Bread Pudding

Bread pudding is one of those recipes that feels like home the moment it starts baking. It turns simple pantry ingredients into something warm, comforting, and deeply satisfying. People love it because it’s forgiving, budget-friendly, and perfect for using up leftover bread instead of wasting it. This is the kind of dessert that works on busy evenings, quiet weekends, or cold nights when you want something cozy without a lot of effort. I usually mix it together while the oven preheats, knowing it will fill the kitchen with a sweet, familiar aroma. Served warm, it’s soft, rich, and exactly the kind of treat everyone goes back for.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This recipe is all about ease and comfort. You don’t need special tools, fancy ingredients, or perfect timing. Everything mixes in one bowl, and the oven does the rest. The texture is soft and custardy in the middle with lightly golden edges, which makes every bite feel cozy and satisfying. It’s flexible enough to work with whatever bread or milk you have on hand, making it gentle on the budget. Leftovers reheat beautifully, so it’s great for planning ahead or enjoying later. This bread pudding is also crowd-pleasing, whether you’re serving family after dinner or bringing something warm to share. It’s the kind of recipe people save because it fits real life, not just special occasions.

Ingredients

Tip: Slightly stale bread works best because it soaks up the custard without turning mushy.

4 cups day-old bread, cubed
2 cups milk
2 large eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven and lightly grease your baking dish. Spread the bread cubes evenly in the dish, making sure they sit in a loose layer. The bread should feel dry to the touch so it absorbs the liquid well.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, sugar, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. The mixture should look smooth and lightly golden, with the scent of cinnamon noticeable as you stir.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This recipe comes together quickly with ingredients you likely already have. There’s no standing over the stove, and cleanup is simple. You can assemble it earlier in the day and bake when needed. Leftovers store well, making it easy to enjoy again without extra work.

Tips & Tricks

Use the right bread: Very fresh bread can turn soggy. If your bread is soft, let it sit out for an hour or lightly toast it. This helps it soak up the custard evenly and hold its shape while baking.
Don’t overbake: Baking too long dries it out. Look for set edges and a soft center that barely jiggles. It will continue to firm up slightly as it cools, staying creamy inside.
Let it rest: Giving it a short rest after baking helps the custard settle. Cutting too soon can make it fall apart, while resting gives cleaner slices and better texture.
Balance sweetness: If your bread is already sweet, slightly reduce the sugar. This keeps the flavor warm and comforting instead of overly sweet, especially when serving with toppings.

Variations

Meaty version: Add small pieces of cooked sausage or bacon for a savory-sweet twist. Reduce the sugar slightly and add a pinch of black pepper. It works well as a brunch dish and pairs nicely with eggs or fresh fruit.
Vegetarian option: Stir in chopped apples or pears before baking. They soften as the pudding cooks and add natural sweetness and moisture, making the dish feel extra cozy without extra sugar.
Ingredient swap: Use half-and-half instead of milk for a richer texture, or swap white sugar with brown sugar for deeper flavor. Both options keep the recipe simple and home-friendly.
Flavor boost: Add nutmeg, cardamom, or a splash of maple syrup. These small additions change the flavor gently without overpowering the comforting base everyone loves.

Serving Suggestions

Classic and cozy: Serve warm with a drizzle of cream or milk. This simple presentation highlights the soft texture and cinnamon flavor, perfect for relaxed family dinners or quiet evenings.
Dessert table style: Spoon into small bowls and top with fruit or nuts. It looks inviting and works well when serving guests who like a lighter dessert option.
Brunch-ready: Pair with fresh fruit and coffee. The sweetness balances well with savory breakfast dishes, making it feel special without extra effort.
Comfort night: Serve straight from the baking dish with spoons. Casual, warm, and comforting, it’s ideal for nights when everyone helps themselves.

Storage Instructions

Fridge storage: Let the pudding cool completely, then cover tightly. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it well covered helps maintain moisture and prevents it from absorbing other fridge odors.
Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave until just heated through. For larger portions, cover and reheat in the oven at a low temperature to avoid drying it out.
Freezing: Wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Texture may soften slightly but flavor remains comforting.
Make-ahead tips: Assemble everything in the dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh the next day for an easy dessert with no last-minute prep.

Recipe Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Rest Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Each serving contains roughly 220–280 calories and 6–8 grams of protein, depending on portion size and milk used. It also provides calcium from dairy and carbohydrates from bread. Values are estimates and can vary based on ingredients and serving size.

FAQs

Yes, assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready.

Overbaking, which dries out the center.

Yes, most plant milks work well.

Too much baking time or not enough liquid.

Up to 3 days in the fridge.

Conclusion

This recipe is meant to be simple, comforting, and easy to make your own. It works with what you have and doesn’t demand perfection, which is why it’s so loved. You can keep it classic or adjust the flavors to suit your family, season, or mood. Whether you’re baking for a quiet night in or sharing with others, bread pudding always feels like a warm gesture. Save it, revisit it, and tweak it over time. It’s the kind of recipe that grows with you and becomes part of your regular kitchen rhythm.

Bread Pudding

Recipe by Tasty VaultCourse: Bread Recipe

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

A warm, comforting dessert made with simple pantry ingredients. Soft, lightly spiced, and perfect for using leftover bread. Easy enough for busy days and cozy enough for special moments.