Description

This Pumpkin Bread Pudding is a cozy, comforting dessert perfect for fall and holiday gatherings. Made with cubed challah or brioche bread soaked in a rich pumpkin-spiced custard and baked until golden and puffed, it offers a perfect balance of creamy texture and warm autumn flavors from cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Sweetened with brown sugar and maple syrup, this bread pudding serves as a delightful treat to enjoy warm.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread

1 loaf challah or brioche bread, cubed (about 6 cups)

Custard Mixture

1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup milk
4 large eggs
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp salt

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Mix Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, milk, eggs, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Add Bread Cubes: Place the cubed challah or brioche bread evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Pour Custard Over Bread: Pour the pumpkin custard mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring every piece is well coated and saturated.
Soak Bread: Let the bread soak in the custard for 15 to 20 minutes to absorb the flavors and liquids fully.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
Check Doneness: The bread pudding should be puffed up and golden brown on top, with a slight jiggle remaining in the center when you shake the pan gently.

Notes

Using challah or brioche bread gives the pudding a rich, tender texture, but you can substitute with other sturdy white breads if needed.
Allowing the bread to soak before baking ensures a moist and custardy interior.
Serve warm for best flavor; top with whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup if desired.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently before serving.
You can add chopped nuts or raisins for extra texture and flavor if desired.