Description

This Best Ever Pumpkin Bread Pudding is a comforting and decadent dessert perfect for autumn or any time you crave a warm, spiced treat. Made with day-old French or brioche bread soaked in a rich custard infused with pumpkin purée and traditional pumpkin pie spices, this pudding bakes to a golden perfection with a custardy center. Topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce, it’s an irresistible dessert that delights with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Bread Pudding

5 cups cubed day-old bread (French or brioche works best)
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup pumpkin purée
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp vanilla extract

For Serving

Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
A drizzle of caramel sauce

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Instructions

Prepare the Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Arrange Bread Cubes: Evenly spread the 5 cups of cubed day-old bread into the prepared baking dish to create the base of your pudding.
Make the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, pumpkin purée, brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, homogenous custard mixture.
Combine and Soak: Pour the custard over the bread cubes in the baking dish, pressing them down gently so the bread absorbs the custard evenly. This step ensures every bite will be flavorful and tender.
Rest: Allow the bread and custard to sit undisturbed for about 10 minutes to fully soak, which is key to a moist and creamy pudding.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set, indicating the pudding is cooked through.
Serve: Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving to set. Enhance each serving by topping with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for added decadence.

Notes

Using day-old bread ensures the cubes will absorb the custard better without becoming too mushy.
French or brioche bread provides a rich, buttery flavor that complements the pumpkin custard perfectly.
You can substitute pumpkin pie spice with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves if desired.
Letting the bread soak for 10 minutes before baking is crucial for optimal texture.
Serve warm for best flavor and pairing with cold whipped cream or ice cream.