Decadent Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe: Fall’s Ultimate Dessert with a Cozy Twist

There’s something magical about pumpkin bread pudding, especially as the weather turns crisp and fall colors take over. Imagine tender cubes of bread soaked in a rich, spiced pumpkin custard, baked to perfection, and topped with warm caramel sauce. The mix of comforting flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger combine with creamy pumpkin to make each bite heavenly. Whether served at a family gathering or enjoyed on a quiet evening at home, this dessert will quickly become a seasonal favorite.

Photo byInsanely Good Recipes

I stumbled across this amazing Pumpkin Bread Pudding recipe from Insanely Good Recipes, and I just had to share it with you! It’s become a beloved dish in my household, and I’m sure it will win over your heart too.

The beauty of bread pudding is how it transforms simple, stale bread into something utterly divine. With a dash of fall spices and a creamy pumpkin custard, this recipe is the definition of comfort. Whether you enjoy it warm from the oven with caramel sauce, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or whipped cream, it’s the ultimate treat for a chilly night.

A Little Pumpkin History

Pumpkin-based dishes have long been a part of autumn celebrations, especially in North America, where the humble pumpkin has been cultivated for centuries. This bread pudding takes a classic dessert and infuses it with seasonal flavors, reminiscent of traditional pumpkin pies but with an extra layer of indulgence thanks to the brioche or challah bread base. It’s a wonderful way to repurpose day-old bread and turn it into something special.

Recipe Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prep
   Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cube a loaf of stale brioche or challah bread into 1-inch pieces. If your bread is fresh, arrange the cubes on a baking sheet and bake for 20-30 minutes to dry them out. This step ensures the bread can soak up the custard without becoming too soggy.
2. Mix the Pumpkin Custard
   In a large bowl, whisk together the following ingredients until smooth and well combined:
3. • 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
   • 1 cup heavy cream
   • 1½ cups whole milk
   • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
   • ½ cup granulated sugar
   • 4 large eggs + 2 large egg yolks
   • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
   • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
   • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
   • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
   • ¼ teaspoon salt
4. Soak the Bread
   Add the bread cubes to the greased baking dish and pour the pumpkin custard mixture over them. Gently stir and press the bread cubes to ensure they are all soaked in the custard. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and allow it to soak for 30 minutes at room temperature or overnight in the fridge for even better results.
5. Bake to Perfection
   Once the bread has absorbed the custard, remove the plastic wrap and bake the pudding for 40-45 minutes, or until it’s set and lightly browned on top. The pudding should be soft and tender inside but have a nice golden crust on top.
6. Cool and Serve
   Let the dish cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. This short resting time allows the flavors to meld and the custard to set properly. For an extra decadent touch, drizzle caramel sauce over the top and serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Bread Pudding:

• Use Stale Bread: Stale brioche or challah works best as it soaks up the custard without turning mushy.
• Make Ahead: Let the bread soak overnight in the fridge to intensify the flavors.
• Switch It Up: Add a handful of chocolate chips or toasted pecans to the mix for a delicious variation.
• Pairings: Serve with hot apple cider or a spiced chai latte for a cozy autumn pairing.

A Delicious Twist on Tradition

Pumpkin bread pudding brings together the heartwarming flavors of fall in one dish. It’s perfect for dessert, but also indulgent enough to sneak a bite for breakfast the next day. This recipe is so simple to make yet so rich in flavor, with its combination of creamy pumpkin, warming spices, and the buttery goodness of brioche or challah bread.

Give it a try, and don’t forget to top it with your favorite toppings—whether that’s caramel sauce, whipped cream, or ice cream! Let me know in the comments how yours turned out and if you added any special twists.

Be sure to follow me for more cozy, comforting recipes, and don’t forget to share this one with friends and family. Happy baking!