Rich, custardy, and delightfully soaked in three luscious types of milk, Tres Leches Bread Pudding is a decadently updated twist on a classic dessert. Imagine everything you love about tres leches cake — that tender, milky sweetness — paired with the cozy nostalgia of bread pudding’s custard-soaked cubes, all crowned with a snowy cloud of whipped cream. This is a dessert that feels like pure comfort with every creamy bite, a guaranteed showstopper for any occasion and the answer when you crave something truly special.

Tres Leches Bread Pudding Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Tres Leches Bread Pudding recipe earns its keep, working harmoniously to deliver dreamy texture and flavor in every mouthful. From the choice of bread to the trio of milks, even the smallest detail amplifies the finished dessert’s magic.

Bread: For heartiness and structure, use day-old brioche or challah; their slight sweetness and dense crumb absorb the custard beautifully.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds creamy sweetness and that unmistakable tres leches richness to the pudding mix.
Evaporated Milk: Lends silkiness and depth, creating a richer pudding without making it too heavy.
Whole Milk: Balances the other milks and keeps the custard light and pourable.
Eggs: The backbone of the custard, giving the pudding its lush, spoonable consistency.
Granulated Sugar: Rounds out the sweetness and caramelizes just a hint for a beautiful golden finish.
Vanilla Extract: Deepens the flavor with aromatic warmth — don’t skip it!
Ground Cinnamon: Adds a touch of gentle spice, marrying the milks and bread with cozy undertones.
Salt: Just a small pinch lifts all the flavors and keeps the dessert from being one-note.
Unsalted Butter: For greasing the baking dish and a final richness throughout.
Whipped Cream (for topping): Fluffy, fresh whipped cream adds that classic tres leches finish and visual wow factor.

How to Make Tres Leches Bread Pudding

Step 1: Prep and Cube the Bread

Start your Tres Leches Bread Pudding journey by cutting day-old brioche or challah into even cubes, about one inch each. Drying out the bread slightly (leave it out overnight or toast gently in the oven) ensures it absorbs the decadent custard without turning mushy, setting you up for pudding success.

Step 2: Make the Tres Leches Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk until smooth — this trio is the heart of tres leches magic. Add in eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt, beating gently until the mixture is homogenous and just frothy.

Step 3: Soak the Bread

Arrange the bread cubes in a generously buttered baking dish. Slowly pour that luxurious milky custard all over, turning the bread gently to coat every last piece. Let it soak for at least 15 minutes (longer for toughest breads), ensuring each cube becomes fully saturated with flavor.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven and bake your assembled Tres Leches Bread Pudding until the custard is set, golden on top, and the aroma fills your kitchen. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a trace of custard. Resist the urge to overbake; you want a soft, moist pudding.

Step 5: Cool and Top with Whipped Cream

Allow the bread pudding to cool slightly so it cuts cleanly and holds its shape. Before serving, slather the top with heaps of freshly whipped cream — the classic finishing touch for Tres Leches Bread Pudding that turns every bite into a celebration.

How to Serve Tres Leches Bread Pudding

Garnishes

A dollop of whipped cream is non-negotiable, but a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a few fresh berries add color and flavor contrast. For a little extra drama, try a drizzle of caramel sauce or shaved chocolate — each ingredient makes your Tres Leches Bread Pudding even more memorable.

Side Dishes

Pair your warm bread pudding with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for absolute dessert decadence, or lighten things up with a fruit salad on the side. A cup of robust coffee or Mexican hot chocolate rounds out the experience in the most comforting way.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try cutting your Tres Leches Bread Pudding into individual squares and plating them with a piping of whipped cream and a mint leaf. Mini ramekins or mason jars make for adorable, single-serve portions. Or go family-style and let guests scoop their own — it’s impossible to go wrong.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual portions to airtight containers. Tres Leches Bread Pudding keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days, and the flavors actually deepen with a little rest!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Tres Leches Bread Pudding. Wrap slices or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve that perfect texture.

Reheating

To reheat, place your bread pudding in a 300°F oven, covered loosely with foil, for about 15–20 minutes, or until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, quick bursts in the microwave work too, but keep an eye out so it doesn’t overcook.

FAQs

Can I use another type of bread?

Absolutely! Brioche or challah are best for richness, but sturdy white or French bread, or even leftover dinner rolls, work beautifully. Just avoid using very soft sandwich bread, as it may get too soggy.

Is Tres Leches Bread Pudding best served warm or cold?

It’s delicious either way! Many love it slightly warm with melting whipped cream, while others prefer it fully chilled for a denser, classic tres leches feel. Try both to find your personal favorite.

Can I make it dairy free?

Yes, you can experiment by using non-dairy milks (coconut, oat, or almond), and a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk alternative. While the flavor will be different, the pudding will still be tender and moist.

What can I add for extra flavor?

Try folding in raisins, chocolate chips, or a splash of dark rum for grown-up flair. A bit of orange zest or a few swirls of dulce de leche also make delicious add-ins for your Tres Leches Bread Pudding.

How can I tell when it’s done baking?

Look for a puffed, golden top, and gently insert a knife in the center — if it comes out clean or with just a bit of custard clinging on, you’re set. Remember, a little jiggle in the middle is fine; it will firm up as it cools.

Final Thoughts

Tres Leches Bread Pudding is pure comfort on a plate — easy enough for a cozy weeknight but impressive enough for any celebration. Give it a try, and I have a feeling this creamy, luscious dessert will quickly become your new go-to treat! Happy baking!