Bread pudding is one of those comforting desserts that never goes out of style. It’s a great way to use up leftover bread and turn it into something warm, rich, and flavorful. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering, a cozy weekend treat, or just because you love dessert, this bread pudding recipe is guaranteed to impress.
In this guide, we’ll go step by step through everything you need to know—from choosing the right bread to perfecting the custard and achieving that delicious golden-brown finish. You’ll also find helpful tips, variations, and answers to frequently asked questions about how to make bread pudding.
Let’s dive into this classic dessert and learn how to make the best bread pudding recipe from scratch!
Looking for more comforting desserts? Check out our guide on making Crème Brûlée and Custard for another rich, indulgent treat!
Table of Contents
Understanding Bread Pudding
What is Bread Pudding?
Bread pudding is a dessert that dates back centuries, originating as a way to use stale bread instead of wasting it. Over time, it evolved into a rich and indulgent dish made with eggs, milk, sugar, and spices. While it was once considered a “poor man’s dessert,” today, it’s a beloved classic enjoyed worldwide.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavors: You only need basic pantry staples like bread, eggs, milk, and sugar.
- Customizable: You can add fruits, nuts, chocolate chips, or different flavorings to make it your own.
- Great for Using Up Leftovers: Got stale bread? This recipe gives it a delicious second life.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for brunch, dessert, or a special holiday, bread pudding fits any setting.
If you love classic baked goods, don’t miss our Southern Cornbread Recipe—a warm and comforting dish just like bread pudding!
Ingredients for the Best Bread Pudding Recipe
A great bread pudding recipe starts with simple, high-quality ingredients. While the base remains the same, you can tweak it to suit your taste by adding extra flavors and mix-ins.
Essential Ingredients
To make a classic bread pudding, you’ll need:
- Bread (4-5 cups, cubed): Brioche, challah, French bread, or any sturdy bread works best. Avoid soft sandwich bread, as it can become too mushy.
- Eggs (4 large): They help bind the ingredients together and create a rich custard.
- Milk (2 cups): Whole milk gives the pudding a creamy texture, but you can use half-and-half or heavy cream for extra richness.
- Granulated Sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens the pudding without overpowering it. Brown sugar can be used for a deeper caramel-like flavor.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tablespoon): Adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon) & Nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Classic spices that give the pudding a warm and cozy taste.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- Butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Adds richness and helps create a crispy top.
Optional Add-Ins
To make your bread pudding even more exciting, consider these mix-ins:
- Dried Fruits: Raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates add texture and sweetness.
- Nuts: Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds add crunch.
- Chocolate Chips: A great way to make your bread pudding extra indulgent.
- Boozy Twist: A splash of bourbon, rum, or whiskey adds a sophisticated depth of flavor.
Simple ingredients for the perfect bread pudding
How to Make Bread Pudding
Now that we have the ingredients ready, it’s time to put everything together! Follow this step-by-step guide to make the perfect bread pudding recipe with a creamy custard base and a golden-brown, slightly crisp top.
Step 1: Preparing the Bread
Not all bread is created equal when it comes to bread pudding. Here’s how to prepare your bread for the best texture:
- Choose the right bread: Brioche, challah, French bread, or even croissants work well. Avoid soft sandwich bread.
- Stale the bread: If your bread is fresh, cut it into cubes and let it sit out overnight. Alternatively, toast it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.
| Bread Type | Texture | Best for Bread Pudding? |
|---|---|---|
| Brioche | Soft, buttery | ✅ Yes – Best choice! |
| French Bread | Chewy, crusty | ✅ Yes – Great for texture |
| Challah | Slightly sweet, eggy | ✅ Yes – Adds richness |
| Croissants | Flaky, buttery | ✅ Yes – Ultra decadent |
| White Sandwich Bread | Soft, bland | ❌ No – Too mushy |
Step 2: Making the Custard
The custard is the heart of the bread pudding. It should be rich and smooth without being too thick.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups milk (or half-and-half)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Whisk until the sugar dissolves and everything is well combined.
