Classic Homemade Bread Pudding: A Timeless Dessert for Any Occasion

Indulge in the comforting warmth and rich flavors of a truly classic dessert: Homemade Bread Pudding. This incredibly simple yet satisfying dish transforms humble stale bread and everyday pantry staples into an extraordinary treat. Perfect for cozy holiday gatherings, a delightful weekend brunch, or simply as a comforting dessert after any meal, bread pudding offers a delicious blend of textures and aromas. Served warm with a luscious custard sauce, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of your favorite dessert syrup, it’s a recipe that promises to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Bread Pudding Recipe

Who would have thought that a few slices of forgotten stale bread could be resurrected into such a divine dessert? Centuries ago, resourceful English cooks perfected this art, transforming what might have been food waste into a beloved classic. Today, bread pudding remains a testament to culinary ingenuity and a staple in many households, especially during festive seasons like Christmas and Easter, or as a comforting addition to a relaxed weekend brunch.

Here are just a few reasons why this recipe will capture your heart:

• Effortless Elegance: Despite its sophisticated taste and appearance, bread pudding is surprisingly easy to make. It requires minimal effort and simple, readily available ingredients.
• Waste Not, Want Not: This recipe is a fantastic way to utilize leftover stale bread, preventing food waste and turning it into something truly delicious.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: There’s something inherently nostalgic and comforting about a warm, custardy bread pudding. Its inviting aroma and tender texture make it the perfect antidote to chilly evenings or a sweet start to a leisurely morning.
• Incredibly Versatile: Whether you prefer it plain, with fruit, nuts, or chocolate, this basic recipe serves as a wonderful canvas for countless variations, allowing you to customize it to your taste.
• Crowd-Pleaser: From casual family meals to more formal celebrations, bread pudding is a universally loved dessert that consistently earns rave reviews from guests of all ages.

Essential Ingredients for the Best Bread Pudding

Crafting the perfect bread pudding begins with a selection of common pantry items. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that coveted rich flavor and perfectly tender, custardy texture:

• Stale Bread: The star of the show! Thick slices of brioche, challah, French baguette, or Italian bread work best. Stale bread is key because it acts like a sponge, soaking up the creamy custard mixture without becoming overly mushy. If your bread is fresh, you can easily dry it out overnight or by lightly toasting it in the oven. Aim for about 5 cups of 1-inch cubed bread.
• Large Eggs: These are essential for creating the luxurious custard base that binds the bread together. Eggs provide structure and richness, ensuring a beautifully set and smooth pudding.
• Whole Milk or Half and Half: For a truly decadent bread pudding, whole milk or half and half is highly recommended. The higher fat content contributes significantly to the richness and creamy consistency of the custard. While skim milk can be used, it won’t yield the same luscious result. For an even richer pudding, you can use a combination of milk and heavy cream.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dish to perfection. The amount of sugar can be adjusted slightly based on your preference and the sweetness of your bread (e.g., if using brioche, you might reduce it slightly).
• Butter: Not only used for greasing the baking dish, but a touch of butter in the custard also enhances flavor and promotes a lovely golden-brown crust on top of your pudding.
• Vanilla Extract: A fundamental flavoring that adds warmth, depth, and a classic dessert aroma. Always use good quality vanilla extract for the best results.
• Ground Cinnamon: This spice adds a wonderfully comforting warmth and aromatic notes that perfectly complement the sweet custard and bread. You can also experiment with a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for added complexity.
• Salt: Just a quarter teaspoon of salt might seem insignificant, but it’s crucial! Salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors, making the pudding taste more nuanced and delicious.

What Exactly is Bread Pudding? A Culinary History

At its heart, bread pudding is a classic dessert composed of stale bread baked in a rich custard made from eggs, milk, sugar, and various spices, often with additions like dried fruit. While simple in its premise, its history is rich and widespread.

The concept of bread pudding originated centuries ago as a resourceful way to use leftover bread, preventing waste in times when food was precious. Often referred to as “poor man’s pudding,” it was a staple in English kitchens, evolving from humble beginnings into a beloved comfort food. Over time, its popularity spread across continents, and today, nearly every culture boasts its own unique version.

