If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dessert that fills your kitchen with the warm aroma of fall spices, this Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining soft, day-old brioche bread soaked in a luscious custard infused with pumpkin purée and pumpkin pie spice, this dish strikes the perfect balance between creamy and cakey. It’s easy to prepare yet feels so indulgent—ideal for chilly evenings, holiday dinners, or whenever you want a sweet treat that tastes like a hug in every bite.

Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the rich custard to the tender bread cubes, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor, creaminess, and just the right amount of spice and sweetness.

6 cups day-old brioche or French bread (cubed): Using stale bread helps absorb the custard perfectly without becoming mushy.
1 1/2 cups whole milk: Adds creaminess and lightness to the custard base.
1 cup heavy cream: Brings richness and a silky texture to the pudding.
1 cup canned pumpkin purée: The star ingredient that delivers moisture, color, and seasonal flavor.
3/4 cup brown sugar: Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the pumpkin spices.
3 large eggs: Binds everything together and creates that perfect custard consistency.
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: A warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that makes this dessert feel like fall in a dish.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its sweet, aromatic notes.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors brilliantly.
2 tablespoons butter (melted): A finishing touch that ensures a gorgeous golden top during baking.
Optional toppings (whipped cream, caramel sauce, or chopped pecans): Add texture, a bit of crunch, and extra indulgence.

How to Make Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Bread Base

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Spread out the cubed brioche or French bread evenly in the dish; this is your delicious canvas for soaking up every bit of the pumpkin custard.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk, heavy cream, canned pumpkin purée, brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until this mixture is completely smooth and well blended, ensuring every bite will have the perfect balance of creaminess and sweetness.

Step 3: Soak the Bread

Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes, gently pressing down to make sure the bread absorbs all the flavorful liquid. Let this soak for about 10 to 15 minutes—this step is key to achieving that soft, luscious texture that makes pumpkin bread pudding so irresistible.

Step 4: Add Butter and Bake

Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the soaked bread. Bake the pudding for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top shines with a beautiful golden-brown crust. The aroma filling your home at this point will already have everyone eager to take a slice.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the bread pudding cool slightly in the dish before serving it warm with your favorite toppings. This resting time lets the pudding set just enough to slice beautifully but still remain invitingly gooey and soft.

How to Serve Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe

Garnishes

Top your warm Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of chopped pecans for added texture and flavor. These finishing touches add a lovely contrast and elevate the dessert’s visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Serve this dessert alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of spiced chai tea. The creamy coldness of ice cream or the fragrant warmth of chai balances the rich, spiced pumpkin bread pudding perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress guests, serve pumpkin bread pudding in individual ramekins instead of a large dish, garnished elegantly with mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar. You can also layer it with chocolate chips or raisins when mixing the custard for a surprise twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions into airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days—this dessert actually tastes even more flavorful as it sits.

Freezing

Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe freezes well. Wrap portions individually or the whole dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pudding in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) covered with foil for about 20 minutes or microwave individually in short bursts until heated through. Avoid overheating to keep the custard creamy rather than dry.

FAQs

Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?

Yes, you can! If your bread is fresh, toast the cubes in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes to dry them out a bit. This helps the bread soak up the custard without becoming too soggy.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Absolutely. Simply swap the brioche or French bread for a gluten-free bread that holds up well when soaked, like a sturdy gluten-free loaf. Just make sure it’s slightly stale or toasted for best texture.

Can I add other mix-ins to the bread pudding?

Yes! Chocolate chips, raisins, or even chopped nuts fold beautifully into the custard mixture before soaking. They add exciting bursts of texture and flavor to your Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe.

How long does this dessert last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, this bread pudding stays delicious for up to 3 days. Beyond that, the texture starts to change, so enjoy it within that window for the best experience.

What’s the best time to serve pumpkin bread pudding?

This dessert shines in the fall and winter months, especially at holiday gatherings or after a comforting dinner. But honestly, it’s so easy and delicious, you can enjoy it any time you crave a taste of cozy pumpkin goodness.

Final Thoughts

Once you make this Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. It’s a wonderful twist on classic bread pudding that brings the essence of autumn right to your plate. Whether you’re serving it to guests, family, or just indulging yourself, it’s a dish that fills hearts and bellies with joy. So go ahead, gather your ingredients and start baking—you’re about to create a warm, spiced masterpiece that’s destined to become a household favorite.