Step 3: Combining and Soaking
- Place the cubed bread into a greased baking dish (9×13-inch works well).
- Pour the custard mixture over the bread, making sure every piece is soaked.
- Let it sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour) so the bread absorbs the liquid.
💡 Pro Tip: For extra flavor, sprinkle some brown sugar and a few small butter pieces on top before baking.
Step 4: Baking the Pudding
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set but slightly jiggly.
| Baking Time Guide | Texture Outcome |
|---|---|
| 40-45 minutes | Softer, custard-like pudding |
| 50-55 minutes | Firmer, slightly crisp top |
| 60+ minutes | Dry and overcooked |
Preparing bread pudding for baking
Bread Pudding Variations
A classic bread pudding recipe is always a hit, but you can easily customize it to match your taste preferences. Whether you prefer a sweeter version, a chocolate twist, or even a savory take, here are some delicious variations to try.
Classic Bread Pudding vs. Modern Twists
| Variation | Key Ingredients & Flavor Additions |
|---|---|
| Classic Bread Pudding | Cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, raisins, and milk-based custard |
| Chocolate Bread Pudding | Cocoa powder, chocolate chips, espresso powder for richness |
| Caramel Apple Bread Pudding | Caramel sauce, diced apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar |
| Pumpkin Spice Bread Pudding | Pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, pecans, and maple syrup |
| Banana Foster Bread Pudding | Caramelized bananas, rum, and a hint of nutmeg |
| Pecan Praline Bread Pudding | Toasted pecans, brown sugar, and praline sauce |
Savory Bread Pudding Options
Bread pudding doesn’t have to be sweet! You can turn it into a hearty dish by removing the sugar and adding savory ingredients. Try these ideas:
- Cheesy Herb Bread Pudding: Use cheddar, Parmesan, rosemary, and thyme for a delicious side dish.
- Mushroom & Spinach Bread Pudding: A vegetarian-friendly version with sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and spinach.
- Bacon & Cheese Bread Pudding: Perfect for breakfast, made with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and eggs.
Want to try another delicious dessert? These Strawberries & Cream Pastry Puffs are a must-try for sweet lovers!
Tips for the Perfect Bread Pudding
To make the best bread pudding recipe, it’s important to get the texture just right—rich and creamy on the inside with a slightly crisp top. Here are expert tips to ensure your pudding turns out perfect every time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Why It’s a Problem | How to Fix It |
|---|---|---|
| Using Fresh Bread | Fresh bread absorbs less custard, leading to a soggy texture | Use stale bread or toast it in the oven for 10 minutes |
| Over-Soaking the Bread | Bread can become too soft and break apart | Let the bread soak for 15-30 minutes before baking |
| Not Enough Custard | A dry pudding lacks richness | Use the right ratio of eggs, milk, and sugar |
| Baking at Too High a Temperature | The top burns before the center sets | Bake at 350°F (175°C) for even cooking |
| Removing Too Early | The pudding won’t be set properly | Bake until the center is slightly jiggly but firm around the edges |
Pro Tips from Bakers
- The Secret Ingredient for Extra Creaminess: Replace half of the milk with heavy cream for a richer custard.
- For a Caramelized Top: Sprinkle a mixture of brown sugar and butter on top before baking.
- Want a Firmer Pudding? Add one extra egg to create a more structured custard.
- Crispy Edges, Soft Center: Bake in a water bath by placing your baking dish inside a larger pan filled with hot water. This prevents the pudding from drying out.
Toppings and Serving Ideas
A well-made bread pudding is delicious on its own, but adding the right toppings takes it to the next level. Whether you prefer classic toppings or creative twists, these ideas will enhance the flavor and presentation of your dessert.
