Bread Pudding

Table of Contents

1. Ingredients
2. Substitutions and Additions
3. How to Make Bread Pudding
4. How To Serve the Custard Bread Pudding
5. Why You'll Love This Custard Bread Pudding Recipe
6. Recipe FAQ
7. Serving FAQ
8. Storage FAQ
9. JUMP TO RECIPE
10. More Recipes 

This easy bread pudding comes packed with cozy cinnamon flavor and the perfect soft texture. You only need simple ingredients to make it. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a comforting dessert. Great for holidays, brunch, or anytime you crave something sweet and homemade.

This recipe is easy to follow, and you’ll find step-by-step photos and clear directions below. We’ve included helpful pro tips and tricks. You’ll also see answers to the most frequently asked questions about how to make the best bread pudding.

This easy bread pudding takes just fifteen minutes to prep, then bakes into a warm, cozy dessert everyone loves. The soft, custardy center and cinnamon-sugar top make it perfect for holidays, potlucks, or weeknight treats.

You only need basic pantry ingredients, so it’s easy to whip up anytime. Serve it fresh from the oven with ice cream or caramel sauce.

What you'll need to make this old-fashioned bread pudding recipe:

For The Bread:

• 4 cups of cubed Italian or French bread, stale is best
• 8 large eggs
• 3 cups of whole milk
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 cup of light brown sugar, tightly packed
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 4 tablespoons of butter, melted

The best bread pudding starts with stale bread cubes. You can use any kind—sandwich bread, buns, or even croissants. It’s the perfect way to use up leftovers!

For The Caramel Sauce:

• ½ cup of light brown sugar, tightly packed
• ½ cup of heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons of butter
• ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract

Make your bread pudding recipe new by swapping out ingredients and adding tasty extras! These easy changes can make your dessert suit your personal taste. Here are some top substitutions and additions:

The best bread pudding starts with stale bread cubes. You can use any kind—sandwich bread, buns, or even croissants. It’s the perfect way to use up leftovers!

• Substitute Bread: Use brioche or challah bread for a softer, richer texture in your bread pudding.
• Add Raisins: Mix in raisins or golden raisins to add sweetness and texture to every bite.
• Substitute Milk: Use half-and-half or heavy cream for a thicker, creamier custard base.
• Add Nuts: Toss in chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
• Add Spices: Sprinkle in nutmeg or cloves along with cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor boost.

Follow along with our step-by-step photos, easy directions, and helpful tips and tricks to make this bread pudding with caramel sauce. You’ll get it right the first time with our guide. Let’s get started and bake something warm and delicious!

FIRST STEP: Preheat the oven to 350°F.

SECOND STEP: Lightly spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

THIRD STEP: Place bread cubes evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.

FOURTH STEP:  In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until all ingredients are well incorporated.

FIFTH STEP: Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes. Allow this to sit for about ten minutes so that the bread can soak up the egg and milk mixture.

SIXTH STEP: After the bread mixture has set for ten minutes, drizzle the four tablespoons of melted butter on top of the soaked bread cubes.

SEVENTH STEP: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.

EIGHTH STEP: While the pudding is baking, in a medium saucepan, combine the light brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter to make your caramel sauce.

Heat this mixture over medium heat.

NINTH STEP: Whisking intermittently, cook the caramel mixture for five to six minutes.

TENTH STEP: Remove the caramel sauce from the heat and whisk in half a teaspoon of vanilla extract.

ELEVENTH STEP: Pour the caramel sauce over the bread pudding immediately after removing it from the oven. Serve while warm.

You can serve this easy bread pudding all year long for family dinners, holidays, or cozy weekend treats. It’s a warm, sweet dessert both kids and adults love.

