Let’s dive into making a delicious and comforting Pumpkin Spice Bread Pudding! This recipe is perfect for a cozy fall dessert or a special holiday treat. It’s easier to make than you might think, and the warm, spiced flavors are absolutely irresistible.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Pumpkin Spice Bread Pudding is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. What makes it special? Well, it starts with the perfect blend of pumpkin puree and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, creating that classic pumpkin spice flavor we all crave. The bread soaks up a creamy custard, resulting in a texture that’s both soft and slightly chewy. It’s a great way to use up stale bread, and the whole house will smell amazing while it bakes. Plus, it’s easily customizable – add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries to make it your own. Every bite is like a warm hug!
Ingredients
- 6 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (such as brioche, challah, or French bread)
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish.
Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, pumpkin puree, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Pour the pumpkin spice custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it’s fully soaked. Let it sit for about 20-30 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid. This is key to a moist and flavorful bread pudding.
Step 4: Add Optional Mix-Ins
If you’re using any mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries, sprinkle them evenly over the bread mixture.
Step 5: Bake the Pumpkin Spice Bread Pudding
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the Pumpkin Spice Bread Pudding cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows it to set up a bit more and prevents it from being too soggy.
Serving Suggestions
For a more elegant presentation, dust the top with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a few fresh berries can also add a pop of color.
Pumpkin spice flavored bread pudding is a perfect dessert for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any fall gathering. It also makes a comforting brunch dish. Serve it warm with a cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate cozy experience.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover Pumpkin Spice Bread Pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it has cooled completely before storing it.
To reheat, you can microwave individual servings for about 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through. For larger portions, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Adding a little milk or cream while reheating can help keep it moist.
Key Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
- Servings: 8-10
- Equipment: 9×13 inch baking dish, large mixing bowl, whisk, aluminum foil
Pumpkin Spice Bread Pudding
Ingredients
- 6 cups stale bread cut into 1-inch cubes (such as brioche, challah, or French bread)
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips chopped nuts, or dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Place the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, pumpkin puree, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps.
- Pour the pumpkin spice custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it’s fully soaked. Let it sit for about 20-30 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
- If you’re using any mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries, sprinkle them evenly over the bread mixture.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Let the Pumpkin Spice Bread Pudding cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving.