Name: Best Bread Pudding Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups day-old bread (cubed – French bread, brioche, or challah work best); 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 4 large eggs; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup raisins or chopped pecans (optional); 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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The Best Bread Pudding is the kind of dessert that wraps you in comfort and nostalgia with every forkful. Custard-drenched cubes of tender bread turn magically golden in the oven, their edges just the right side of crisp while the center stays deliciously creamy. Each bite is like a warm, spiced embrace, and with the optional vanilla sauce drizzled on top, it becomes truly irresistible. Whether you’re serving this at a family holiday dinner, a friendly brunch, or simply indulging in a sweet snack, this classic recipe promises to steal the show and your heart. Trust me, you’re going to want to make the Best Bread Pudding part of your dessert repertoire.

Best Bread Pudding Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the beauties of the Best Bread Pudding is how it transforms simple, everyday pantry staples into something extraordinary. Let’s walk through these foundation ingredients, because each plays a crucial part in creating texture, depth, and flavor.

Bread (6 cups, cubed): Choose day-old French bread, brioche, or challah — their texture stands up best and soaks up all that dreamy custard.
Whole Milk (2 cups): Adds creaminess and moisture, helping the bread bake into a luxurious, tender pudding.
Heavy Cream (1 cup): Ramps up the richness and ensures a smooth, custardy finish.
Large Eggs (4): The essential binder, giving the pudding structure without making it dense.
Granulated Sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the custard and caramelizes the top.
Brown Sugar (1/4 cup): Brings molasses-like notes and a deeper sweetness.
Vanilla Extract (1 tablespoon): Infuses pure, classic warmth to complement the spices.
Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): The spice of coziness — it just wouldn’t be bread pudding without it!
Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Lends a subtle, nutty complexity you’ll notice with every bite.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and keeps the pudding from being too sweet.
Raisins or Chopped Pecans (1/2 cup, optional): Toss these in for pops of sweet or nutty goodness.
Melted Butter (2 tablespoons): Drizzled on top for color and extra richness as it bakes.
For the sauce (optional but highly recommended):
Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup): Makes the sauce lush and silky.
Powdered Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and thickens the sauce for that perfect drizzle.
Heavy Cream or Milk (1/4 cup): Helps create a pourable, smooth sauce texture.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Reinforces that comforting, bakery-fresh note in every spoonful.

How to Make Best Bread Pudding

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Bread

First, set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Grab your cubed bread and arrange it right in the dish — a little mountain of soon-to-be glorious pudding. Using day-old bread is key here; it’s sturdy enough to soak up the custard without turning to mush. If your bread is a tad too fresh, you can toast the cubes briefly in the oven to help dry them out.

Step 2: Make the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This mixture forms the luscious custard that gives the Best Bread Pudding its signature creamy center. Make sure everything is well combined — no streaks of egg or sugar lumps in sight. If you’re going all in, stir in the raisins or pecans at this point for some extra bites of excitement.

Step 3: Assemble and Soak

Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes, making sure every nook and cranny gets a good soak. Gently press the bread down with a spatula or clean hands so it absorbs all that wonderful flavor. Let the mixture rest for 15 to 20 minutes right there in the dish, which really helps the bread drink up every drop of custard for maximum tenderness.

Step 4: Drizzle and Bake

Give the pudding a final flourish by drizzling the melted butter all over the top. This leads to those irresistible golden, buttery edges. Slide the dish, uncovered, into the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes; you’re looking for the Best Bread Pudding to be puffed and deeply golden, with just a gentle wobble in the center.

Step 5: Make the Sauce (Optional, but Worth It!)

While the pudding bakes, make the vanilla sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the powdered sugar and cream, whisking until the sauce turns silky smooth. Remove from the heat and stir in vanilla. This sauce absolutely takes the Best Bread Pudding over the top — don’t skip it if you have a sweet tooth!

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Once the pudding is set and slightly cooled, serve generous slices, finishing each with a lavish drizzle of warm vanilla sauce. Whether you enjoy it straight from the dish or jazzed up with a scoop of ice cream, this is comfort food at its most inviting.

How to Serve Best Bread Pudding

Garnishes

You can make every plate of Best Bread Pudding pop by adding a shower of powdered sugar, a swirl of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for crunch. A few fresh berries or a touch of grated orange zest can add brightness and color, creating a showstopping dessert that’s worthy of any gathering.

Side Dishes

If you’d like to stretch this dessert into a full occasion, serve with simple sides like fresh fruit salad, crisp apple slices, or even some caramelized bananas. The pudding is rich and hearty, so lighter, tangy sides provide a lovely, refreshing balance. Of course, coffee or black tea makes an ideal sipping companion too.

Creative Ways to Present

For something a bit unexpected, try baking individual portions in ramekins for personal-sized treats. You can also layer cubes of Best Bread Pudding with vanilla ice cream in parfait glasses for a deconstructed, eye-catching presentation. Or, spoon scoops into bowls and drizzle with the warm vanilla sauce for that irresistible homemade touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Best Bread Pudding stores beautifully! Simply cover the cooled dish or transfer slices to an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors actually continue to deepen by the next day, making leftovers a delicious treat.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze your Best Bread Pudding. Once completely cooled, wrap the pudding — either whole or in individual slices — tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or use a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the pudding with foil and warm it in a 325°F (160°C) oven until heated through, about 15 to 20 minutes. Individual slices reheat beautifully in the microwave, just 30 seconds at a time until warm. The sauce can be rewarmed on the stovetop with a splash of milk if it becomes too thick.

FAQs

What’s the best bread to use for the Best Bread Pudding?

Brioche, challah, and French bread are dreamy choices because of their fluffy crumb and sturdy texture. Day-old bread really is best, since it absorbs custard without falling apart.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the milk and cream for your favorite creamy plant-based alternatives like almond, coconut, or oat milk. Use a vegan butter for both the pudding and the sauce, and you’re set.

Do I have to use raisins or nuts?

Not at all! They’re totally optional — if you love a classic, leave them out; or get creative with add-ins like dried cherries, chocolate chips, or even diced apples for a twist on the Best Bread Pudding.

How do I know when bread pudding is done baking?

Look for a golden, puffed top and a center that just barely jiggles when gently shaken. If you insert a knife in the middle, it should come out mostly clean with just a bit of moist custard — not wet.

Can I prepare Best Bread Pudding in advance?

Yes! You can assemble the pudding, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. The next day, bring it to room temperature and bake as directed. This makes it perfect for easy entertaining and relaxed weekends.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a dessert that brings cozy vibes and nonstop smiles, Best Bread Pudding is the one to try. Whether you savor it fresh from the oven or sneak a chilled slice from the fridge, there’s just something magical about its sweet spiced flavor and custard-soft bite. Don’t wait for a holiday — treat yourself and share this classic with the people you love!

Best Bread Pudding Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of this classic Best Bread Pudding recipe that’s rich, creamy, and utterly satisfying. Perfect for dessert or a special breakfast treat!

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

6 cups day-old bread (cubed – French bread, brioche, or challah work best)
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
4 large eggs
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup raisins or chopped pecans (optional)
2 tablespoons melted butter

For the sauce:

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream or milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the bread: Place the cubed bread in the dish.
Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, cream, eggs, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth. Stir in raisins or nuts if using.
Soak the bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread. Gently press the bread down so it’s fully soaked. Let sit for 15–20 minutes to absorb. Drizzle with melted butter.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until golden and the center is set.
Make the sauce: To make the sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in powdered sugar and cream until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Drizzle warm sauce over individual servings.