Bread Pudding Recipes
Few desserts capture the comfort of home quite like bread pudding. Born from the frugal ingenuity of using up stale bread, this humble dish has evolved into a beloved dessert, rich with custard and bursting with flavor. Whether you're looking for a cozy traditional version or something with a bit more flair, these three bread pudding recipes bring warmth to any table. From the classic cinnamon-spiced loaf to a tropical coconut banana twist and a decadent chocolate cherry version, each recipe invites you to savor comfort with every bite.
1. Classic Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding
This traditional bread pudding is a celebration of simple ingredients working in harmony. Toasty golden edges, custardy insides, and bursts of sweet raisins make this recipe perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy after-dinner treat.
Ingredients:
6 cups cubed day-old bread (French or brioche works best)
3 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ cup raisins
2 tablespoons butter (for greasing)
Optional Vanilla Sauce:
½ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.
Add the cubed bread and raisins to the custard mixture, pressing down to soak each piece. Let sit for 10–15 minutes.
Pour everything into the prepared dish and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the center.
For the sauce, simmer cream, sugar, and vanilla in a small saucepan. Stir in cornstarch mixture and cook until thickened.
Serve warm with a drizzle of vanilla sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Why We Love It:
This version is warm, nostalgic, and easy to make. The custard soaks into every bread cube, transforming dry leftovers into a rich dessert. The cinnamon and raisins give it a comforting touch that feels like home.
2. Coconut Banana Bread Pudding
For a tropical twist, this bread pudding brings together ripe bananas and creamy coconut milk. It’s naturally sweet, dairy-free, and bursting with sunny flavor that reminds you of island mornings and warm breezes.
Ingredients:
5 cups cubed bread (Hawaiian bread or sweet rolls are perfect)
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 (14 oz) can coconut milk
½ cup almond milk (or regular milk)
2 large eggs
⅓ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ cup shredded sweetened coconut
¼ teaspoon salt
Topping (Optional):
Sliced bananas
Toasted coconut flakes
Honey drizzle
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8-inch baking dish.
In a mixing bowl, whisk coconut milk, almond milk, eggs, brown sugar, mashed bananas, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Add bread cubes and shredded coconut to the bowl. Stir until bread is soaked, then let rest for 10 minutes.
Pour mixture into prepared dish and top with extra banana slices if desired.
Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the center is set and the top is golden.
Garnish with toasted coconut and a light honey drizzle before serving.
Why We Love It:
Banana adds natural sweetness while coconut milk makes the custard irresistibly smooth. This bread pudding is fantastic served chilled or slightly warm, and it’s a great dairy-free option that still feels indulgent.
3. Chocolate Cherry Bread Pudding
This decadent take on bread pudding is for the chocolate lovers. Rich, fudgy, and punctuated with bursts of tart dried cherries, this dessert is like a cross between a brownie and a pudding. Perfect for special occasions or when you’re just craving something extra.
Ingredients:
5 cups cubed challah or brioche
1½ cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon espresso powder (optional, enhances chocolate flavor)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
½ cup dried cherries (or fresh pitted cherries if in season)
Pinch of salt
Chocolate Ganache Drizzle (Optional):
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup chocolate chips
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking dish.
In a saucepan, heat milk and cream until just simmering. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips until melted and smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, sugars, vanilla, espresso powder, and salt.
Slowly add the chocolate mixture to the egg mixture, whisking constantly to avoid curdling.
Add bread cubes and dried cherries to the custard and stir to combine. Let sit 15 minutes.
Pour into the baking dish and bake for 45–50 minutes until puffed and slightly firm in the center.
For ganache, heat cream and pour over chocolate chips in a bowl. Stir until smooth, then drizzle over warm pudding.
Why We Love It:
It’s a showstopper! The deep chocolate flavor paired with tart cherries gives this bread pudding a gourmet feel. Add the ganache drizzle and a scoop of whipped cream or vanilla bean ice cream, and it becomes downright luxurious.
Final Thoughts: Make It Your Own
Bread pudding is wonderfully forgiving and endlessly customizable. Whether you prefer fruity, chocolatey, or classic flavors, there’s a variation for every mood and meal. You can swap in different breads—croissants, cinnamon rolls, or whole wheat loaves—and mix in dried fruit, nuts, or citrus zest to match your taste.
Serve it warm on chilly nights or chilled for a summertime treat. Leftovers heat beautifully and even freeze well for up to two months, so you can bake once and enjoy for days.
Further Reading
3 Sisters Planting & Square Foot Gardening
https://www.amazon.com/Sisters-Planting-Gardening-Beginners-Planters-ebook/dp/B0F2TQQH1R/
Vintage Dollhouses
https://www.amazon.com/Vintage-Dollhouses-Collectables-Montego-Publishing-ebook/dp/B0F2TRBK2Q/
Growing & Using Lavender for Pain Relief
https://www.amazon.com/Growing-Lavender-Relaxation-Stimulation-Digestion-ebook/dp/B0D3QT5WRL/
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