.

Step 11: Cool and Set

Pull the pudding out and let it rest for 15 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and the texture settle.

Step 12: Optional Flavor Boost

For the adventurous, drizzle some bourbon over the warm pudding for an extra flavor kick.

Step 13: Final Flourish

Dust with a delicate sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving.

Step 14: Serve and Enjoy

Dish out while it’s warm, revealing that incredible custardy interior and those crispy, caramelized edges that’ll make everyone swoon.

Pro Tips For The Best Bread Pudding

• Choose Day-Old Bread: Select slightly stale white bread for better custard absorption and a more luxurious texture.
• Prevent Sticking Perfectly: Generously butter the baking dish, ensuring complete coverage to help the pudding release smoothly after baking.
• Boost Flavor Infusion: Gently press bread chunks into the custard mixture, allowing maximum absorption and creating a rich, uniform taste throughout.
• Balance Sweetness Wisely: Adjust sugar levels to personal preference, knowing raisins and optional bourbon will contribute additional natural sweetness.
• Achieve Ideal Texture: Let bread soak for 10-15 minutes before baking, enabling complete custard penetration and creating a silky, consistent pudding consistency.

Flavor Twists For The Best Bread Pudding

• Gluten-Free Bread Pudding: Replace white bread with gluten-free bread or almond flour bread, maintaining the same rich custard and texture while catering to gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Bread Pudding: Swap eggs and dairy with coconut milk, silken tofu, and plant-based butter, creating a creamy dessert that's completely dairy-free and egg-free.
• Low-Sugar Version: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of granulated sugar, reducing overall sugar content while preserving the classic bread pudding flavor profile.
• Tropical Fruit Variation: Substitute raisins with diced mango, pineapple, or coconut flakes, transforming the traditional recipe into a vibrant, island-inspired dessert with fresh fruit elements.

Perfect Pairings For The Best Bread Pudding

• Pair Creamy Bourbon Vanilla Sauce: Craft a smooth, boozy sauce using bourbon, heavy cream, and powdered sugar to complement the bread pudding's rich, custardy texture.
• Serve Cinnamon Whipped Cream: Blend freshly whipped cream with a hint of ground cinnamon, echoing the warm spices in the pudding and adding a light, airy contrast.
• Match Caramel Pecan Drizzle: Create a luxurious caramel sauce studded with toasted pecans, enhancing the nutty undertones and adding a glossy, indulgent finish.
• Pour Spiced Chai Latte: Brew a warm, aromatic chai latte with hints of cardamom and ginger, providing a complementary spice profile that balances the pudding's sweetness.

How To Store The Best Bread Pudding

• Store leftovers in an airtight container, keeping the bread pudding fresh for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire pudding in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 2 months for later enjoyment.
• Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking to prevent overheating. Drizzle a splash of milk to restore moisture.
• Warm in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning and maintain the pudding's soft, custardy texture.

FAQs About The Best Bread Pudding

• Is bread pudding a difficult dessert to make?

Not at all! Bread pudding is surprisingly simple, requiring basic ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques that even beginner bakers can master quickly.

• Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! While day-old white bread works best, you can experiment with challah, brioche, or French bread to create unique flavor profiles and textures.

• How do I know when the bread pudding is perfectly baked?

Look for a golden-brown top and a center that’s set but still slightly jiggly. When you gently shake the pan, it should have a soft, custard-like wobble without appearing liquid.

The Best Bread Pudding Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5-10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Silky smooth Bread Pudding whispers comfort from Southern kitchens, blending rich custard with golden bread cubes. Warm caramel sauce and delicate spices create a soul-satisfying dessert you’ll crave after one delightful spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread Ingredients:

• 8 slices (450g) white bread, day-old
• 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter

Custard Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Optional Add-ins:

• 1/2 cup (75g) raisins
• 1/4 cup (35g) chopped pecans
• 2 tablespoons bourbon (optional)
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
2. Tear the day-old white bread into rustic, irregular chunks, creating varied textures that will absorb the rich custard mixture beautifully.
3. Melt the butter and gently brush each bread chunk, enhancing their flavor and helping them crisp slightly during baking.
4. Whisk eggs in a large mixing bowl until smooth and slightly frothy, creating a light base for the custard.
5. Gradually incorporate milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt, stirring continuously to create a homogeneous, silky custard mixture.
6. If using, fold in raisins and chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the bread pieces for delightful bursts of texture.
7. Pour the custard over the prepared bread chunks, gently pressing down to ensure every piece becomes saturated with the creamy mixture.
8. Allow the bread to soak for 10-15 minutes, enabling maximum absorption of the luxurious custard.
9. Transfer the soaked bread pudding to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly and creating an appetizing, rustic surface.
10. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
11. Remove from the oven and let cool for 15 minutes, allowing the pudding to set and intensify its flavors.
12. Optional: Drizzle bourbon over the warm pudding for an extra layer of complexity.
13. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving, creating an elegant finishing touch.
14. Serve warm, revealing the pudding’s decadent, custardy interior and crisp, caramelized edges.

Notes

• Choose day-old bread for superior texture and absorption, preventing soggy or overly dense pudding.
• Experiment with bread varieties like brioche, challah, or cinnamon raisin for unique flavor profiles and enhanced richness.
• Toast bread chunks lightly before assembling to intensify their nutty, caramelized characteristics and add extra crunch.
• Substitute whole milk with almond or coconut milk for dairy-free alternatives without compromising creamy consistency.
• Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a lower-calorie, diabetic-friendly version.
• Incorporate seasonal fruits like diced apples or berries to create refreshing variations and boost nutritional value.
• Cover with foil during initial baking to prevent excessive browning and ensure even, gentle cooking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 150mg