How to Make the Perfect Classic Bread Pudding
American · Easy · 60 min · 8 servings
This comforting bread pudding is a kid friendly recipe that transforms leftover bread into a warm custardy dessert children go crazy for. Parents love that this recipe is budget friendly and can be customized with kids favorite mix ins like chocolate chips or raisins.
Why this recipe works
This Classic Bread Pudding recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 60 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 380 calories with 9g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 6 cups day old bread cubed
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3 whole large eggs
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Preheat oven to 350F and grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish. Spread cubed bread evenly in the dish. If your bread is fresh leave it out for an hour to dry out slightly so it absorbs the custard better.
Step 2: Make the Custard
Whisk together milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and melted butter in a large bowl until well combined and sugar is dissolved. The custard should be smooth and evenly mixed.
Step 3: Soak and Rest
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press the bread down so every piece soaks up the custard. Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes so bread fully absorbs the liquid.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is fully set in the center. A knife inserted in the middle should come out clean. Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- day old bread → brioche or challah bread for an extra rich pudding
- whole milk → oat milk for a dairy free alternative
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using fresh soft bread that turns mushy instead of soaking up the custard properly
- Not letting the bread soak long enough before baking resulting in dry patches
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 380 calories, 9g protein, 52g carbs, 15g fat, 2g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →