If you’re craving a cozy dessert that wraps up everything you love about autumn in one warm, comforting dish, this Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Fall Spices Recipe will quickly become your go-to treat. It’s the perfect balance of tender bread soaked in a creamy pumpkin-spiced custard, delivering that nostalgic feeling of fall and holiday gatherings with every bite. Rich, fragrant, and incredibly easy to make, this pudding celebrates the season’s best flavors in a way that’s both satisfying and uplifting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, easily accessible ingredients is the first step to creating this unforgettable dessert. Each element plays a crucial role in building the perfect texture, flavor, and aroma that make this bread pudding so special.
- 6 cups cubed bread: Use slightly stale bread for the best texture; it soaks up the custard without falling apart.
- 1 cup pumpkin purée: Adds moisture, vibrant color, and that deep, earthy pumpkin flavor essential for fall.
- 1 ½ cups milk: Provides creaminess and helps blend all flavors together smoothly.
- ½ cup sugar: Sweetens the custard just right without overpowering the spices.
- 2 eggs: Bind the pudding, giving it structure and that luscious custard feel.
- 1 tsp vanilla: Enhances all the warm spices and adds a subtle sweetness.
- 1 tsp cinnamon: Brings that classic fall spice warmth everyone loves.
- ½ tsp nutmeg: Adds a little nutty depth and a hint of spice complexity.
How to Make Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Fall Spices Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture
Start by whisking together the pumpkin purée, milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl. This blend creates the creamy, flavorful custard that soaks into the bread, infusing each piece with comforting warmth and that irresistible pumpkin aroma.
Step 2: Combine with Bread Cubes
Next, toss the cubed bread into the custard mixture. Make sure each piece gets fully coated so the pudding bakes evenly and becomes tender yet holds its shape—a texture that’s essential for the perfect bite.
Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the custard-soaked bread into a greased baking dish, spreading it out to an even layer. This step sets the stage for even baking, ensuring the pudding cooks through while developing a slightly crisp top that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out mostly clean but still moist. The baking time allows the custard to set fully and the flavors to meld into a perfectly spiced fall dessert.
How to Serve Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Fall Spices Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing finishes off this pudding better than a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of lightly whipped cream. Both add richness and a touch of sweetness that elevate every spoonful, creating a contrast of textures and flavors that feels indulgent yet homey.
Side Dishes
Pair it with a warm cup of spiced cider or a robust dark roast coffee. These beverages complement the spices in the pudding and make the experience even more comforting, especially on chilly evenings when you want to feel wrapped in a cozy blanket of flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or plump raisins on top before baking for added crunch and bursts of sweetness. You can also serve individual portions in ramekins, making it perfect for sharing at the dinner table or during holiday gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your leftover pumpkin bread pudding tightly and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy those warm autumn flavors well beyond the first serving.
Freezing
This pudding freezes beautifully. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or transfer portions into freezer-safe containers, and it will keep for up to 3 months. When you want a quick treat, pull it out to thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Cover with foil to keep the pudding moist, and add a splash of milk if it seems a bit dry. This way, every bite tastes freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned purée?
Absolutely! If you roast and mash fresh pumpkin, it works wonderfully. Just be sure to drain any excess moisture so your custard isn’t too runny. Fresh pumpkin can add a brighter, more natural flavor to the pudding.
What type of bread works best?
Stale or day-old bread is ideal, as it soaks up the custard without becoming mushy. A sturdy white bread or even brioche adds richness, but avoid bread that is too soft or sweetened, which might alter the texture and flavor balance.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk, and replace eggs with a flaxseed or chia egg equivalent. Keep the sugar vegan-friendly, and the warm spices will still shine beautifully in the dish.
Is it okay to add nuts or dried fruit?
Definitely! Toasted pecans, walnuts, or raisins add delightful texture and unexpected bursts of flavor. Add them into the custard before baking or sprinkle on top for a decorative and tasty crunch.
How can I make this pudding sweeter or less sweet?
You can easily adjust the sugar to suit your taste preferences. For a richer sweetness, increase the sugar slightly or serve with a sweet sauce like caramel. If you want it less sweet, reduce sugar and rely more on the spices to carry the flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Fall Spices Recipe is one of those magical dishes that turns simple ingredients into something extraordinary. It brings warmth, comfort, and a festive spirit to any table, making it a must-try this season. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll want to share it with everyone you love—and maybe keep a little all to yourself!
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Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Fall Spices Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pumpkin Bread Pudding is a warm, custardy dessert combining tender bread cubes soaked in a spiced pumpkin and milk mixture, baked to a golden perfection. Infused with classic fall spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, it offers a rich and comforting flavor ideal for seasonal and holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Primary Ingredients
- 6 cups cubed bread
- 1 cup pumpkin purée
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare the custard mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine with bread cubes: Add the cubed bread to the pumpkin custard mixture and gently toss or stir to ensure all the bread pieces are thoroughly coated with the custard.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the soaked bread cubes and custard mixture into a greased or non-stick baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake the pudding: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is lightly browned.
Notes
- Serve warm with caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream for added richness.
- For extra texture and flavor, consider adding raisins or chopped pecans to the bread mixture before baking.
- Day-old or slightly stale bread works best as it absorbs the custard better without becoming too soggy.
- This dessert can be made a day ahead and refrigerated; reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