• English Origins: The British version typically involves soaking bread in milk and eggs, then baking it with sugar, spices, and sometimes dried fruits like raisins or currants. It’s often served with a warm custard sauce or a simple cream.
• French Pain Perdu: Translating to “lost bread,” this is the elegant ancestor of what we now call French Toast. When baked as a casserole, it closely resembles bread pudding, often featuring brioche and served with syrup or fresh fruit.
• Spanish Torrijas: Similar to French toast, these are slices of bread soaked in milk or wine, then dipped in egg and fried. While often served savory, sweet versions are popular, especially during Lent and Easter.
• American Variations: In the United States, especially in the South, bread pudding often incorporates bourbon or whiskey, pecan nuts, and rich caramel or praline sauces, highlighting its decadent potential.

This dessert embodies culinary resourcefulness and the timeless appeal of transforming simple ingredients into something truly special.

How to Make This Delicious Bread Pudding

Creating this irresistible bread pudding is a straightforward process that yields incredibly rewarding results. Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time:

1. Prepare Your Bread: Begin by slicing your chosen bread (brioche, French, or Italian) into thick pieces, then cut them into roughly 1-inch cubes. The key here is to use stale or dried bread. If your bread is fresh, spread the cubes on a large baking sheet and let them sit on the counter overnight, or bake them in a preheated 200°F (95°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until they are dry but not toasted. This step prevents the pudding from becoming overly soggy.
2. Butter the Baking Dish: Generously butter a 2-quart baking dish. A 13″ x 9″ casserole dish also works wonderfully. This prevents sticking and helps create a beautifully golden crust. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
3. Arrange the Bread: Place the cubed stale bread evenly into the prepared baking dish.
4. Whisk the Custard Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, whole milk or half and half, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisk vigorously until the sugar is fully dissolved and all the ingredients are well combined and smooth. This ensures a consistent flavor and texture throughout the pudding.
5. Pour and Soak: Carefully pour the egg custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish.

6. Ensure Even Saturation: Gently press the bread down with the back of a spoon or a spatula to ensure every piece is thoroughly soaked in the rich custard mixture. This is crucial for a moist and tender pudding. Allow the dish to sit for about 10-15 minutes while the oven finishes preheating, giving the bread more time to absorb the liquid.
7. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 55 minutes to 1 hour, or until the pudding is golden brown on top, the custard is set (a knife inserted into the center should come out mostly clean), and the edges are lightly crisp.
8. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool for about 15 minutes before cutting it into individual servings. This allows the pudding to set further and makes it easier to serve.
9. Garnish and Enjoy: For a simple finish, dust generously with powdered sugar. Alternatively, serve it warm with a decadent drizzle of homemade custard sauce, rich caramel, maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream.

How to Serve Bread Pudding for Maximum Enjoyment

One of the beauties of bread pudding is its versatility in serving. It tastes fantastic whether served warm, at room temperature, or even chilled. The key is often in the accompaniments, which can elevate this simple dessert to extraordinary heights.

• Classic Custard Sauce (Crème Anglaise): This is arguably the most traditional and beloved pairing. A silky smooth, warm vanilla custard sauce complements the bread pudding beautifully, adding another layer of richness.
• Powdered Sugar: A simple dusting of confectioners’ sugar adds a touch of sweetness and an elegant finish without overpowering the pudding’s natural flavors.
• Maple Syrup or Caramel Sauce: A generous drizzle of pure maple syrup or a homemade salted caramel sauce can transform your bread pudding into a truly indulgent treat, adding a sticky-sweet counterpoint.
• Chocolate Sauce: For chocolate lovers, a warm chocolate fudge sauce or a simple chocolate ganache poured over a slice of bread pudding is pure bliss.
• Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melting over a warm slice of bread pudding creates a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
• Fresh Berries or Fruit Compote: To add a touch of freshness and acidity, consider serving with a side of mixed fresh berries or a warm fruit compote (like apple, peach, or berry compote).
• For Brunch: Bread pudding can easily cross over from dessert to brunch item. Serve it alongside coffee or tea, perhaps with a lighter fruit salad.

