If you adore cozy, comforting desserts that capture the essence of autumn, then this Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe is going to sweep you off your feet. Imagine chunks of fluffy challah soaking up a rich custard infused with warm spices, creamy pumpkin, and sweet maple syrup, all baked to golden perfection. It’s the perfect harmony of texture and flavor that makes every bite feel like a hug from the inside. This is not just any pudding; it’s a celebration of the season in one dish.

Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients for this Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe is the first joyful step toward making a memorable dish. Each element plays a vital role, whether it’s creating a velvety custard, adding depth with spices, or delivering a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Challah or brioche bread (cubed, about 6 cups): Their richness and soft crumb are perfect for absorbing the pumpkin custard without turning mushy.
Pumpkin puree (1 can, 15 oz): Adds creamy texture and that unmistakable autumn flavor that brings the pudding to life.
Heavy cream (2 cups): Enriches the custard, making it luxuriously smooth and indulgent.
Milk (1 cup): Helps balance the creaminess with a lighter touch for the perfect consistency.
Large eggs (4): Bind everything together to create a custardy base that holds the pudding’s structure.
Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Offers a deep, molasses-like sweetness that enhances the pumpkin’s earthiness.
Maple syrup (1/4 cup): A natural sweetener that adds complexity with its rich amber notes.
Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Rounds out the flavors, boosting warmth and aroma.
Ground cinnamon (2 tsp): The star spice that embodies cozy fall vibes.
Ground ginger (1 tsp): Brings a gentle kick that keeps the palate intrigued.
Ground nutmeg (1/2 tsp): Adds warmth and a hint of nuttiness that’s essential in pumpkin desserts.
Ground cloves (1/4 tsp): Provides a subtle pungency that enhances the overall spice blend.
Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances sweetness and heightens all the other flavors.

How to Make Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and giving your 9×13 inch baking dish a good greasing. This ensures that your pudding won’t stick and will come out effortlessly after baking, making the finishing touches so much easier.

Step 2: Whisk the Pumpkin Custard

In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, milk, eggs, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and all the spices. Whisk everything until you have a perfectly smooth and aromatic mixture that promises to envelop the bread cubes with flavor.

Step 3: Add Bread to the Dish

Scatter your cubed challah or brioche evenly in the prepared baking dish. This base will soak up the custard, so spreading it evenly sets the stage for a pudding that’s uniform in texture and taste.

Step 4: Pour the Custard Over Bread

Slowly pour your luscious pumpkin custard over the bread cubes, making sure each piece gets a generous coating. You want the custard to really sink into the bread to develop those delightful custardy pockets.

Step 5: Let It Rest

Allow the mixture to sit for 15-20 minutes. This rest period is crucial because it lets the bread fully absorb the custard, resulting in a pudding that is rich, moist, and bursting with flavor instead of dry or soggy.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown. You can check doneness by inserting a knife in the center; it should come out mostly clean, and the pudding should be puffed and just slightly jiggly when you shake the pan gently.

How to Serve Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe, consider adding a sprinkle of toasted pecans or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A drizzle of warm caramel or maple syrup also adds a beautiful gloss and sweetness that makes each bite feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This pudding pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a side of spiced apples. Both options add a fresh contrast to the creamy, warmly spiced pudding while doubling down on comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve portions in individual ramekins topped with a cinnamon stick or a sprig of fresh thyme. Alternatively, dust the top with powdered sugar before serving to give it a festive, snowy look perfect for autumn gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover pumpkin bread pudding covered in the refrigerator. It will stay moist and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it a convenient treat for busy mornings or spontaneous dessert cravings.

Freezing

You can freeze the pudding either before or after baking. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Frozen pudding will maintain its best quality for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To enjoy warm pudding again, simply heat individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or place the entire dish in a 325°F oven, covered with foil, until warmed through. Avoid overbaking to keep it moist and tender.

FAQs

Can I use another type of bread?

Absolutely! While challah or brioche give a rich, tender crumb ideal for this recipe, you can substitute with other soft breads like French bread or a sturdy white sandwich bread. Just avoid very dense or whole-grain loaves, which may not soak up the custard as well.

Is canned pumpkin the same as pumpkin pie filling?

For best results, use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pie filling already contains spices and sweeteners, which can throw off the balance of flavors in this recipe.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the heavy cream and milk with coconut cream or your favorite plant-based milk alternatives. Keep in mind the texture and richness may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.

How do I know when the pudding is done?

The top should be golden brown and the pudding slightly puffed. A knife inserted in the center should come out mostly clean, and when you gently shake the pan, the center should have just a little jiggle. This means it’s cooked through but still moist.

Can I add extras like chocolate chips or nuts?

Definitely! Toss in some chopped pecans, walnuts, or even chocolate chips with the bread cubes for an exciting texture and flavor boost. Just mix them into the bread before pouring the custard mixture.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe is a warm, inviting dessert that truly celebrates all things fall in the coziest way possible. Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast or a simple weekend treat, it’s sure to become one of your go-to dishes. So, gather your ingredients and dive into this bowl of comfort—you’ll thank yourself with every heavenly bite.