Let’s talk comfort food. Remember those Sunday mornings where the aroma of something sweet and warm would just fill the whole house? What was Grandma’s recipe for bread pudding? What is the kind of dish that wraps you in a warm hug? What is the cousin of French toast casserole? Is this a good breakfast bake? What is bread pudding? What is the best thing about custard? What is the best way to use up leftover bread? What is the best Bread Pudding Recipe I have ever tried?

What is bread pudding?

Bread pudding is basically a sweet custard baked with bread. Think of it as a dessert (or sometimes a breakfast!) that turns humble ingredients into something truly special. It’s essentially day-old bread soaked in a creamy, sweet custard, then baked until golden brown and puffy. The name “bread pudding” doesn’t exactly scream deliciousness, I know, but don’t let that fool you! It’s a classic for a reason. It’s a way to minimize food waste, transforming stale bread into a decadent dessert. It’s really just a genius move, if you ask me! Everyone has their own family bread pudding recipe, and each is different.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Seriously, where do I even begin? What I love most about this particular bread pudding recipe is how unbelievably easy it is. Don’t let the fancy-sounding name intimidate you; it’s so straightforward, even a novice baker can nail it. It’s also incredibly cost-effective. It’s a fantastic way to use up bread that’s past its prime – seriously, no one will ever guess they’re eating leftovers! Plus, the flavor is out of this world. It’s rich, decadent, and comforting, with a hint of warmth from the cinnamon and nutmeg. The custard is creamy and luscious, and the bread soaks up all that delicious flavor. And the best part? It’s incredibly versatile. Serve it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Add your favorite mix-ins, like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit. It’s your canvas – get creative! I’ve even been known to add a splash of bourbon to the custard for an extra kick. This recipe is much easier than making a cake or batch of cookies and delivers just as much of a satisfying dessert.

How do I make bread pudding?

Quick Overview

Alright, ready to dive in? Making this bread pudding recipe is easier than you might think. Basically, you’ll whisk together a simple custard, soak some cubed bread in it, add your favorite mix-ins, and bake until golden brown and puffy. It’s a very forgiving recipe, so don’t worry about being too precise. Just relax, have fun, and enjoy the process. The real magic happens in the oven! I promise, you’ll be amazed at how such simple steps transform into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece.

Ingredients

For the Main Batter:
• 6 cups cubed bread (stale is best! I usually use challah or brioche, but any sturdy bread will work.)
• 3 cups milk (whole milk is preferred, but 2% or even almond milk works in a pinch)
• 1 cup heavy cream (this adds richness and creaminess) • 1-2 cups light cream.
• 12 cup granulated sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
• 14 cup packed brown sugar (for a hint of caramel flavor)
• 4 large eggs (they should be at room temperature for best results)
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract (use the good stuff for the best flavor)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for warmth and spice) (as a substitute for salt)
• 12 teaspoon ground nutmeg (a must for classic bread pudding flavor)
• ¼ teaspoon salt (enhances the sweetness)

For the Filling:
• 12 cup raisins (optional, but I love the chewy sweetness they add)
• 12 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (for crunch and nutty flavor)

For the Glaze:
• ¼ cup butter (melted)
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons of milk (or cream, for extra richness)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. What is the best way to make bread pudding? How do you line a pan with parchment paper?

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside. How do you spread spices evenly in custard? No one wants a bite that’s all cinnamon! Make sure there are no lumps in the sugar.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, and vanilla extract. Set aside. Make sure the eggs are fully incorporated for a smooth custard. I like to warm the milk and cream slightly to help the sugar dissolve more easily.

Step 4: Combine

How do you mix wet and dry ingredients? Don’t overmix! Just mix until everything is smooth and there are no lumps. A few streaks are fine.

Step 5: Prepare Filling

If using raisins, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes to plump them up. Drain them well before adding them to the bread pudding. Chop the pecans or walnuts into bite-sized pieces.