Choosing the Best Bread for Bread Pudding

The type of bread you use is paramount to the success of your bread pudding. The ideal bread will soak up the rich custard mixture without completely disintegrating, providing a satisfying texture that is both tender and slightly chewy.

• Brioche: This rich, buttery, and slightly sweet bread is an excellent choice. Its tender crumb and flavor contribute to a truly luxurious bread pudding.
• Challah: Similar to brioche, challah is an egg-rich Jewish braided bread that offers a wonderful texture and mild sweetness.
• French Baguette or Italian Loaf: These crusty, airy breads are perfect once stale. They provide structure and a pleasant chewiness after soaking up the custard. Their neutral flavor also makes them versatile for both sweet and savory puddings.
• Stale Croissants: For an extra decadent and flaky bread pudding, using stale croissants can create an incredible texture and buttery flavor profile.
• The Importance of Being Stale: Regardless of the type, your bread absolutely needs to be stale or dried out. Fresh, soft bread will turn mushy when saturated with the custard, resulting in a soggy pudding. Stale bread, on the other hand, absorbs the liquid beautifully while retaining its shape and providing that desirable bite.
• Breads to Avoid:
  • Sandwich Bread: Generally too soft and processed. It tends to fall apart and become overly mushy, lacking the necessary structure.
  • Sourdough: While a great bread, its pronounced tangy flavor can often clash with the sweet, vanilla-cinnamon notes of a traditional bread pudding. Its denser texture also doesn’t absorb as well.
  • Very Dense or Heavy Breads: Breads that are too dense or compact may not absorb enough custard, resulting in a dry pudding.

For the best results, cut your chosen stale bread into thick 1-inch cubes. There’s no need to trim the crusts; they add to the texture and character of the finished dish.

Delicious Variations for Your Bread Pudding

While the classic bread pudding is a delight on its own, its simple base makes it incredibly adaptable to various flavors and additions. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment!

• Decadent Chocolate: Transform your pudding into a chocolate lover’s dream. Add 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the custard mixture for a rich chocolate base. Stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate with the bread cubes before baking.
• Fruity & Bright with Berries: For a burst of freshness, gently fold in 1 to 1.5 cups of fresh or frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries, or mixed berries) with the bread cubes just before pouring the custard. Frozen berries can be added directly without thawing.
• Hearty Dried Fruit & Nuts: Enhance texture and flavor by adding 1/2 to 1 cup of dried cranberries, golden raisins, chopped pecans, or walnuts. For an extra touch, lightly toast the nuts before adding them to bring out their nutty aroma. Soaking dried fruit in a little rum or brandy beforehand adds a sophisticated twist.
• Warm Spices & Zest: Beyond cinnamon, consider adding 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, a pinch of allspice, or the zest of one orange or lemon to the custard for a brighter, more aromatic profile.
• Boozy Indulgence: For an adult-friendly version, replace 1/4 cup of the milk with bourbon, rum, or brandy in the custard mixture. This adds a wonderful depth of flavor, especially when paired with dried fruits.
• Seasonal Flavors:
  • Pumpkin Spice: During autumn, add 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree and 1-2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice to the custard.
  • Apple Cinnamon: Layer thinly sliced apples between bread cubes, or fold in finely diced, sautéed apples with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon.
• Savory Bread Pudding: For a unique twist, significantly reduce or omit the sugar in the custard. Add savory ingredients like chopped ham, cooked sausage, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or grated cheese (cheddar, Gruyere). Use a more neutral bread like Italian or French bread, and season with herbs like thyme or sage. This makes a fantastic side dish or a light main course.

Recipe FAQs: Your Bread Pudding Questions Answered

Can I make bread pudding ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! Bread pudding is a fantastic make-ahead dessert. You can assemble the entire pudding in your baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it overnight. The next day, let the dish sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour to take the chill off before baking. This ensures more even baking and prevents thermal shock to your baking dish. You can also prepare the bread cubes and custard mixture separately, then combine and bake closer to serving time.

Can I freeze bread pudding?

