Overhead flat lay of a festive fall dessert: pumpkin bread pudding with caramel sauce and whipped cream, surrounded by small pumpkins and autumn spices.

There’s nothing quite like the warm, inviting aroma of fall spices filling your home. This pumpkin bread pudding is the ultimate cozy dessert, perfect for crisp autumn evenings or as a festive addition to any holiday table. It combines rich pumpkin flavor with a comforting custardy texture, and the best part is its incredibly simple preparation. You’ll love this easy recipe for its delightful taste and stress-free baking!

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Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Bread Pudding

This delightful recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen for many excellent reasons. It brings together seasonal flavors and simple techniques to create a truly special treat.

Enjoy all the comforting flavors of fall in one delicious dish.
This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for beginners and busy parents.
It’s a fantastic way to use up day-old bread, preventing food waste.
Prepare it ahead of time for ultimate convenience, especially for gatherings.
This versatile dessert suits any occasion, from weeknight treats to holiday feasts.
Everyone at your table will adore this crowd-pleasing, warm, and sweet dessert.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delectable pumpkin bread pudding:

Wet Ingredients: 1 ¼ cups milk, ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup maple syrup, 4 large eggs, 1 can (15 ounces, or just under 2 cups) pumpkin puree.
Essential Spices: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground ginger, ½ teaspoon ground cardamom, ¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon salt.
Bread: ½ pound artisan bread loaf (such as challah or sourdough), cubed (about 7-8 cups).
Optional Toppings for Serving: Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, whiskey butter sauce, or caramel sauce.

Notes & Substitutions

Choosing the right components ensures the best pumpkin bread pudding.

For the bread, challah, brioche, or sourdough are excellent choices due to their sturdy texture and ability to soak up the custard without becoming mushy.

According to culinary experts, using slightly stale bread is key, as it absorbs the liquid better than fresh bread, resulting in a richer, more uniform pudding. Serious Eats offers a detailed explanation of why stale bread is ideal for bread pudding.

Remember to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices. For a dairy-free option, substitute almond or oat milk for cow’s milk. Feel free to use a pre-made pumpkin pie spice blend instead of individual spices. Adjust the brown sugar or maple syrup to suit your sweetness preference.

Equipment

You won’t need many specialized tools for this easy pumpkin bread pudding.

A large mixing bowl is essential for combining all your ingredients. Grab a sturdy whisk to blend the custard until smooth. You will need an 8×8-inch square baking dish; a similar size like a 9×9 or small oval casserole dish also works. Measuring cups and spoons ensure accurate ingredient portions. An optional serving spoon or spatula will help you dish out generous portions of your delightful dessert.

Instructions

Creating this comforting pumpkin bread pudding is incredibly simple with these step-by-step directions.

In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, brown sugar, maple syrup, eggs, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, and salt. Continue whisking until the mixture is completely smooth and well blended. Next, add the cubed bread to the custard mixture. Stir carefully to combine everything, making sure that every piece of bread is thoroughly coated with the delicious pumpkin custard and there are no dry spots.

Lightly coat an 8×8-inch square baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Pour the bread mixture evenly into the prepared dish, spreading it out so it fills the pan. If there is any leftover custard in the bowl, pour it over the top of the bread. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, allowing the bread to soak up all the flavorful liquid. For an even deeper flavor, you can refrigerate it overnight.

When you are ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap from the dish. Bake the pumpkin bread pudding for 335-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. A knife inserted into the middle should come out mostly clean. Let the pudding cool slightly on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes before serving with your favorite topping.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieve perfect pumpkin bread pudding every time with these helpful tips.

For best texture: Always use slightly stale bread; it will absorb the custard more effectively, preventing a soggy bottom.
Ensure absorption: Give the bread ample soaking time, either 30 minutes at room temperature or overnight in the fridge, for optimal texture.
Prevent dryness: Watch your baking time carefully and avoid overbaking, which can lead to a dry pudding.
Check doneness: To confirm your pudding is ready, insert a small knife into the center; it should come out mostly clean, or with just a few moist crumbs.
Crisp top: For a lovely, crisp crust, consider baking the pudding uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
If too soupy: If your pudding seems too wet after the recommended baking time, continue baking longer. Tent it loosely with foil if the top starts to brown too quickly.
If too dry: Next time, add an extra ¼ cup of milk to the custard mixture to increase moisture.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Your delightful pumpkin bread pudding is versatile and easy to enjoy in many ways.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this warm pumpkin bread pudding with a dollop of fluffy whipped cream for a classic finish. A scoop of rich vanilla ice cream melting over the warm pudding is always a treat. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle warm caramel sauce or a homemade whiskey butter sauce over each serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted pecans for added crunch and nutty flavor.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover pumpkin bread pudding tightly covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions by wrapping them well in plastic wrap and then foil, storing for up to 2-3 months. Reheat individual servings gently in the microwave or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.

Variations

Customize your pumpkin bread pudding with these tasty additions. Stir in a handful of chocolate chips or dried cranberries for extra sweetness and texture. Incorporate different nuts like toasted walnuts or sliced almonds for a different crunch. For an adult twist, add a splash of bourbon or dark rum to the custard mixture. Swap out the traditional spices for a chai spice blend for an exotic flavor profile. You can also use individual brioche buns or croissants for charming single-serving puddings.

Nutrition

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

This homemade pumpkin bread pudding provides a comforting treat with balanced nutrients. Studies show that pumpkin puree is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making it a beneficial ingredient for overall health. Enjoying a slice offers a good source of carbohydrates for energy and some protein.

Serving Size	1 slice
Calories	191 kcal
Carbohydrates	29 g
Protein	7 g
Fat	5 g
Saturated Fat	2 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	1 g
Monounsaturated Fat	2 g
Trans Fat	0.01 g
Cholesterol	101 mg
Sodium	229 mg
Potassium	157 mg
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	15 g
Vitamin A	252 IU
Vitamin C	0.1 mg
Calcium	106 mg
Iron	1 mg

FAQ

Got questions about making this delightful pumpkin bread pudding? We have answers.

What kind of bread is best for bread pudding?
Hearty artisan breads like challah, brioche, or sourdough work best because they hold their shape and absorb the custard well. Slightly stale bread is always preferred for the best texture.

Can I use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned?
Yes, absolutely! Ensure your fresh pumpkin puree is thick and well-drained to avoid making the pudding too watery.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this pumpkin bread pudding is perfect for making ahead. You can assemble it and let it soak in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

How do I tell if bread pudding is done?
The pudding is done when the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. The center should feel set, not jiggly.

How long does pumpkin bread pudding last?
Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will last for 3-4 days. You can also freeze portions for up to 2-3 months.

Conclusion

This easy pumpkin bread pudding truly embodies the flavors of autumn and holiday cheer in one simple, comforting dish. Its rich, custardy texture and warm spice profile make it an irresistible treat that anyone can master. We encourage you to try this delightful recipe soon and bring some cozy sweetness into your home. Share your experience and photos with us; we love seeing your creations! Happy baking this wonderful pumpkin bread pudding!