If you have a soft spot for cozy desserts that warm both heart and home, this Incredible Cinnamon Bread Pudding Recipe is about to become your new go-to treat. It’s a perfect balance of rich custardy texture infused with aromatic cinnamon and nutmeg, transforming simple day-old bread into a soul-soothing delight. Every bite is an adventure in familiarity and comfort, making it a cherished classic that’s both timeless and incredibly easy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients is the secret to nailing this dish. Each one plays a crucial role in crafting the complex flavors and luscious texture that make this bread pudding truly incredible.
- 6 cups cubed day-old bread (French bread or challah work well): Stale bread soaks up the custard perfectly without getting soggy.
- 4 large eggs: They bind everything together, lending a creamy, rich structure.
- 2 cups whole milk: Adds moisture and richness.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Elevates the custard to decadence with an ultra-smooth texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the pudding just right, balancing spices beautifully.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The star spice that defines this recipe’s signature taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds subtle complexity and warmth.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and prevents blandness.
- 1 cup raisins or other dried fruits (optional): For bursts of chewy sweetness, but feel free to omit if you prefer.
- Butter, for greasing the baking dish: Prevents sticking and adds a hint of toasty richness to the crust.
How to Make Incredible Cinnamon Bread Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and buttering a 9×13 inch baking dish. This simple step ensures your pudding bakes evenly and won’t stick, creating a golden brown crust every time.
Step 2: Ready the Bread
Place the cubed day-old bread into a large mixing bowl. If your bread feels too fresh, lightly toast the cubes in the oven for a few minutes. This helps it absorb the custard perfectly without turning mushy.
Step 3: Whisk the Custard
In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until the mixture is smooth and fragrant. This custard will soak the bread, infusing each bite with incredible flavor.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Pour the custard over the bread cubes, then gently toss to ensure every piece is thoroughly soaked. If using raisins or dried fruits, fold them in now for lovely bursts of sweetness here and there.
Step 5: Let It Absorb
Allow the mixture to rest for about 15 minutes. This gives the bread ample time to soak in all that custard goodness, making the texture super creamy and cohesive after baking.
Step 6: Transfer and Bake
Spread the soaked bread evenly into your prepared baking dish. Pop it in the oven and bake for roughly 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the pudding sets and the top turns a heavenly golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let your Incredible Cinnamon Bread Pudding Recipe cool for 10-15 minutes. This resting time helps it firm up slightly, making it easier to slice and even more delicious to savor.
How to Serve Incredible Cinnamon Bread Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
A warm slice of this bread pudding is bliss on its own, but adding a drizzle of heavy cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a light dusting of powdered sugar can elevate it even further. These garnish choices balance the warm spices beautifully and add delightful textures to each bite.
Side Dishes
Pair this rich dessert with fresh seasonal berries or a simple fruit compote to cut through the sweetness with a burst of natural tartness. A cup of hot coffee or spiced chai also complements the cozy cinnamon notes perfectly, rounding out a picture-perfect dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, bake individual portions in ramekins topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a crisp, caramelized lid. Or serve in small bowls topped with whipped cream and toasted nuts for extra texture. The Incredible Cinnamon Bread Pudding Recipe is versatile and looks just as charming plated elegantly as it does in a rustic family-style dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, cover your bread pudding tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, so you can enjoy repeat servings without fuss.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion it out and freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a cozy treat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently before serving to bring back its creamy magic.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or pop the whole dish in a 325°F (160°C) oven until heated through. A light drizzle of cream or a scoop of ice cream can make the leftovers taste just as irresistible as freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?
Fresh bread can work if lightly toasted first to dry it out a bit. This helps it soak the custard without turning mushy. Stale bread remains the best choice for texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free butter for greasing. The flavor will still be delightful.
Can I add other spices to customize this bread pudding?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with spices like cardamom, cloves, or ginger to add complexity. Just remember to balance flavors carefully so the cinnamon remains the star.
What type of bread gives the best flavor for this recipe?
French bread or challah is ideal because of their sturdy texture and mild sweetness. They hold up well when soaked and provide a perfect base for the cinnamon and spices.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
With a few swaps like using flax eggs or commercial egg replacers, plant-based milk, and vegan butter, you can turn this recipe vegan while still capturing its warm, comforting essence.
Final Thoughts
This Incredible Cinnamon Bread Pudding Recipe is more than just dessert—it’s a warm hug on a plate that brings comfort and joy in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a simple weekend treat, it’s guaranteed to become a beloved classic in your kitchen. So grab your day-old bread and start baking—you’re in for a truly delicious adventure.
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Incredible Cinnamon Bread Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A rich and comforting Cinnamon Bread Pudding made with cubed day-old bread soaked in a creamy mixture of eggs, milk, cream, cinnamon, and warm spices, then baked to golden perfection. This classic dessert is perfect for savoring as is or serving with your favorite toppings like whipped cream or ice cream.
Ingredients
Bread
- 6 cups cubed day-old bread (French bread or challah recommended)
Custard Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Additional
- 1 cup raisins or other dried fruits (optional)
- Butter, for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish generously with butter to prevent sticking and help with browning.
- Prepare the Bread: Place the cubed day-old bread into a large mixing bowl. If your bread is not stale, lightly toast the cubes in the oven for a few minutes until dry but not browned to ensure better absorption.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, thoroughly whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until completely combined and smooth.
- Combine Bread and Custard: Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, gently tossing to make sure all pieces are well soaked. If using raisins or dried fruits, fold them evenly into the mixture now.
- Rest the Mixture: Allow the soaked bread to sit undisturbed for about 15 minutes so the bread absorbs the liquid fully, resulting in a moist pudding.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the bread and custard mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform baking.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, until the pudding is set in the center and the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes to allow it to firm up, making it easier to slice and serve.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm, optionally topped with a drizzle of cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a light dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness and indulgence.
Notes
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread to ensure it absorbs the custard properly; fresh bread may result in a soggy texture.
- Feel free to add your favorite dried fruits like apricots, cranberries, or chopped nuts for texture and flavor variation.
- For a richer pudding, substitute some of the whole milk with additional heavy cream.
- Allowing the mixture to sit before baking is key for the custard to soak evenly through the bread.
- This recipe can be made a day ahead; cover and refrigerate before baking and bake fresh when ready to serve.
