When the autumn leaves start to fall and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of Pumpkin Bread Pudding wafting through your kitchen. Imagine a warm, custardy delight that combines the sweetness of pumpkin with cozy spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, all nestled in soft, buttery bread. cozy pumpkin chili Each bite is a hug for your taste buds, making it the perfect dessert for chilly evenings or festive gatherings. For more inspiration, check out this Banana Bread Cookies Recipe.
This is not just a recipe; it’s a nostalgic journey. I remember the first time I attempted this dish at a family gathering. There was laughter, a few minor kitchen disasters (who knew whisking could be so messy?), and an overwhelming sense of achievement when my loved ones devoured every last crumb. pumpkin cheesecake snickerdoodles Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or indulging in a quiet night in, this Pumpkin Bread Pudding promises to elevate any occasion with its rich flavors and comforting texture.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Pumpkin Bread Pudding is simple to prepare, making it ideal for busy cooks
- The flavor is a delightful fusion of pumpkin spice that transports you to autumn bliss
- Its golden-brown crust and creamy center make it visually irresistible on any table
- Perfect as a dessert or even breakfast treat, it’s versatile enough for any meal!
There’s something magical about watching friends and family gather around this Pumpkin Bread Pudding. delicious pumpkin scones The laughter and smiles are priceless as they dig into this delicious creation.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Bread: Stale bread works best here; it absorbs all the custardy goodness without getting mushy.
- Canned Pumpkin: Use pure pumpkin puree for the best flavor; avoid pumpkin pie filling for accurate results.
- Heavy Cream: This adds richness and creaminess that makes every bite heavenly.
- Eggs: They act as a binding agent; fresh eggs provide better flavor and texture.
- Sugar: Adjust based on your sweetness preference; brown sugar gives deeper caramel notes.
- Spices (Cinnamon & Nutmeg): Freshly grated nutmeg enhances flavor complexity; cinnamon adds warmth.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash elevates overall flavor; use pure vanilla for better quality.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray. The anticipation builds as you prepare your kitchen for deliciousness. For more inspiration, check out this Hamburger Potato Casserole recipe.
Prepare Your Bread: Cut stale bread into cubes while reminiscing about how you saved those leftover slices from earlier breakfasts. Spread them evenly in your greased baking dish.
Mix the Custard Base: In a large bowl, whisk together canned pumpkin, eggs, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and spices until well combined. You want it smooth like your favorite jazz playlist.
Pour Over Bread Cubes: Gently pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring every piece gets soaked like it’s on vacation at a tropical resort. Let it sit for about 15 minutes so the bread can absorb those flavors.
Bake Until Set: Place in your preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and set in the center. You’ll know it’s done when you can smell that heavenly aroma filling your home.
Cool & Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving—this will help prevent any “oops” moments when cutting into it! Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent.
Now that you’ve mastered this Pumpkin Bread Pudding recipe, get ready to enjoy not only its delightful flavors but also the joy it brings to every gathering!
You Must Know
- When making Pumpkin Bread Pudding, ensure your bread is slightly stale for better absorption
- The dish transforms into a creamy delight with rich flavors and a hint of spice, perfect for cozy gatherings
- Serve warm with whipped cream to elevate the experience
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cubing your bread and letting it dry out for a bit. While that happens, mix the pumpkin puree with eggs, cream, and spices in a bowl. Combine everything in a baking dish, then pop it in the oven until golden brown.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out traditional bread for brioche or challah for extra richness. You can also toss in chocolate chips or pecans to add delightful textures and flavors that surprise your taste buds.
Storing & Reheating
To store leftovers, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm them in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For an unforgettable Pumpkin Bread Pudding, use day-old bread—it absorbs the custard beautifully
- Don’t skip on spices; they enhance the pumpkin flavor remarkably
- Always let it cool slightly before serving—it thickens up as it sets!
Sharing this recipe reminds me of a family gathering where my cousin declared my pumpkin pie dip for fall festivities!
FAQ
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, but cooking and pureeing fresh pumpkin adds time to your preparation.
How do I know when the pudding is done?
The top should be golden brown, and a knife inserted should come out clean.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it the night before and bake just before serving for freshness.
Pumpkin Bread Pudding
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8
Description
Indulge in the warm, custardy goodness of Pumpkin Bread Pudding, a perfect blend of sweet pumpkin and aromatic spices. Ideal for chilly evenings or festive gatherings, this dessert will wrap your taste buds in comfort. With its golden-brown crust and creamy center, this dish is not just a recipe but a nostalgic experience that brings family and friends together.
Ingredients
- 6 cups stale bread, cubed
- 1 ½ cups canned pumpkin puree
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup brown sugar (or adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Place cubed stale bread evenly in the greased dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, eggs, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.
- Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes and let it soak for about 15 minutes.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and set in the center.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Use day-old bread for optimal absorption. Feel free to add chocolate chips or pecans for extra flavor. Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to three days.