Easy Bread Pudding Recipe (The Fail-Proof Classic)

There are few desserts as warm, comforting, and utterly satisfying as a classic bread pudding. This easy bread pudding recipe transforms simple, leftover bread into a rich, decadent dessert with a creamy custard center and a beautifully golden-brown top. It’s the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or whenever you crave a sweet, nostalgic treat. We’re going back to basics with a recipe that is both simple and absolutely delicious.

Forget complicated steps and fancy ingredients. This recipe is designed for the enthusiastic home cook who wants maximum flavor with minimum fuss. Let’s bake something wonderful together.

What Makes This Bread Pudding So Easy?

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. We use pantry staples you likely already have on hand. The process is straightforward: cube the bread, whisk the custard, pour, soak, and bake. There are no complex techniques here, just pure, simple comfort in a baking dish. This is the perfect recipe for bakers of all skill levels.

The Secret to Perfect Bread Pudding: Choosing Your Bread

The number one secret to a fantastic bread pudding is using the right bread. You need bread that is sturdy and, most importantly, stale or dried out. Fresh, soft bread will turn to mush when it soaks up the custard, resulting in a soggy pudding. Using day-old (or even two-day-old) bread allows it to absorb the liquid without falling apart, creating that perfect creamy, yet slightly chewy, texture.

For the best results, use enriched breads like challah or brioche. Their rich, tender crumb provides a wonderfully decadent base. However, a good loaf of French bread or even simple sandwich bread will work beautifully once it’s been properly dried out.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients to create a truly special dessert. For the best flavor, use whole milk and real vanilla extract.

For the Bread Pudding:

• Stale Bread: 6 cups of 1-inch bread cubes (from about half a 1-pound loaf)
• Whole Milk: 2 cups
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup
• Granulated Sugar: 3/4 cup
• Large Eggs: 4, lightly beaten
• Unsalted Butter: 1/4 cup, melted
• Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons
• Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
• Ground Nutmeg: 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon

For the Simple Vanilla Sauce (Optional):

• Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup
• Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup
• Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon

Step-by-Step Instructions: Your Easy Bread Pudding Recipe

Follow these simple steps for a dessert that tastes like it came from a gourmet bakery. The key is giving the bread enough time to soak up all that delicious custard.

1. Prepare Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter. Spread the bread cubes in a single layer in the dish.
2. Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, and lightly beaten eggs until well combined. Whisk in the melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula to ensure all the pieces are submerged and soaking up the liquid. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This step is crucial for a creamy texture!
4. Bake the Pudding: Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the center is set (a knife inserted should come out clean) and the top is golden brown and puffed.
5. Rest: Let the bread pudding cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the custard to set further.

How to Make the Perfect Vanilla Sauce

While the bread pudding is delicious on its own, a simple vanilla sauce takes it to the next level. It’s incredibly easy to make while the pudding is baking.

1. Melt Ingredients: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, sugar, and heavy cream.
2. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly, until the sugar has completely dissolved. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add Vanilla: Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Serve the warm sauce generously over individual portions of the bread pudding.

Tips from a Seasoned Pro for Fail-Proof Results

These simple tips will help you perfect your easy bread pudding recipe every single time.

Don’t Use Fresh Bread

This is the golden rule. Stale bread acts like a sponge, soaking up the custard beautifully. If your bread is fresh, you can dry it out in the oven. Simply spread the cubes on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes until lightly toasted.

Let it Soak!

Patience is key. Giving the bread at least 30 minutes to soak is non-negotiable for a creamy, consistent texture. This prevents dry spots and ensures every bite is infused with the custard.

Avoid Overbaking

Overbaking can lead to a rubbery or curdled texture. Keep an eye on it during the last 10 minutes of baking. The pudding is done when the center is just set—it should have a slight jiggle but not be liquid. It will continue to set as it cools.

Fun Variations to Try

This easy bread pudding recipe is a fantastic canvas for your creativity. Here are a few ideas:

• Chocolate Chip: Stir 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the bread cubes before adding the custard.
• Add a Little Spice: Add a pinch of cardamom or allspice to the custard for a warmer flavor profile.
• Fruity Additions: Gently fold in 1 cup of raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped apples for a classic twist.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Bread pudding is just as delicious the next day. To store, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

To reheat, you can warm individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds. For best results, reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps bring back some of the original texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Delicious Desserts You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this classic dessert, your culinary adventure doesn’t have to stop here. For another comforting classic, why not try our five-star chocolate chip banana bread? If you’re looking for something quick and easy, these no-bake mini cheesecakes are always a crowd-pleaser. And for even more sweet inspiration, explore all our easy dessert recipes!

The Recipe

FL Recipes

Easy Bread Pudding Recipe (The Fail-Proof Classic)

This easy bread pudding recipe transforms stale bread into a decadent dessert with a rich, creamy custard. It's a simple, fail-proof classic perfect for any occasion.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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For the Bread Pudding

• 6 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes About half a 1-pound loaf. Challah, brioche, or French bread work best.
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Simple Vanilla Sauce (Optional)

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

• 1 8x8 inch baking dish
• 1 Large Mixing Bowl
• 1 Small Saucepan For the optional vanilla sauce.

Method

 

Make the Bread Pudding

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking dish with butter. Spread the bread cubes in a single layer in the dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, and lightly beaten eggs until well combined. Whisk in the melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula to ensure all the pieces are submerged. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
4. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the center is set (a knife inserted should come out clean) and the top is golden brown.
5. Let the bread pudding cool for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the custard to set.

Make the Vanilla Sauce

1. While the pudding bakes, combine the butter, sugar, and heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved (about 3-5 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Serve warm over the bread pudding.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalProtein: 9gFat: 25gFiber: 2g

Notes

Best Bread to Use: Stale, enriched breads like challah or brioche give the best texture.
Soaking is Key: Don't skip the 30-minute soak! It's essential for a creamy, not soggy, pudding.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can assemble the pudding (before baking) and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just add 10-15 minutes to the bake time.

Keyword classic dessert,easy bread pudding,leftover bread recipe

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We hope you love this easy bread pudding recipe as much as we do. It’s a humble dessert that always manages to steal the show. If you make it, we’d love to see! Leave a comment below or share a photo of your masterpiece on Pinterest. Happy baking!