If you’re craving a dessert that wraps you in warm, cozy flavors and celebrates all the best things about fall, look no further than the Best Ever Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe. This delightful dish takes simple, humble ingredients—day-old bread and pumpkin—and transforms them into a rich, custardy, lightly spiced treat that feels like a big, comforting hug on a chilly evening. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, dessert, or just because, this pumpkin bread pudding is guaranteed to earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. Get ready to enjoy a taste explosion that’s both nostalgic and fresh with each bite!

Best Ever Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to this recipe’s magic lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients. Each component plays a critical role, from the texture of the bread to the spice blend that brings the pumpkin custard to life.

5 cups cubed day-old bread (French or brioche works best): Stale bread absorbs the custard perfectly, creating a custardy yet structured pudding.
1 1/2 cups whole milk: Adds creaminess without weighing down the dish.
1 cup heavy cream: Enriches the custard, delivering a luscious texture.
1 cup pumpkin purée: The star ingredient, it brings moisture, color, and that quintessential pumpkin flavor.
3/4 cup brown sugar: Provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness that balances the spices.
2 large eggs: Bind everything together and give the pudding its custard-like structure.
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves that infuses warmth and complexity.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a hint of sweetness and depth.
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream: Perfect for topping — adds cool creaminess and a touch of indulgence.
A drizzle of caramel sauce: Optional, but highly recommended for an extra layer of decadence.

How to Make Best Ever Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Evenly spread the cubed day-old bread into the dish—this will be the sturdy foundation soaking up all that luscious pumpkin custard.

Step 2: 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 the mixture is smooth and creamy. This custard is the heart of your pudding, blending sweetness with that nostalgic pumpkin spice flavor we all crave. It’s important to whip it well so that every bite is consistently delicious.

Step 3: Combine and Soak

Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread so it soaks up as much of the liquid as possible—this step ensures the pudding sets nicely with a soft, creamy texture and no dry bits. Then, let it sit for about 10 minutes to fully absorb the custard.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Watch for a beautiful golden top and a center that’s fully set but still tender. The aroma as it bakes will be downright irresistible—your kitchen will smell like a pumpkin spice dream come true!

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Allow the bread pudding to cool slightly before serving—this helps it hold its shape while still being warm and comforting. Top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and don’t forget a generous drizzle of caramel sauce if you want to go all out on decadence.

How to Serve Best Ever Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe

Garnishes

Simple toppings can elevate this dessert from amazing to unforgettable. Try fluffy whipped cream for lightness, smooth vanilla ice cream for contrast, or drizzle with caramel sauce for a sticky-sweet finish. A sprinkle of cinnamon or crushed pecans adds texture and a little extra flair.

Side Dishes

Although this pumpkin bread pudding feels like a meal all on its own, it pairs beautifully with a fresh cup of coffee or a spiced latte for brunch. For a dinner dessert, serve alongside a mild cheese board or an earthy roasted nut mix to balance out the sweetness and spice.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests? Serve individual portions in ramekins with a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. If you’re taking it to a party, bake it in a decorative dish and bring along toppings to customize each serving. This pudding also makes a fantastic filling for crepes or French toast for an indulgent twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Best Ever Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe keeps really well! Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making cold or reheated bites just as delicious.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the pudding. Cut it into portions, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Warm up leftovers in the microwave or oven until heated through. To keep the pudding moist, cover with foil during oven reheating, or sprinkle a touch of milk on top before microwaving. Add fresh toppings after reheating for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread for this pumpkin bread pudding?

Absolutely! While French or brioche bread are ideal due to their texture and ability to absorb custard, you can also use challah, sourdough, or even sandwich bread. Just avoid bread with a very tough crust or overly dense crumb, as it may affect the pudding’s softness.

Is it necessary to use day-old bread?

Using day-old or stale bread is key because it soaks up the custard without turning mushy too quickly. Fresh bread tends to absorb too much liquid and can become soggy, so if fresh bread is all you have, toast it lightly to dry it out first.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute dairy milk and cream with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk, and replace eggs with flax eggs or another egg substitute. Keep in mind, texture and flavor may vary slightly, but the essence of the pumpkin bread pudding will still shine through.

What’s the best way to adjust sweetness or spice levels?

You can easily tweak the sugar and pumpkin pie spice amounts to your taste. If you prefer less sweetness, simply reduce the brown sugar. For more spice, add a pinch of ground cloves or extra cinnamon. Remember, pumpkin bread pudding is versatile and forgiving!

Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?

Definitely! Just use a larger baking dish or divide the mixture between two pans and adjust baking time slightly. Keep an eye on the pudding as ovens vary, ensuring it is set and golden but not overbaked.

Final Thoughts

This Best Ever Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe is the kind of dish that brings people together around the table with smiles and seconds. Its rich custard, cozy pumpkin spice flavors, and comforting texture make it a standout dessert that’s perfect any time you want to add a little extra warmth to your day. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to celebrate pumpkin season and beyond!