Name: Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups day-old bread, cubed (brioche or challah works best); 1½ cups (360 ml) whole milk; 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream; 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar, packed; 4 large eggs; 1 cup (240 g) pumpkin purée (not pie filling); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or 1½ tsp cinnamon + ½ tsp nutmeg + ¼ tsp ginger + ¼ tsp cloves); ¼ tsp salt; Whipped cream; Caramel sauce; Chopped pecans or walnuts

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If there’s ever been a dessert that feels like a hug from your favorite sweater, it’s Pumpkin Bread Pudding. Imagine velvety custard infused with cozy spices, mingling with tender cubed bread, and crowned with whipped cream or caramel. This easy yet showstopping recipe brings the spirit of fall to your table, making it a star at any holiday feast or family dinner. With each spoonful, you’ll taste a dreamy medley of pumpkin, brown sugar, and spice—this is comfort food at its delicious, crowd-pleasing best.

Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about making Pumpkin Bread Pudding is how it transforms simple, everyday ingredients into something truly magical. Each component plays a key role, from creating a creamy custard to providing the signature fluff and flavor in every bite. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters.

Day-old bread, cubed (6 cups): Brioche or challah are ideal for their rich flavor and pillowy texture, and slightly stale bread soaks up the custard beautifully without turning mushy.
Whole milk (1½ cups): Adds moisture and helps create that luscious, creamy consistency you crave in a bread pudding.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Brings velvety richness and makes each bite extra indulgent.
Brown sugar, packed (1 cup): Infuses warmth and caramel undertones that pair perfectly with pumpkin and spices.
Large eggs (4): Essential for binding the custard and giving the pudding structure without making it dense.
Pumpkin purée (1 cup): The star ingredient—be sure to use pure pumpkin, not pie filling, for the best flavor and texture.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the sweetness and adds a lovely aroma to the pudding.
Pumpkin pie spice (2 tsp): Or a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves—these bring undeniable autumn charm to every bite.
Salt (¼ tsp): Just a pinch heightens all the sweet and spicy flavors.
Optional toppings: Whipped cream, caramel sauce, or a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts add that final flourish of flavor and texture.

How to Make Pumpkin Bread Pudding

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Bread

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it preheats as you assemble everything else. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a smear of butter or a quick spray of oil; this ensures nothing sticks and makes cleanup a breeze. Scatter your cubed, day-old bread evenly in the dish. If your bread is a bit fresher than you’d like, leave the cubes out while you prep other ingredients—toasting them gently in the oven for a few minutes works wonders for getting the right texture, too.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, packed brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin purée, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice blend, and salt. Take your time to ensure everything’s well blended and the sugar dissolves. The result should be a silky, pumpkin-studded custard that smells like autumn in a bowl. This luscious mixture is the heart of your Pumpkin Bread Pudding.

Step 3: Assemble and Soak

Pour your custard mixture slowly and evenly all over the surface of the bread cubes, making sure every piece gets a generous soak. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to gently press the bread into the liquid—this helps it absorb all that custardy goodness. Let the whole dish sit for about 10 to 15 minutes; this brief rest gives the bread a chance to get perfectly soft but not soggy, ensuring the pudding holds together and bakes evenly.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, keeping an eye out for that glorious golden crust and set center. You’ll know it’s done when the pudding is puffed and doesn’t jiggle in the middle. The irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen is a hint of the treat to come! Allow it to cool slightly before serving so those flavors settle and slices hold their shape.

Step 5: Top and Serve

This is where you can have a little fun. Scoop generous helpings of warm Pumpkin Bread Pudding into bowls or onto plates, and treat your friends and family to their choice of toppings—whipped cream for cloudlike lightness, caramel sauce for indulgent sweetness, and a sprinkle of toasted nuts for crunch. Each topping adds its own personality, perfectly finishing this cozy dessert.

How to Serve Pumpkin Bread Pudding

Garnishes

The right garnish brings both flavor and flair. For creamy contrast, dollop clouds of whipped cream on each warm portion of Pumpkin Bread Pudding. A drizzle of caramel sauce paints every bite with extra decadence, while chopped pecans or walnuts add a toasty, nutty crunch that pairs beautifully with the spices.

Side Dishes

Though this pudding is a showstopper on its own, it can be even more special alongside a mug of hot apple cider or spiced chai. If you’re hosting a fall dinner, serve it after a hearty meal featuring roast chicken, autumn vegetables, or even a cheese board—the pudding’s sweetness offers the perfect finale.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond the classic casserole by baking portions in individual ramekins for a dinner party twist, or cut the baked pudding into rustic cubes and stack them on dessert plates. Sprinkle powdered sugar over the top for a snowy effect, or serve the pudding chilled as parfait layers with whipped cream for a no-fuss treat that still feels celebratory.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Pumpkin Bread Pudding keeps beautifully! Simply cover your baking dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days—just remember to reheat before enjoying for the best texture.

Freezing

If you want to save Pumpkin Bread Pudding for another cozy day, you can freeze individual portions. Once it cools completely, wrap slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll stay delicious for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For that freshly-baked warmth, reheat Pumpkin Bread Pudding in the oven at 325°F until warmed through (about 10 to 15 minutes), or pop individual servings in the microwave for 30-45 seconds. If the pudding seems a little dry, drizzle a splash of cream or milk over the top before reheating to make it moist and dreamy again.

FAQs

Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?

You can, but day-old or slightly stale bread absorbs the custard much better, creating that classic, slightly chewy texture. If you’re using fresh bread, try toasting the cubes lightly in the oven to dry them out first.

What type of bread works best for Pumpkin Bread Pudding?

Brioche and challah are favorites because of their richness and tenderness, but any sturdy, crusty bread will do. Avoid super soft white bread, as it can turn mushy during baking.

Is it possible to make Pumpkin Bread Pudding dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute plant-based milk (like almond or oat) for whole milk, and use coconut cream in place of heavy cream. Just know that the flavor and richness may vary slightly.

Can I assemble the pudding ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the dish up to the soaking step, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before baking, or add a little extra bake time if baking straight from the fridge.

What mix-ins can I add for variety?

Stir in a handful of raisins, dried cranberries, or even chocolate chips to the bread before adding the custard, or soak the dried fruit in a splash of bourbon for a grownup twist—it’s a lovely way to make Pumpkin Bread Pudding your own.

Final Thoughts

There’s something special about sharing a warm dish of Pumpkin Bread Pudding with friends and family—it’s pure comfort and joy in every bite. I hope you give this beloved recipe a try and make it your own with your favorite toppings and twists. When autumn comes calling, you’ll be ready to serve up some unforgettable sweetness!