The aroma of warm spices wafts through the air, inviting you to indulge in a dish that’s as comforting as a hug from your favorite grandma. The Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe combines soft, custardy goodness with the rich flavors of pumpkin and warm spices, creating an irresistible dessert that feels like a cozy fall day, even in the dead of summer.

Picture this: golden-brown bread pudding topped with a dollop of whipped cream that glimmers like a diamond in the sunlight. This delightful treat is perfect for holiday gatherings or any day when you need a little pick-me-up. Trust me; you won’t just want to eat it—you’ll want to dive face-first into it!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delectable pumpkin bread pudding recipe is easy to prepare, making it perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers
- The blend of pumpkin and spices creates an unforgettable flavor experience
- Its stunning visual appeal will impress family and friends at any gathering
- Versatile enough for brunch or dessert, this dish fits any occasion beautifully
Ingredients for Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Stale Bread: Use about six cups of stale bread cubes; French or brioche works best for their texture.
Canned Pumpkin Puree: Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree—not pie filling—for the best flavor and consistency.
Eggs: You’ll need three large eggs to bind everything together and create that lovely custard texture.
Heavy Cream: About two cups will add richness; you can substitute half-and-half if you’re feeling adventurous.
Brown Sugar: One cup provides sweetness and depth; dark brown sugar adds more molasses notes.
Cinnamon: A dash of cinnamon (about one teaspoon) brings warmth and happiness to every bite.
Nutmeg: Freshly grated nutmeg (a pinch) enhances the spice profile; it’s worth seeking out for its robust flavor.
Vanilla Extract: One teaspoon infuses the pudding with sweetness and complexity—don’t skip this!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe
Gather Your Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, assemble all your ingredients on the counter—this way, you won’t be running around like a headless chicken mid-recipe.
Prepare The Bread
Cut your stale bread into bite-sized cubes and spread them evenly in a large baking dish. If your bread isn’t stale yet, you can toast it lightly in the oven until golden brown—it’ll thank you later!
Mix The Custard
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until smooth. This will be your creamy embrace for the bread cubes—don’t skimp on mixing!
Combine
Pour this luscious mixture over your bread cubes evenly. Gently stir everything together using a spatula until every cube is drenched in custard goodness. Let it soak for about fifteen minutes so that all those flavors mingle beautifully.
Bake To Perfection
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake for about 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and slightly puffed. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean—like magic!
Cool And Serve
Once baked perfection emerges from the oven, let it cool for at least ten minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle down so they don’t bounce all over your taste buds like excited puppies.
Serve With Whipped Cream
Spoon generous portions onto plates (or bowls) and top with freshly whipped cream or ice cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent! Each bite will transport you straight into pumpkin-flavored paradise.
And there you have it! A delightful journey through creating an unforgettable Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe that not only tantalizes taste buds but also warms hearts and brings smiles—all while being super simple! Enjoy every sweet moment!
You Must Know
- This delightful pumpkin bread pudding recipe combines the warm spices of fall with creamy custard to create a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent
- Perfect for cozy gatherings or a sweet treat after dinner, it’s sure to impress your guests and family alike
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Next, whisk together your eggs, sugar, cream, and spices. Meanwhile, cube your day-old bread. Combine everything in a baking dish, letting it soak up that custardy goodness before popping it in the oven.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the bread for croissants or brioche for an extra indulgent twist. You can also add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to enhance the flavor profile of this pumpkin bread pudding recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best results, use stale bread instead of fresh; it absorbs more custard
- Don’t skip soaking time—allowing it to sit ensures a moist pudding
- Finally, top with whipped cream right before serving for an irresistible finish
There’s nothing quite like the time I made this pumpkin bread pudding recipe for Thanksgiving dinner. My family devoured it so quickly that I barely got a slice! Their smiles were worth every minute spent in the kitchen.
FAQs:
What is the best bread to use for Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe?
Using a rich, dense bread like brioche or challah works wonderfully for this pumpkin bread pudding recipe. These types of bread absorb the custard mixture well and add a delightful texture. You can also use stale bread, as it will soak up more liquid without becoming overly soggy. If you prefer a lighter option, consider using French bread, but ensure it is not too soft. Experiment with different breads to find your favorite combination.
Can I make Pumpkin Bread Pudding ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pumpkin bread pudding recipe a day in advance. Simply assemble it and store it in the refrigerator, covered, overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven. This will help ensure even cooking and a perfectly fluffy texture.
How long does Pumpkin Bread Pudding last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, your pumpkin bread pudding can last in the fridge for about three to four days. Make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation from forming inside the container. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing individual portions. Thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to my Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe?
Yes! Enhancing your pumpkin bread pudding recipe with nuts or chocolate chips adds an extra layer of flavor and texture. Chopped pecans or walnuts provide a nice crunch that complements the creamy custard. If you prefer chocolate, semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips work beautifully in this dessert. Just fold them into the mixture before baking for delicious pockets of flavor throughout.
Conclusion for Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe:
This pumpkin bread pudding recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional desserts, combining rich flavors with comforting textures. Using quality bread and fresh ingredients elevates this dish beautifully. Preparing it ahead of time allows for deeper flavor development, making it ideal for gatherings. Whether enjoyed warm with whipped cream or cold as leftovers, this recipe promises satisfaction each time you indulge. Don’t hesitate to experiment with additional ingredients like nuts or chocolate chips to customize your experience!

Pumpkin Bread Pudding
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- Author: Ann Foster
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8
Description
Pumpkin Bread Pudding is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of fall in every bite. This easy-to-make recipe combines custardy pumpkin goodness with warm spices and soft bread, creating a comforting treat perfect for any occasion. Serve it warm with whipped cream or ice cream for an indulgent experience that will impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 6 cups stale bread cubes (French or brioche)
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut stale bread into bite-sized cubes and place them evenly in a large baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour the mixture over the bread cubes and gently stir until evenly coated. Let it soak for 15 minutes.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool for 10 minutes before serving with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 120mg