Cozy Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe: A Fall-Favorite Sweet Treat

Cozy autumn afternoons call for a delightful pumpkin bread pudding that whispers comfort with every warm, spiced bite.

Crisp leaves dance outside while sweet aromas fill your kitchen.

Soft bread cubes soak up rich custard blended with seasonal spices and creamy pumpkin.

Cinnamon and nutmeg weave magic through this classic dessert, promising pure indulgence.

Minimal ingredients create maximum flavor in this simple yet elegant treat.

Seasonal baking doesn’t get more inviting than this luscious dessert that’ll make you feel like a kitchen hero.

Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure dessert delight.

How to Make Pumpkin Bread Pudding from Scratch

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 350°F and lovingly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light layer of grease to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Magical Pumpkin Custard

• Pumpkin puree
• Heavy cream
• Whole milk
• Eggs
• Granulated sugar
• Pure maple syrup
• Vanilla extract
• Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger

Step 3: Prepare Bread Cubes

Spread bread cubes evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a delicious foundation for the pudding.

Step 4: Pour and Soak

Gently cascade the luscious pumpkin custard over the bread cubes, ensuring every single piece gets beautifully coated.

Let the mixture rest for 15-20 minutes, allowing the bread to drink up all the incredible flavors.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the pudding settle.

The top should be puffed and bronzed, with just a subtle wobble when you nudge the pan.

Serve warm and enjoy the comforting autumn-inspired dessert.

Tips for Rich, Moist Pumpkin Bread Pudding

• Use day-old or slightly stale bread for better absorption of the pumpkin custard, creating a more consistent texture and deeper flavor.
• Cover the pudding with foil for the first 30 minutes of baking to prevent the top from browning too quickly while ensuring the center cooks evenly.
• Experiment with different spice ratios like adding extra cinnamon or a pinch of cardamom to personalize the warm autumn flavor profile.
• Let the pudding rest for 10 minutes after baking to help it set and develop a more luxurious, creamy consistency before serving.
• Prepare the pudding the night before and refrigerate, then bake fresh in the morning for a convenient and delicious breakfast or brunch option.

How to Store and Reheat Bread Pudding the Right Way

• Store covered in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Pack the cooled pudding in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm individual portions on medium power for 30-45 seconds, checking temperature midway. Add a splash of cream to restore moisture if needed.
• Warm at 325°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning. Drizzle extra maple syrup or add a dollop of whipped cream before serving to refresh the dessert's flavor and texture.

Best Pairings for Pumpkin Bread Pudding

• Pair Creamy Caramel Bourbon Sauce: Drizzle rich, smooth bourbon-infused caramel sauce over the warm pumpkin bread pudding for an indulgent adult twist that elevates the dessert's warmth and spice profile.
• Complement with Spiced Chai Latte: Serve alongside a hot, fragrant chai latte that mirrors the pudding's warm cinnamon and nutmeg notes, creating a harmonious flavor experience that enhances the dessert's seasonal comfort.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Top the bread pudding with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream, providing a cool, silky contrast to the warm, spiced pudding and balancing its rich, custardy texture.
• Enhance with Toasted Pecans: Sprinkle freshly toasted, chopped pecans over the pudding to add a delightful crunch and nutty depth that complements the soft, creamy bread pudding and echoes its autumn-inspired flavors.

Pumpkin Bread Pudding Variations for Extra Flair

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular bread with gluten-free bread cubes and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, use coconut milk instead of cream, and replace dairy milk with almond milk for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of sugar, and reduce maple syrup to create a diabetic-friendly dessert with lower glycemic impact.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap cream and milk with coconut cream and unsweetened almond milk, maintaining the rich texture while eliminating dairy ingredients.

FAQs

• Can I use stale bread for this recipe?

Yes, stale bread works perfectly! Slightly dry bread actually absorbs the pumpkin custard better and creates a more tender pudding texture.

• Is this dessert similar to French toast?

While both use bread and custard, this pumpkin bread pudding is baked in the oven as a casserole-style dessert, unlike French toast which is pan-fried individually.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the regular bread with gluten-free bread cubes, and the texture and flavor will remain deliciously similar.

• How do I know if the bread pudding is fully cooked?

Insert a knife in the center – it should come out clean, and the top should be golden brown with a slight jiggle in the middle when you gently shake the pan.

What You’ll Love About Pumpkin Bread Pudding

• Dive into a warm, cozy dessert that wraps you in autumnal flavors, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings with minimal effort.
• Create a universally loved dish that works beautifully for family gatherings, potlucks, or weekend dinner parties, guaranteed to impress without complex techniques.
• Transform everyday ingredients into a spectacular dessert that celebrates pumpkin season, offering a delicious twist on traditional bread pudding.

Must-Have Ingredients for Pumpkin Bread Pudding

• Pumpkin Puree: Provides the signature autumn flavor and creamy texture.
• Bread Cubes: Serves as the base for the pudding, absorbing the rich custard.
• Eggs: Helps bind the pudding and create a smooth, custardy consistency.

• Heavy Cream, Milk: Creates a rich and smooth base for the pudding.
• Sugar, Maple Syrup: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the dessert.

• Vanilla Extract, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger: Brings warm, classic pumpkin spice flavor to the dish.

Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Warm spices dance through this classic pumpkin bread pudding, blending comfort and indulgence in every rich, custardy bite. Fall’s favorite dessert invites you to savor seasonal flavors with a delightful twist that celebrates home-style baking’s simplest pleasures.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 loaf challah or brioche bread (cubed (about 6 cups))
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) pumpkin puree
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk

Sweeteners:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup maple syrup

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F and generously coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Create a silky custard base by vigorously whisking pumpkin, cream, milk, eggs, sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and warm autumnal spices until completely smooth and integrated.
3. Distribute bread cubes evenly across the prepared baking dish, ensuring uniform coverage.
4. Gently cascade the rich pumpkin custard over the bread pieces, methodically ensuring each cube is thoroughly saturated and coated.
5. Allow the bread to rest and absorb the luxurious custard mixture for approximately 15-20 minutes, enabling maximum flavor absorption.
6. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, monitoring until the surface transforms into a deep golden hue.
7. Confirm doneness by inserting a knife into the center – it should emerge clean – and observing a slight tremor in the center when gently nudged, indicating perfect custard consistency.

Notes

• Choose day-old or slightly stale bread for better absorption of the pumpkin custard mixture, ensuring a more luxurious texture.
• Swap white bread with whole wheat or gluten-free bread to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising flavor.
• Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for extra crunch and nutty depth to the dessert.
• Serve warm with a dollop of vanilla whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce to elevate the indulgence factor and create a more decadent dessert experience.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 365
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg