Bread pudding is one of those magical desserts that turns simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

With its warm, custardy texture and sweet, caramelized crust, bread pudding feels like a hug in dessert form.

Whether you’re using up day-old bread or planning a cozy treat for friends and family, this Easy Bread Pudding recipe is here to make your day a little sweeter.

It’s straightforward, customizable, and oh-so-delicious.

Ready to dive into the comforting world of bread pudding?

Let’s bake!

Why We Love This Recipe

There’s something timeless about bread pudding.

It’s a dessert that feels both nostalgic and indulgent, bringing back memories of family gatherings and special occasions.

What we love about this recipe is its simplicity.

You don’t need fancy ingredients or special techniques to create something absolutely delicious.

It’s a perfect way to use up leftover bread and transform it into a dessert that tastes like it came straight out of a bakery.

Plus, bread pudding is endlessly versatile.

You can keep it classic with vanilla and raisins or experiment with chocolate chips, fruits, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce.

It’s a dish that feels fancy but is truly foolproof.

Ingredients

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Serves: 6-8

For the Bread Pudding:

• 6 cups day-old bread, cubed (French bread, brioche, or challah work well)
• 3 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ cup raisins (optional)

For the Topping (Optional):

• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread

Cut your bread into 1-inch cubes and place them in the prepared baking dish.

Spread the bread evenly to create a base for the custard.

If using raisins, sprinkle them over the bread now.

Step 3: Make the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Pour the Custard

Slowly pour the custard mixture over the bread, ensuring all the pieces are soaked.

Gently press down on the bread with a spatula to help it absorb the custard.

Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the flavors.

Step 5: Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.

The bread pudding is done when the top is golden brown and the center is set but slightly jiggly.

A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes.

Dust the top with powdered sugar and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Enjoy the comforting flavors in every bite!

Tips for the Perfect Bread Pudding

Use day-old bread

Stale bread absorbs the custard better, resulting in a rich and moist pudding.

Don’t overbake

Bake just until the center is set to keep the pudding soft and custardy.

Experiment with spices

Feel free to add a pinch of allspice or cardamom for extra warmth.

Let it soak

Allowing the bread to sit in the custard before baking ensures every piece is flavorful and moist.

Variations to Try

Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding: Sprinkle ½ cup of chocolate chips over the bread for a gooey chocolatey treat.

Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding: Add 1 cup of diced apples and an extra teaspoon of cinnamon for a fruity twist.

Pecan Praline Bread Pudding: Top with chopped pecans and a drizzle of caramel sauce for a nutty, decadent dessert.

Savory Bread Pudding: Skip the sugar and spices. Add cheese, sautéed vegetables, and cooked sausage for a savory version.

Boozy Bread Pudding: Soak the raisins in a splash of rum or bourbon for an adult-friendly dessert.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage

Allow the bread pudding to cool completely before storing it.

Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, place the bread pudding in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

For single servings, microwave for 30-60 seconds, adding a splash of milk or cream to keep it moist.

Frozen portions should be thawed overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Final Thoughts

Easy Bread Pudding is the kind of dessert that makes you feel like a master baker with minimal effort.

With its rich, custardy texture and endless customization options, it’s a dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re serving it for dessert, brunch, or a sweet treat on a cold evening, bread pudding is a recipe that always delivers comfort and joy.

So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to fall in love with this timeless classic.

Once you’ve tasted the warm, gooey perfection of homemade bread pudding, you’ll be making it again and again!