Few desserts capture the cozy essence of autumn quite like pumpkin bread pudding. The gentle aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg fills the kitchen, while each spoonful melts into a creamy, comforting sweetness. This dish celebrates the richness of fall flavors and adds a gourmet twist to a classic comfort food, offering warmth and nostalgia in every bite.

To begin with, pumpkin bread pudding is irresistibly tender, full of spice, and perfect for gatherings when you want something heartfelt yet easy. In fact, it’s the kind of dessert that brings everyone together. Moreover, it transforms humble pantry staples into something elegant and unforgettable. As the custard bakes, it gently binds every cube of bread, creating a soft, golden texture that melts in your mouth. Because of this, even the simplest ingredients shine with warmth and comfort. For that reason, no piece of stale bread ever goes to waste—it’s transformed into something delicious. Ultimately, this dessert proves that comfort food can also be surprisingly elegant.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When I first discovered this cozy bake, it was during a rainy weekend when leftover brioche and half a can of pumpkin purée begged to be used. At that moment, I decided to turn them into something sweet. Soon enough, the quiet afternoon turned into a delightful experiment that filled the kitchen with joy. As a result, it quickly became our family’s favorite fall tradition. Since then, every autumn has felt incomplete without it. Meanwhile, the warm scent of cinnamon, vanilla, and pumpkin fills the house, making everyone smile before the first bite is even served. In addition, it’s incredibly easy to make, which means anyone can recreate that cozy bakery-style aroma at home.

A Dessert That Feels Like Home

Nowadays, every time I bake this pumpkin bread pudding, it takes me back to that very first rainy day. While it cools on the counter, mugs of cider warm our hands and laughter fills the room. Over time, it has become more than just dessert—it’s a comforting ritual that marks the start of fall. Furthermore, it’s the kind of recipe that reminds you how food connects people through memory and scent. Even now, I find comfort in the same simple act of baking, watching golden edges form as the house fills with sweetness. In the end, this dessert isn’t just about flavor—it’s about togetherness, nostalgia, and the joy of creating something special from the simplest ingredients.

Why this Pumpkin Bread Pudding deserves a place on your table

• It celebrates the comforting flavors of fall with pumpkin, cinnamon, and vanilla weaving a harmonious blend of sweetness and spice.
• The key ingredients—pumpkin purée, cream, brown sugar, and hearty bread—produce a soft custard interior with a light golden crust.
• Perfect for autumn gatherings, holiday brunches, or that late-night craving when you need a hug in dessert form. Additionally, it’s an excellent make-ahead option for busy hosts.

Ingredients

• Brioche or challah bread (300 g / 10.5 oz): Forms the base and soaks up the custard beautifully.
• Pumpkin purée (250 g / 8.8 oz): Adds moisture, color, and seasonal flavor.
• Heavy cream (240 g / 8.5 oz): Provides a rich, velvety texture.
• Whole milk (120 g / 4.2 oz): Balances richness and aids even baking.
• Brown sugar (150 g / 5.3 oz): Sweetens and deepens flavor with caramel notes.
• Eggs (150 g / 5.3 oz, about 3 large): Bind the custard mixture.
• Butter, melted (60 g / 2.1 oz): Adds gloss and buttery flavor to the base.
• Vanilla extract (5 g / 0.2 oz): Enhances sweetness and rounds out the spice blend.
• Ground cinnamon (3 g / 0.1 oz): Infuses warmth and classic pumpkin spice aroma.
• Ground nutmeg (1 g / 0.03 oz): Balances sweetness with gentle spice.
• Salt (1 g / 0.03 oz): Amplifies flavor and tempers sugar.

How to make pumpkin bread pudding

1. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and lightly butter an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking dish.
2. Cut the bread into 2.5 cm (1-inch) cubes and spread them evenly in the dish.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin purée, eggs, brown sugar, cream, milk, vanilla, and spices until smooth.
4. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, pressing gently to ensure all pieces absorb liquid.
5. Let the mixture rest for 20 minutes to allow complete soaking. Meanwhile, prepare any sides or toppings.
6. Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden and set in the center. The top should look slightly crisp, while the middle remains tender.
7. Let it cool for 10 minutes before dusting with powdered sugar or drizzling with warm caramel sauce.

