Cozy Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe: Autumn’s Sweetest Treat

Fall’s warmth embraces this delectable pumpkin bread pudding, promising comfort in every spoonful.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, creating a dessert that whispers cozy memories.

Fragrant spices swirl through soft bread cubes, melting into a creamy custard.

Nutmeg and cinnamon weave magic into each rich bite.

Unexpected textures invite you to savor each mouthful slowly.

Dessert lovers will find pure happiness nestled in this rustic treat.

Let this pudding become your new autumn obsession.

Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Cozy Fall Flavor

• This pumpkin bread pudding transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious dessert.
• With minimal steps and basic kitchen tools, even novice bakers can create this delightful treat without breaking a sweat.
• Ideal for fall get-togethers, holiday parties, or casual weekend desserts that impress family and friends with minimal effort.
• Customize with toppings like whipped cream, caramel sauce, or nuts to match your mood and make each serving unique and special.

What Goes into Pumpkin Bread Pudding

• Day-Old Bread: Provides the perfect texture and structure for the pudding, allowing it to soak up the custard beautifully.

• Eggs: Bind the pudding together and create a rich, creamy texture.
• Pumpkin Puree: Adds autumn flavor and a smooth, velvety consistency to the dessert.
• Milk, Cream: Create a luscious, silky base for the pudding that ensures a tender result.

• Brown Sugar: Offers deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the pumpkin.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, aromatic notes.
• Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg: Provide classic fall spices that bring warmth and depth to the pudding.

• Salt: Balances and elevates the sweet flavors in the dessert.

• Whipped Cream, Caramel Sauce, Chopped Nuts: Add extra richness and texture to the finished pudding.

How to Make Pumpkin Bread Pudding Easily

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C).

Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Chop the Bread

Slice your day-old bread into chunky 1-inch cubes.

Toss these bread pieces into the prepared baking dish, creating a cozy base for your pudding.

Step 3: Whip Up the Magical Custard

Grab a large mixing bowl and start whisking up your flavor-packed custard.

• Eggs
• Pumpkin puree
• Whole milk
• Heavy cream
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground ginger
• Ground nutmeg
• Salt

Whisk everything until the mixture looks smooth and dreamy.

Step 4: Drench the Bread

Pour the luscious custard over the bread cubes.

Make sure every single piece gets a luxurious bath.

Let the bread soak up all those incredible flavors for 10-15 minutes.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Do a toothpick test – it should come out clean when inserted in the center.

Step 6: Dress and Serve

Allow the pudding to cool and settle for about 10 minutes.

Feel free to jazz it up with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.

Dive in and enjoy the ultimate comfort dessert!

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Bread Pudding

• Use day-old or slightly stale bread for better absorption of the custard, creating a more luxurious texture and preventing soggy results.
• Check the pudding at 40 minutes to avoid drying out, looking for a golden top and slightly jiggly center that sets as it cools.
• Substitute whole milk and cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a lighter, plant-based version that maintains rich flavor.
• Toast ground spices like cinnamon and nutmeg in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding to intensify their warm, aromatic qualities.
• Prepare the pudding the night before, cover, and refrigerate, then bake directly from the cold state for an easy holiday or weekend breakfast treat.

Reheating and Saving Pumpkin Bread Pudding

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place single serving on microwave-safe plate. Heat at 50% power for 30-45 seconds, checking temperature midway. Add splash of milk to restore moisture if needed.
• Warm portions in 325F oven for 10-15 minutes. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent edges from burning. Add dollop of fresh whipped cream after reheating for extra deliciousness.

Pairing Ideas for Pumpkin Bread Pudding

• Pair with Warm Bourbon Caramel Sauce: Drizzle a homemade bourbon-infused caramel sauce over the bread pudding for a rich, boozy enhancement that complements the pumpkin's warmth.
• Complement with Spiced Vanilla Chai Latte: Serve alongside a creamy chai latte with extra cinnamon and nutmeg, matching the pudding's warm spice profile and creating a cozy autumn beverage experience.
• Match with Maple Pecan Ice Cream: Top the bread pudding with a scoop of maple pecan ice cream, adding creamy coldness and nutty sweetness that balances the dessert's warm, custardy texture.
• Enhance with Aged Rum Whipped Cream: Whip heavy cream with a splash of aged rum and a hint of vanilla, creating a sophisticated topping that adds depth and complexity to the pumpkin bread pudding.

Recipe Spins on Pumpkin Bread Pudding

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread Pudding: Replace regular bread with gluten-free bread cubes, ensuring the texture remains soft and absorbent for the custard mixture.
• Vegan Pumpkin Spice Version: Substitute eggs with silken tofu, use coconut milk instead of dairy, and replace cream with coconut cream for a plant-based alternative that maintains rich flavor.
• Low-Sugar Pumpkin Bread Pudding: Use sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and incorporate more warming spices to enhance the natural sweetness without adding extra calories.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Swap traditional bread with almond flour or coconut flour bread cubes, use heavy cream and sugar-free sweetener to create a low-carb version that fits ketogenic dietary requirements.

FAQs

• What makes the bread cubes special for this recipe?

Day-old bread works best because it has a slightly dry texture that absorbs the custard perfectly without becoming too mushy, creating a rich and creamy pudding.

• Can I use different types of bread for this pudding?

Yes, you can use brioche, challah, or French bread. Avoid very soft breads like sandwich bread, as they won’t hold up well in the custard mixture.

• Is this dessert gluten-free?

No, this recipe uses regular bread. To make it gluten-free, you’ll need to use gluten-free bread cubes and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

• How do I know when the pudding is fully baked?

The pudding is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The edges should be slightly set but the center should have a slight jiggle.

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

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Description

Creamy pumpkin bread pudding brings autumn’s warmth to your dessert table with rich seasonal spices. Silky custard and tender bread meld into a comforting classic you’ll crave from first spoonful to last.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 cups day-old bread (challah, brioche, or French bread), cut into cubes
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) pumpkin puree
• 3 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch of salt

Optional Toppings:

• Whipped cream
• Caramel sauce
• Chopped nuts

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by lightly greasing a 9×13-inch dish and heating the oven to 350°F (175°C), creating the perfect environment for a decadent dessert.
2. Transform day-old bread into rustic cubes, carefully arranging them in the prepared baking dish to create a sturdy foundation for the luscious pudding.
3. Craft a velvety custard by whisking together eggs, pumpkin puree, milk, cream, brown sugar, and aromatic spices until the mixture reaches a silky, uniform consistency.
4. Lavishly drench the bread cubes with the pumpkin-spiced custard, allowing the bread to luxuriously absorb the rich liquid for 10-15 minutes, ensuring maximum flavor penetration.
5. Slide the saturated pudding into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 45-50 minutes until the surface transforms into a golden, slightly crisp landscape with a tender interior.
6. Remove from the oven and let the pudding rest and settle for at least 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to stabilize before serving.
7. Elevate the dessert with optional garnishes like pillowy whipped cream, drizzled caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of toasted chopped nuts to add texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Bread Selection Matters: Choose slightly stale, dense bread like brioche or challah for the best texture and absorption of the rich, spiced custard.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg to match your personal taste preferences or dietary needs.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Swap regular bread with gluten-free bread or use cubed gluten-free cornbread for a celiac-friendly version of this comforting dessert.
• Prep Ahead Option: Assemble the pudding the night before, refrigerate, and bake directly from the cold state for a convenient make-ahead dessert that’s perfect for holidays or gatherings.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg