Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe

Oh my gourd, are you ready for the most comforting fall dessert ever?

Picture this: a warm, spicy aroma wafting through your kitchen, drawing everyone in like a cozy hug. That’s the magic of pumpkin bread pudding!

Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or hosting a fall gathering, this pumpkin bread pudding is sure to become your new autumn tradition.

Key Ingredients for Pumpkin Bread Pudding

The key ingredients that make this dessert special are, of course, bread and pumpkin, but also eggs, cream, sugar, and a blend of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

The result? A dessert that’s crispy on top, custardy in the middle, and bursting with autumn flavors in every bite.

Choosing the Perfect Bread for Your Pudding

The bread you choose can make or break your pumpkin bread pudding. For the best results, opt for a rich, slightly sweet bread like challah, brioche, or even a good quality French bread.

These types of bread have a sturdy structure that can hold up to the custard without turning to mush.

Here’s a pro tip: stale bread is actually better for bread pudding! It soaks up the custard more effectively without falling apart. If you only have fresh bread, don’t worry – just cube it and let it sit out for a few hours or pop it in a low oven for a bit to dry it out.

For my gluten-free friends, don’t feel left out! You can use your favorite gluten-free bread. Just make sure it’s a heartier variety that won’t disintegrate in the custard.

The Pumpkin Custard: Heart of the Dish

Now, let’s talk about the star of the show – the pumpkin custard!

While you can certainly use fresh pumpkin puree, I’ll let you in on a little secret: canned pumpkin works just as well and saves you a ton of time.

Just make sure you’re using 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.

To create that perfect fall flavor, you’ll want to blend your pumpkin with a mixture of warm spices. My go-to combo is cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of cloves.

Don’t be shy with the spices – they’re what give the pudding its signature autumn taste!

The key to a great custard is balance. You want it sweet enough to satisfy your dessert cravings, but not so sweet that it overpowers the pumpkin flavor.

A mix of brown sugar and maple syrup does the trick nicely, adding depth to the sweetness.

Delicious Variations to Spice Up Your Pudding

Want to take your pumpkin bread pudding to the next level? Try these tasty variations:

• Chocolate chip: Sprinkle in 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips before baking.
• Pecan-topped: Mix 1/2 cup chopped pecans with 2 tbsp brown sugar and sprinkle on top before baking.
• Bourbon-infused: Add 2 tbsp of bourbon to the custard mixture for a grown-up twist.
• Vegan: Use plant-based milk and cream, and replace eggs with a flax egg substitute.

Sauces and Toppings to Elevate Your Dessert

A great pumpkin bread pudding can stand on its own, but why stop there? Take it to dessert heaven with these toppings:

• Classic vanilla sauce or crème anglaise
• Warm caramel sauce (store-bought is fine, I won’t tell!)
• A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Crunchy streusel topping (mix butter, flour, brown sugar, and chopped nuts)

Serving and Presentation Ideas

Presentation is key! Serve your pumpkin bread pudding in individual ramekins for an elegant touch, or family-style in a pretty baking dish for a cozy feel.

It’s delicious warm, at room temperature, or even chilled the next day (if there’s any left, that is!).

For a picture-perfect dessert, dust with powdered sugar, add a sprinkle of cinnamon, or garnish with a few thin slices of candied ginger.

Pro tip: You can assemble this the night before and bake it off just before serving. Your future self will thank you!