Bread Pudding Recipe

Got leftover bread? This bread pudding recipe turns stale bread into a warm, custardy dessert with milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon—pure comfort!

this Recipe

You know those recipes that transport you straight back to childhood? The kind that fills the kitchen with a smell so warm and familiar it feels like a hug? That’s exactly what this bread pudding recipe does for me.

Growing up, my grandma never let anything go to waste, especially bread. She had this way of turning even the driest, most forgotten slices into something magical. I’d watch as she tore up the bread, whisked eggs with milk, and sprinkled just the right amount of cinnamon—no measuring, just instinct. She always knew when it was ready, just by the way it jiggled ever so slightly when she pulled it from the oven. And of course, the best part? That first warm bite, topped with a drizzle of sweet vanilla sauce.

Now, every time I make this, it’s like stepping back into her cozy kitchen. And trust me, if you’ve never made homemade bread pudding, you’re about to fall in love with the simplest, most comforting dessert ever.

Why You’ll Love This Bread Pudding Recipe?

• It’s incredibly easy. No fancy steps—just mix, bake, and enjoy!
• A great way to use up stale bread. No food waste here!
• The texture is perfect. Soft and custardy inside, lightly crisp on top.
• Completely customizable. Add chocolate, fruit, or nuts if you want!
• Works for any occasion. A cozy dessert, a brunch treat, or even breakfast (I won’t judge).

Ingredient Notes:

Every ingredient in this bread pudding recipe plays an important role. Here’s why:

• Stale bread – The drier, the better! It soaks up all the custardy goodness without getting mushy.
• Eggs – The magic ingredient that holds everything together.
• Milk – Gives the pudding its signature creamy texture. Whole milk works best, but you can swap it out.
• Sugar – Sweetens things up just enough.
• Vanilla extract – Brings warmth and depth of flavor.
• Cinnamon – Because what’s bread pudding without a little spice?
• Butter – Adds richness and flavor.
• Optional vanilla sauce – A buttery, caramel-like drizzle that makes everything even better.

How To Make Bread Pudding?

Step 1: Prep the Bread & Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab an 8-inch baking dish and butter it up to prevent sticking.

Next, tear or cut your stale bread into bite-sized pieces and place them in the dish. Drizzle melted butter over the top for that extra layer of richness.

Step 2: Make the Custard

In a mixing bowl, whisk together beaten eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined. Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved—it helps distribute the sweetness evenly.

Step 3: Soak & Bake

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, making sure all the pieces get coated. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the bread to soak up the liquid.

Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until golden brown on top and set in the middle.

Step 4: Make the Vanilla Sauce (Optional But Worth It!)

While your bread pudding bakes, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Let it brown slightly for extra depth of flavor. Stir in brown sugar and vanilla extract, then remove from heat. Let it rest for 1-2 minutes, then give it a final stir before pouring it over your warm bread pudding.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Let the bread pudding cool slightly before slicing. Drizzle with warm vanilla sauce and serve while still cozy and warm.

Storage Options:

Got leftovers? Here’s how to store them:

• Refrigerator: Keep it in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap individual portions and freeze for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm it up in the microwave for a quick fix, or bake at 300°F for a few minutes to crisp it up again.

Variations and Substitutions:

Want to put your own twist on this classic? Here are a few ideas:

• Dairy-Free: Swap the milk for almond, oat, or coconut milk.
• Extra Rich: Use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk.
• Nutty Crunch: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture.
• Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Sprinkle chocolate chips throughout before baking.
• Boozy Twist: Add a splash of bourbon or rum for extra depth.
• Fruity Goodness: Mix in raisins, dried cranberries, or fresh berries.

What to Serve with Bread Pudding?

While this dessert is amazing on its own, here are some fun ways to make it even better:

• Whipped cream – Light, fluffy, and perfect for balancing the richness.
• Ice cream – Vanilla, caramel, or cinnamon flavors work best.
• Fresh fruit – Sliced bananas, berries, or poached pears for a fresh contrast.
• Caramel drizzle – Because more sweetness is never a bad idea!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread?

You can, but the texture won’t be as good. If using fresh bread, toast it in the oven for a few minutes to dry it out first.

What’s the best bread to use?

Brioche, French bread, or challah are the top choices, but honestly, anything works!

Can I make it without eggs?

Yes, but the texture will change. Try using a flax egg or a cornstarch slurry instead.

This bread pudding recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. Whether you’re making it to use up old bread or just craving a warm, cozy dessert, this recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot.

So, how do you like your bread pudding? Do you keep it classic or add a fun twist? Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out—I’d love to hear from you!

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Bread Pudding Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Our Bread Pudding Recipe is a comforting tapestry woven from the simple threads of yesterday's bread, transformed under a velvety custard and a whisper of cinnamon. It’s a dish that speaks the language of comfort food fluently, offering a tender, custard-soaked interior crowned with a golden, slightly crisp top that yields to the touch of a fork. Drizzled with an optional but highly recommended rich vanilla sauce, it’s a dessert that doesn’t just end the meal, but rather, concludes it with an exclamation point of warmth and sweetness.

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6 Servings

Ingredients

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For The Bread Pudding:

• 6 slices stale bread or about 4-5 c of broken bread pieces or cubes
• 3 tbsp. butter divided (1 tbsp. + 2 tbsp.)
• 4 eggs beaten
• 2 c milk
• 3/4 c white sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Optional Vanilla Sauce:

• 3 tbsp butter salted or unsalted
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

 

Bread Pudding Recipe:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Take an 8-inch baking dish. Apply a layer of butter using 1 tbsp.
2. Break the bread into pieces. Place them in the buttered dish. Drizzle melted butter (2 tbsp.), over the bread.
3. In a bowl mix beaten eggs, milk (2 cups), sugar (3/4 cup), vanilla extract (1 tsp) and cinnamon (1 tsp). Pour this mixture evenly over the bread in the dish.
4. Bake in the preheated oven, for 45 minutes or until the pudding bounces back lightly when touched.

Optional Vanilla Sauce:

1. In a saucepan melt butter (3 tbsp.) over high heat. Once melted reduce heat to medium. Let the butter slightly brown.
2. Stir in sugar (1 tbsp.) and vanilla extract (1 tsp). Remove from heat allow it to rest for 1 to 2 minutes then stir again before pouring it over the cooked bread pudding.

Notes

Let's whisk away the gluten and invite all to the table with a gluten-free rendition of this classic Bread Pudding Recipe. Begin by selecting your favorite gluten-free bread — from a hearty multigrain to a light and airy white — and let it stale just as its wheat-filled counterparts would. As it dries, it dreams of the rich custard it will soon bathe in, absorbing the velvety blend of eggs, milk, and spices, ensuring no crumb is left untouched by flavor. And fear not, for this custard doesn't discriminate; it swathes the gluten-free bread in the same creamy coat, promising a dessert so indulgent, so comforting, that you wouldn't dream it's sans gluten.

Audrey

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Let me know! Mention @nodashofgluten or tag #nodashofgluten

Bitty

I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!

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