Bread Pudding

Bread Pudding is dense and flavorful comfort food that is loaded with pieces of brioche and plump raisins, baked, and topped with a sweet homemade vanilla glaze. For another delicious bread recipe, try my 5 Ingredient Monkey Bread!

Old Fashioned Bread Pudding

Centuries ago, people would look for ways to not waste any leftover food, including bread, which led to bread pudding. It was referred to as ‘poor man’s pudding’, but has evolved to be included in many upscale restaurants as a dessert. With all the variations of bread pudding recipes, it’s fun to play around with the recipe and try other kinds of bread and added ingredients.

Bread Pudding Ingredients

There are two main parts to the recipe–the bread pudding and vanilla glaze.

Brioche bread: I chose to use brioche, a French bread, in this recipe. It is somewhat of a pastry and bread combo that tasted amazing in this recipe!

Raisins: Raisins are optional.

How to Make Vanilla Glaze

This glaze was just the right amount of sweetness to add to the bread pudding. It wasn’t too overpowering, and it made this recipe more of a dessert. To make the glaze, add the butter, sugar, and heavy whipping cream in a saucepan. Heat up the ingredients over medium heat, stirring until it begins to thicken. Stir in the vanilla and pour the glaze over the baked bread pudding. Let it cool for a few minutes before cutting and serving.

How to Store Bread Pudding

To store leftovers, keep the pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you are planning to freeze the pudding, freeze it WITHOUT the vanilla glaze.

Let it come to room temperature before cutting it into individual pieces. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or store the pieces in airtight, freezer-safe containers. Label and date the containers; the pudding will last up to three months.

Variations to Bread Pudding

As I mentioned, there are lots and lots of bread pudding recipes because of the versatility of the recipe. Here are a few things you could try:

• Use different kinds of bread (like cinnamon rolls, baguettes, artisan, or white bread).
• Toast the stale bread pieces in the oven for a few minutes before adding the custard ingredients.
• Make individual bread puddings by dividing the bread and custard evenly between ramekins before baking. Just be sure to check them after 20 minutes or so since the bake time may be a bit different.
• Add granola, dried fruit, cereal, or even marshmallows!
• Top with ice cream, caramel, or a whiskey sauce.