Chef’s Notes & Tips “Pumpkin Bread Pudding”

• Substitutions: If you’re out of brioche, use any sturdy day-old bread such as French loaf or sourdough. Alternatively, coconut milk can replace cream for a lighter version.
• Cooking hacks: For an extra-decadent touch, sprinkle chopped pecans or chocolate chips on top before baking. Additionally, soaking the bread overnight deepens flavor and saves prep time on busy days.
• Storage and nutrition: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to preserve the pudding’s texture. Because pumpkin bread pudding freezes well, wrap portions tightly to enjoy later.

Conclusion

Every spoonful of this dessert captures a sense of home. It’s rich, spiced, and comfortingly familiar, yet elegant enough for any table. Finally, if this recipe warms your heart, share it with others or leave your own twist in the comments. For more cozy bakes and modern dessert ideas, visit Long Bake the Queen. And if you’d like to find nuanced custard science details, check reliable culinary resources such as Serious Eats for professional insight.

FAQ

Pumpkin Bread Pudding

Few desserts capture the cozy essence of autumn quite like pumpkin bread pudding. The gentle aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg fills the kitchen, while each spoonful melts into a creamy, comforting sweetness.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Comfort Food, Dessert, Fall Recipes

Cuisine: American

Keyword: baked pudding, comfort dessert, cozy dessert, fall dessert, pumpkin bread pudding, Thanksgiving dessert

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes

Resting & soaking time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 8 people

Ingredients

• Brioche or challah bread 300 g / 10.5 oz: Forms the base and soaks up the custard beautifully.
• Pumpkin purée 250 g / 8.8 oz: Adds moisture, color, and seasonal flavor.
• Heavy cream 240 g / 8.5 oz: Provides a rich, velvety texture.
• Whole milk 120 g / 4.2 oz: Balances richness and aids even baking.
• Brown sugar 150 g / 5.3 oz: Sweetens and deepens flavor with caramel notes.
• Eggs 150 g / 5.3 oz, about 3 large: Bind the custard mixture.
• Butter melted (60 g / 2.1 oz): Adds gloss and buttery flavor to the base.
• Vanilla extract 5 g / 0.2 oz: Enhances sweetness and rounds out the spice blend.
• Ground cinnamon 3 g / 0.1 oz: Infuses warmth and classic pumpkin spice aroma.
• Ground nutmeg 1 g / 0.03 oz: Balances sweetness with gentle spice.
• Salt 1 g / 0.03 oz: Amplifies flavor and tempers sugar.
• Ready to serve pumpkin bread pudding.

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and lightly butter an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking dish.
• Cut the bread into 2.5 cm (1-inch) cubes and spread them evenly in the dish.
• In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin purée, eggs, brown sugar, cream, milk, vanilla, and spices until smooth.
• Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, pressing gently to ensure all pieces absorb liquid.
• Let the mixture rest for 20 minutes to allow complete soaking. Meanwhile, prepare any sides or toppings.
• Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden and set in the center. The top should look slightly crisp, while the middle remains tender.
• Let it cool for 10 minutes before dusting with powdered sugar or drizzling with warm caramel sauce.

Notes

Substitutions: If you’re out of brioche, use any sturdy day-old bread such as French loaf or sourdough. Alternatively, coconut milk can replace cream for a lighter version.

Cooking hacks: For an extra-decadent touch, sprinkle chopped pecans or chocolate chips on top before baking. Additionally, soaking the bread overnight deepens flavor and saves prep time on busy days.

Storage and nutrition: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to preserve the pudding’s texture. Because pumpkin bread pudding freezes well, wrap portions tightly to enjoy later.

A luscious serving of pumpkin bread pudding ready to enjoy.