Step 6: Layer & Swirl

Place the cubed bread in the greased baking dish. Sprinkle the raisins and nuts over the bread. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, making sure all the bread is soaked. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it’s fully submerged in the custard. Let it sit for about 20-30 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard. It should be soft and saturated.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the bread pudding is golden brown and set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. The top should be puffy and slightly crisp. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on it!

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

Let the bread pudding cool slightly before glazing. While it’s cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the melted butter, powdered sugar, milk (or cream), and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the amount of milk to achieve your desired consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the warm bread pudding. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the glaze to set.

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Slice the bread pudding into squares and serve warm. It’s delicious on its own, but even better with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream or a dollop of whipped cream. I also like to sprinkle it with a little extra cinnamon or nutmeg.

What should I serve it with?

Honestly, this bread pudding recipe is pretty amazing all on its own, but there are tons of ways to dress it up! It really depends on the occasion.

For Breakfast: Pair it with a strong cup of coffee or a latte. It’s a great way to start the day on a sweet note. Serve it on a pretty plate with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few fresh berries for an elegant touch.

For Brunch:Serve it as part of a larger brunch spread with other breakfast favorites like scrambled eggs, omelettes, and ham. What is a Fruit Salad? What are the best iced teas and mimosas?

As Dessert:Top it with Whipped Cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Serve with a glass of dessert wine or herbal tea. For a more indulgent dessert, add chocolate chips or chunks to the bread pudding.

For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy it warm with a glass of milk or hot chocolate on a chilly evening. It’s the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.

My family tradition is to serve this with a big dollop of homemade whipped cream and a dusting of nutmeg. It’s the perfect ending to any meal, or just a little treat on a Sunday afternoon. Honestly, it’s just the best.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Bread Pudding

Okay, so I’ve made this bread pudding recipe *a lot* over the years, and I’ve definitely learned a few tricks along the way. Here are some of my top tips for achieving bread pudding perfection:

Bread Prep: Use stale bread! Seriously, it makes a huge difference. Fresh bread will get too mushy. Day-old (or even older) bread is perfect because it soaks up the custard without falling apart. I like to cube the bread the night before and let it sit out to dry even more. The drier the better!

Mixing Advice: Don’t overmix the custard! Overmixing can result in a tough bread pudding. Just mix until everything is combined and smooth. A few streaks are fine. Trust me, you don’t want to overwork the gluten in the bread.

Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to customize the mix-ins to your liking. Chocolate chips, dried cranberries, chopped apples, or even a little bit of citrus zest are all great additions. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of bourbon or rum to the custard.

Baking Tips: Keep an eye on the bread pudding while it’s baking. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil. Also, every oven is different, so adjust the baking time as needed. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.

Glaze Variations: Get creative with the glaze! Instead of a simple powdered sugar glaze, try a caramel sauce, a chocolate ganache, or even a cream cheese frosting. The possibilities are endless! I’ve also used maple syrup in place of some of the milk for a delicious maple glaze.

Zucchini Prep: Make sure to really squeeze out as much moisture as possible. I’ve tried salting the bread and letting it sit for a while and then squeeze.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This bread pudding recipe stores really well, so you can enjoy it for days to come.

Room Temperature: You can store bread pudding at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Cover it loosely to prevent it from drying out. After 2 hours, it should be refrigerated.

Refrigerator Storage: Store bread pudding in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. The glaze may soften slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze bread pudding for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The texture may change slightly after freezing, but it will still be tasty.

Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the bread pudding, it’s best to wait to add the glaze until after it’s been thawed and reheated. This will prevent the glaze from becoming soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

This bread pudding recipe really is more than just a recipe, it’s a little slice of home. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and incredibly delicious. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover bread and impress your friends and family. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my other favorite dessert recipes, like my classic chocolate chip cookies or my decadent brownies. They’re all easy to make and guaranteed to please. Happy baking! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Let me know in the comments if you try it and what variations you make. And don’t forget to rate the recipe!