• Serve for the holidays: This recipe makes a great dessert for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter. The cinnamon flavor pairs perfectly with no-bake pumpkin pie or caramel apple spice crisp.
• Make it for a weekend dessert: Serve it warm after a Sunday dinner or when you want something homemade and comforting. Add a scoop of pumpkin ice cream or a side of chocolate meringue pie.
• Bring it to a potluck or party: Bread pudding travels well and always gets lots of compliments. Try serving it alongside banana pudding or peanut butter lasagna for a sweet table spread.

Bread pudding is a go-to dessert for our readers because it’s cozy, easy to make, and always a hit. It brings back warm memories, uses simple ingredients, and works for so many occasions.

• Easy to Make: You only need basic pantry ingredients and simple steps to get this pudding in the oven fast.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Stale bread doesn’t go to waste—it turns into something sweet, warm, and totally worth making.
• Family Favorite: Kids love the soft, cinnamon-soaked bites, and grown-ups ask for seconds every time.
• Great Any Time of Year: Whether it’s chilly or warm out, bread pudding always feels like the right dessert to serve.
• Comforting and Classic: It’s the kind of dessert that makes everyone feel at home with just one bite.

No wonder this pudding keeps coming back as a top favorite—our readers truly can’t get enough!

Here are the top questions people ask when making this easy bread pudding recipe, along with clear, helpful answers.

What kind of bread works best for this recipe?
The best bread is stale sandwich bread, buns, French bread, or croissants because they soak up the custard.

Can I use fresh bread for this recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh bread, but dry it in the oven for ten minutes at 250 degrees first so it absorbs the custard without turning soggy.

How do I know when bread pudding is done baking?
Your pudding is done when the top turns golden and a knife in the center comes out mostly clean.

Why do I need to use stale bread in bread pudding?
Stale bread holds its shape better and soaks up the custard without getting mushy.

Do I need to cover bread pudding while it bakes?
No, you don’t need to cover it. Bake uncovered so the top gets golden and slightly crisp.

Can I add raisins to this bread pudding recipe?
Yes, you can add raisins to this recipe. Mix them in before baking for extra sweetness and texture.

Do I need to refrigerate the custard mixture before pouring it on the bread?
No, you don’t need to chill the custard. Pour it right over the bread after mixing it together.

How long should the bread soak before baking?
Let the bread soak in the custard for at least ten minutes so it absorbs all the liquid evenly.

Can I bake this bread pudding in a glass dish?
Yes, you can use a glass dish. Just watch the edges so they don’t overcook too fast.

What’s the best way to keep the pudding from drying out?
Use the full amount of milk and eggs in the recipe so pudding stays soft and moist while baking.

Should I serve bread pudding warm or cold?
Serve warm. The custard texture softens, and the flavor comes through better when it's freshly baked.

Can I add toppings right before serving bread pudding?
Yes, add toppings like caramel sauce, whipped cream, or powdered sugar just before serving so they don’t soak in.

Is bread pudding a good dessert for kids?
Yes, kids usually love the soft texture and sweet cinnamon flavor, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Can I serve bread pudding for breakfast or brunch?
Absolutely, it's great for breakfast or brunch. Just pair it with coffee, juice, or a breakfast casserole.

Does bread pudding work for holidays and special occasions?
Yes, bread pudding is a popular choice for holidays like Christmas or Thanksgiving because it feels cozy and homemade.

Follow the tips and directions below to store this bread pudding recipe the right way. We’ll show you how to make it ahead, keep it fresh, and reheat it without drying it out.

Can I prepare bread pudding ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it a day ahead. Store it in the fridge and bake it the next day.

What's the best way to store leftovers?
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them. The bread pudding will stay fresh for up to five days.

Can I freeze leftover bread pudding?
Yes, it freezes well. Wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to three months.

How do I thaw and reheat frozen bread pudding?
Thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

How should I reheat bread pudding when ready to serve?
Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven for ten to fifteen minutes.

Can I microwave bread pudding to reheat it fast?
Yes, use the microwave in short bursts of thirty seconds. Stir between intervals so it heats evenly.

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