There is nothing quite as comforting and soul-satisfying as a warm serving of homemade bread pudding, and this Best Bread Pudding Recipe truly delivers on that feeling. Imagine golden, tender cubes of bread soaked in a rich custard with the perfect balance of sweet vanilla and warming cinnamon, all baked to a beautiful golden finish. Each bite melts in your mouth with creamy goodness and a subtle buttery richness, making it perfect for cozy family gatherings or an indulgent treat after dinner. Whether you use French bread, brioche, challah, or even sourdough, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white plate holds a square piece of light golden cake with a soft, crumbly texture. The cake is topped with a thick, creamy yellow sauce that drips over the edges. On top of the sauce sits a rounded scoop of white ice cream with a smooth creamy surface. A wooden spoon rests on the plate, lifting a portion of the cake soaked in sauce. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface, and in the background, there are white-handled gold measuring spoons and white napkins. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Best Bread Pudding Recipe uses a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating its luxurious texture and deep flavor. The combination of creamy dairy, aromatic vanilla, and just the right amount of cinnamon creates harmony between sweetness and spice.

1 lb. Bread (French, Brioche, Challah, Sourdough): Stale or day-old bread works beautifully to soak up that custard without turning mushy.
2 cups Whole Milk: Provides creaminess and lightness to the custard base.
1 cup Heavy Cream: Adds richness and a silky mouthfeel to the pudding.
4 large Eggs: The binder that brings the custard together, giving structure and fluffiness.
1 cup Sugar: Sweetens the pudding without overpowering the other flavors.
1/2 cup Brown Sugar: Offers a subtle molasses flavor that deepens the sweetness.
2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract: Infuses the custard with a warm, fragrant aroma that’s utterly irresistible.
1/2 to 1 teaspoon Cinnamon: Adds a gentle warmth and spice, perfectly complementing the sweetness.
4 Tablespoons Salted Butter (melted): Poured over the top before baking to create a buttery, golden crust.

How to Make Best Bread Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then cut your bread into 1-inch cubes, which allows the custard to soak in evenly without dissolving the bread completely. Place these cubes into a large mixing bowl where they’ll eagerly await the custard mixture.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard

In a separate bowl, whisk together your heavy cream, whole milk, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. This combination forms the rich, flavorful custard that will soak into your bread and transform it into the creamy delight that defines the Best Bread Pudding Recipe.

Step 3: Combine Bread and Custard

Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes, then gently toss to make sure every bite is soaked in that luscious mixture. Once combined, transfer everything into a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly for consistent baking.

Step 4: Add Butter

Melt the salted butter either in the microwave or on the stovetop, then drizzle it evenly over the top of your soaked bread. This little trick adds a golden, rich crust to your pudding, bringing out flavors and textures that elevate the dish beyond ordinary.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. This slow baking allows the custard to set gently and soak fully into the bread. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 20 minutes, or until the top turns a beautiful light golden brown and the pudding feels firm to the touch.

Step 6: Serve

Let your bread pudding cool slightly and then serve it warm, topped with a luscious vanilla sauce, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Each addition complements the pudding’s richness and makes every bite a delectable experience.

How to Serve Best Bread Pudding Recipe

A square piece of light golden cake with a textured, crumbly top layer is placed in the center of a white plate on a white marbled surface. The cake is topped with a smooth drizzle of pale yellow sauce that gently flows over the edges and onto the plate. On top of the cake sits a perfectly round scoop of white vanilla ice cream, creating a soft contrast to the warm cake below. Next to the plate, there is a spoon with a wooden handle and a shiny bronze scoop resting on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce, or a handful of toasted nuts can add delightful texture and an extra burst of flavor. Fresh berries or a few mint leaves will add a pop of color and freshness that balances the richness perfectly.

Side Dishes

Though bread pudding often shines as a standalone dessert, you can pair it with a simple bowl of fresh fruit or serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a comforting afternoon treat. It also pairs wonderfully with a light salad if you’re enjoying it as a brunch item.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the bread pudding in individual ramekins or mason jars. This not only looks charming but makes portion control a breeze. You could also drizzle creative sauces like a bourbon caramel or a raspberry coulis for a sophisticated flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover your bread pudding tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy its comforting flavors well beyond the initial bake.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, bread pudding freezes beautifully. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or place in freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without any loss in flavor or texture.

Reheating

Reheat slices in the microwave for about 1 to 2 minutes or in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first for best results.

FAQs

Can I use any type of bread for this bread pudding?

Absolutely! While brioche, challah, French, and sourdough are classic choices, feel free to use whatever bread you have on hand. Just make sure it’s at least a day old to soak up the custard properly without becoming too mushy.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute whole milk and heavy cream with non-dairy alternatives like almond milk or coconut cream. Keep in mind this will slightly change the texture and flavor but still make a delicious bread pudding.

Is it possible to add fruit or nuts to this bread pudding?

Definitely! Adding raisins, chopped apples, pecans, or walnuts in step 3 can add interesting textures and flavors, making this Best Bread Pudding Recipe even more special.

Do I need to soak the bread for a specific amount of time?

There’s no need to soak the bread separately. Pouring the custard over the bread cubes and letting them sit briefly while you prepare the oven is enough to ensure they absorb the flavors thoroughly before baking.

What is the best way to serve leftovers?

Leftover bread pudding tastes fantastic warmed up and served with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of vanilla sauce. You can also eat it cold for a quick, sweet snack.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about this Best Bread Pudding Recipe that transforms simple pantry ingredients into a dessert that feels like a cherished tradition. It’s comforting, versatile, and endlessly satisfying — perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a special treat. I encourage you to give this recipe a try, and I promise it will become one of your favorite go-to desserts for cozy nights and celebrations alike.