While technically possible, freezing bread pudding is generally not recommended for optimal texture. Because it’s made with a delicate egg and milk custard, freezing and thawing can cause the texture to become watery, grainy, or overly spongy due to changes in moisture content. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for a few days.

How to store and reheat leftovers?

Any leftover bread pudding should be stored in the refrigerator due to its dairy and egg content. Place individual servings or the entire remaining pudding in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days.

To reheat, you have a few options:

• Microwave: For individual servings, microwave on medium heat for 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through.
• Oven: For larger portions, cover the dish with foil and reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
• Toaster Oven: A great option for crisping up individual slices, set to a low-medium heat for a few minutes.

How do I know when my bread pudding is done?

Your bread pudding is ready when the top is beautifully golden brown, and the custard has set. You can test for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; if it comes out mostly clean, your pudding is ready. The edges should also appear slightly puffed and firm.

What if my bread pudding turns out mushy?

A common reason for mushy bread pudding is using fresh bread that hasn’t been properly dried out. Fresh bread absorbs too much liquid and loses its structure. Ensure your bread is genuinely stale or has been dried in the oven before mixing with the custard. Over-soaking the bread in the custard mixture for too long can also contribute to a mushy texture; a 15-30 minute soak before baking is usually sufficient.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Simply substitute the regular bread with your favorite gluten-free bread. Just make sure the gluten-free bread is also stale or dried to prevent a mushy texture. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

More Delightful Dessert Recipes to Explore

If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting charm of bread pudding, you’re sure to enjoy these other delectable dessert creations:

• Easy Crumb Cake
• The Best Apple Crumb Cake
• Perfect Cheesecake
• Chocolate Babka

If you tried this classic Bread Pudding recipe and loved it, please consider leaving a comment and rating below! Your feedback helps other home cooks discover and enjoy these recipes.

Bread Pudding Recipe Card

This classic bread pudding is a simple yet incredibly satisfying dessert, perfect for holidays, weekend brunches, or any time you crave a comforting treat. Made with readily available pantry staples and stale bread, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a timeless classic.

Classic Bread Pudding

Author: Anna

This Bread Pudding is a simple dessert for the holidays or weekend brunch. Made with pantry staples and stale bread, this dish is delicious served with custard sauce, powdered sugar, or dessert syrup!

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 55 mins

Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 396 kcal

Ingredients

• 14 oz stale bread (about 5 cups cubed)
• 3 cups whole milk or half and half (see note)
• 4 large eggs
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Butter for greasing the dish

Instructions

1. Butter a 2-quart baking dish. A 13″ x 9″ casserole dish will also work.
2. Place cubed stale bread in the dish. (See note below on drying bread if yours is fresh).
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, half and half (or whole milk), sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
4. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread in the dish. Press the bread down with a spoon or spatula to ensure every piece is thoroughly soaked in the egg mixture.
5. Let the dish sit for about 10-15 minutes while the oven preheats to 350°F (175°C).
6. Bake the bread pudding for 55 minutes to 1 hour, or until golden brown and the custard is set.
7. Remove from oven and let stand for about 15 minutes before serving.
8. Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar, or drizzled with your favorite dessert sauce like custard, caramel, or maple syrup.

Notes

• If you have a fresh loaf of bread, slice it thick, then cube it into about 1″ pieces. Spread them on a large baking dish and let sit on the counter overnight to dry, or bake in a 200°F (95°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until dried out. This is crucial for preventing a mushy pudding.
• For the richest custard, I highly recommend using half and half or a combination of whole milk and heavy cream. It adds a wonderful depth and creaminess. Skim milk is not recommended for this recipe.
• Excellent bread choices include brioche, challah, French baguette, or Italian bread. Avoid sandwich bread or sourdough as they don’t yield the best texture or flavor profile for this dessert.
• Please note that the nutritional values provided are an estimate and can vary depending on specific brands and ingredients used. Always use a calorie counter you are familiar with for precise information.

Nutrition (Estimated Per Serving)

Calories: 396kcal | Carbohydrates: 64g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 121mg | Sodium: 535mg | Potassium: 326mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 35g | Vitamin A: 358IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 249mg | Iron: 3mg