Description
This Best Ever Pumpkin Bread Pudding recipe is a cozy, comforting dessert perfect for fall or any time you crave the warm flavors of pumpkin and spice. Made with day-old bread soaked in a rich custard of pumpkin purée, cream, and pumpkin pie spice, it bakes into a moist and flavorful pudding that is perfect served warm with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 5 cups cubed day-old bread (French or brioche works best)
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup pumpkin purée
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Serving
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
- A drizzle of caramel sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Place the Bread Cubes: Spread the cubed day-old bread evenly in the prepared baking dish ensuring an even layer for soaking.
- Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, pumpkin purée, brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Bake: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing gently with a spatula to help the bread soak up the liquid fully.
- Let Sit: Allow the bread and custard to sit for 10 minutes so the flavors meld and the bread absorbs the custard.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is fully set but still moist.
- Serve: Let the pumpkin bread pudding cool slightly before serving. Top with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added richness and flavor.
Notes
- Day-old bread works best as it absorbs the custard without becoming too mushy.
- French bread or brioche are ideal for their sturdy texture and slight sweetness.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cream with coconut milk or almond milk.
- Adjust pumpkin pie spice to taste—use cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger for homemade blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
