There’s something irresistibly comforting about a warm slice of homemade bread pudding. This classic Bread Pudding recipe takes the simplest of ingredients—day-old bread—and elevates it to a decadent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Each bite delivers a rich, creamy texture infused with hints of vanilla and cinnamon, satisfying even the most discerning sweet tooth. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility; it’s a dish that embraces creativity, allowing anyone to adjust the flavors or ingredients according to what they have on hand.

Imagine serving a warm, golden-brown bread pudding topped with a luscious buttery vanilla sauce that drizzles down the sides, inviting everyone to dive in. This dish not only showcases the talent of home cooking but also encourages reducing food waste by utilizing stale bread. Plus, it’s a great way to gather family and friends around the table, creating moments that linger just as sweetly as the dessert itself. Ready to discover how to create this comforting classic? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Bread Pudding

This bread pudding is a fantastic treat that offers delightful flavors and simplicity. Here are just a few reasons why you’ll adore it:

Comfort Food: A warm, gooey, and nostalgic dessert that feels like a hug on a plate.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite spices or mix-ins like chocolate chips, raisins, or nuts!
Uses Up Leftovers: This dish is the ultimate solution for using that day-old bread you might otherwise toss.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this sweet treat, making it ideal for family gatherings.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you embark on this delicious bread pudding adventure, prepare your kitchen to ensure a smooth cooking experience. First, gather your ingredients: cubed brioche or challah bread, eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and butter. If your bread is not stale, consider toasting it in the oven to achieve the perfect texture.

Tools-wise, you’ll need a 9×13-inch baking dish, which is essential for the cooking process, a large mixing bowl for whisking the custard, and a whisk for blending the ingredients. A sharp knife will help you cube the bread effortlessly. Once you have your tools and ingredients in place, you’re ready to dive into the cooking process!

Ingredients

4 cups cubed brioche or challah bread
4 large eggs
1 ¾ cups whole milk
¾ cup heavy cream
⅔ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons melted butter
¼ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons butter (for the sauce)
½ cup heavy cream (for the sauce)
⅓ cup granulated sugar (for the sauce)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the sauce)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the bread pudding bakes evenly and achieves that golden finish. While the oven heats up, take your 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it lightly to prevent sticking. Setting this up in advance will streamline the process once you’re ready to put everything together.

Step 2: Cube the Bread

Next, cut your brioche or challah bread into 1-inch cubes. The size is important, as it allows the custard to soak evenly throughout, resulting in a beautifully moist pudding. If your bread is fresh and not stale, toast the cubes in the preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. This step is crucial as it dries the bread slightly, helping it absorb the custard better without turning mushy.

Step 3: Whisk the Custard

Now, it’s time to make the custard. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until everything is well combined. This creamy mixture is what will turn your bread into pudding magic. Pay special attention to blending well so that the sugar dissolves and the spices are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Soak the Bread

Once you’ve whisked the custard, place the cubed bread into the prepared baking dish. Pour the custard evenly over the bread, making sure to cover as much as possible. Gently press down the bread cubes with a fork or your hands to submerge them in the custard. Allow this mixture to soak for about 20 minutes; patience here is key, as it allows the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb the custard fully.

Step 5: Bake with Butter

After soaking, drizzle the melted butter over the top of the bread mixture. This additional layer of butter will create a nice golden crust during baking. Cover the dish with foil to prevent browning too quickly. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 15–20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is set and the top has turned a luscious golden brown.

Step 6: Make the Vanilla Sauce

While the bread pudding bakes, you can prepare the vanilla sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the granulated sugar and cream. Stir constantly for about 5–6 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract for a rich flavor that complements the bread pudding beautifully.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once the bread pudding is out of the oven, let it cool for about 5–10 minutes before serving. This waiting period helps the dessert set up a bit more, making it easier to cut into portions. Spoon a generous amount of warm vanilla sauce over each slice for an indulgent finish that brings everything together.

Variations

Protein: Add cooked and crumbled bacon or sausage to the mixture for a savory twist.
Vegetables: Incorporate cooked apples or pears for a fruity element, or even sautéed spinach for a unique flavor.
Spices: Mix in a dash of nutmeg or substitutions for cinnamon to explore different flavor profiles.

Cooking Notes

Ensure that the bread is adequately dried out to absorb the custard well—this prevents a mushy texture.
You can prepare this dish a day in advance; simply cover it and store it in the refrigerator. Just pop it in the oven when it’s baking time.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm for a delightful dessert experience after a hearty meal.
Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added richness.

Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding chocolate chips or raisins to the mix before soaking.
Let the bread pudding sit for a few moments before serving; this allows the flavors to settle, enhancing each bite.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 330 per serving
Protein: 6g
Sodium: 150mg

FAQs

Can I make bread pudding ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the bread pudding ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cover it tightly and bake when ready to serve.

What type of bread works best for bread pudding?

Brioche or challah are highly recommended due to their rich texture and ability to absorb flavors well.

Can I add fruits or nuts to the recipe?

Absolutely! Adding fruits like raisins, apples, or even nuts can enhance the flavor and texture of your bread pudding.

How do I store leftover bread pudding?

Leftover bread pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave before serving.

Conclusion

This comforting bread pudding recipe is not just about savoring a sweet dessert; it’s about creating memories with loved ones and enjoying the simple pleasures of good cooking. It transforms plain ingredients into something special, a celebration of flavor and texture that brings everyone together. Your family will appreciate the care and effort that goes into making this beloved dish, and you’ll surely find it becomes a staple in your dessert repertoire. So why wait? Gather those ingredients, follow this guide, and embrace the delightful experience of making and sharing your own bread pudding creation!