Classic Toppings
| Topping | Flavor & Texture Enhancement |
|---|---|
| Powdered Sugar | Light sweetness and a touch of elegance |
| Whipped Cream | Adds airy richness to balance the dense pudding |
| Caramel Sauce | Buttery sweetness with a smooth texture |
| Vanilla Sauce | Classic pairing with warm bread pudding |
| Maple Syrup | Natural sweetness that complements cinnamon flavors |
Creative Serving Ideas
| Serving Idea | Description |
|---|---|
| With Ice Cream | Serve warm pudding with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for contrast |
| With Fresh Berries | Adds a fresh, tangy contrast to the richness |
| Drizzled with Chocolate | Melted dark or white chocolate for extra indulgence |
| Topped with Nuts | Toasted pecans or almonds add a nice crunch |
| Rum-Soaked Raisins | Adds depth and a boozy kick |
💡 Pro Tip: For a restaurant-style presentation, serve individual portions in ramekins, drizzle with sauce, and top with a scoop of ice cream.
Warm bread pudding with ice cream
Storing and Reheating Bread Pudding
If you have leftovers (or want to make bread pudding ahead of time), knowing how to store and reheat it properly ensures it stays delicious. Here’s everything you need to keep your bread pudding fresh and warm without losing its texture.
How to Store Bread Pudding
| Storage Method | How to Do It | Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerating | Let the pudding cool completely, cover it with plastic wrap or an airtight container | 3-4 days |
| Freezing | Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container | Up to 2 months |
💡 Pro Tip: If freezing, label your container with the date to keep track of freshness.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
| Reheating Method | Instructions | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Oven (Best) | Cover with foil and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 15 minutes | Restoring a fresh-baked texture |
| Microwave | Heat individual portions for 30-45 seconds, adding a splash of milk if needed | Quick single servings |
| Stovetop | Reheat in a non-stick pan over low heat with a little butter | Crispy edges |
💡 Pro Tip: Adding a small splash of milk or cream before reheating helps keep the custard soft and moist.
FAQs
What are the ingredients to bread pudding?
The basic ingredients for bread pudding include bread, eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. You can also add extras like dried fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
What are the 3 types of pudding?
The three main types of pudding are:
Baked Custard Pudding – Like bread pudding, made with eggs and milk baked until set.
Steamed Pudding – Popular in British cuisine, often made with suet and cooked in a steaming pot.
Chilled Pudding – A creamy, stovetop pudding made with cornstarch or gelatin, such as chocolate or vanilla pudding.
Is bread pudding supposed to be jiggly when you take it out of the oven?
Yes! The center should have a slight jiggle when you remove it from the oven. It will continue to firm up as it cools. If it’s too firm, it might be overcooked and dry.
Should bread pudding be refrigerated overnight before baking?
Letting the bread soak overnight enhances the flavors and ensures a creamy texture, but it’s not required. If you’re short on time, letting it sit for 15-30 minutes before baking works too.
How is pudding made from scratch?
Traditional pudding is made by heating milk, sugar, and eggs or cornstarch until thickened. Bread pudding is a baked version where bread soaks up a rich custard before being baked.
How do you know when bread pudding is done?
Bread pudding is done when:
The top is golden brown
The edges are firm, but the center is slightly jiggly
A knife inserted in the center comes out clean or with slight custard residue
The internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C)
Conclusion
Bread pudding is the perfect way to turn simple ingredients into a rich, comforting dessert. Whether you stick with the classic bread pudding recipe or experiment with new flavors, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
By following the steps in this guide, you’ll achieve a custardy, flavorful bread pudding with just the right balance of softness and crispiness. Remember these key tips:
- Use stale bread for the best texture.
- Let the bread soak for at least 15 minutes before baking.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown with a slightly jiggly center.
- Customize with add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit.
- Store leftovers properly and reheat carefully to maintain texture.
Now that you’ve mastered this bread pudding recipe, it’s time to enjoy it! Serve it warm, topped with caramel sauce, whipped cream, or a scoop of ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Explore more homemade baked goods like our Kefir Sheet Cake Recipe for your next dessert adventure!
