When you want a warm, comforting dessert but don’t have much time, this easy bread pudding recipe for busy days is the perfect solution. It’s quick to prepare, uses simple pantry ingredients, and turns leftover bread into a rich, satisfying treat. Whether you’re in the US, UK, or Canada, this recipe fits perfectly into a hectic schedule without sacrificing flavor.
⭐ Why This Bread Pudding Is Perfect for Busy Days
Ready with 10 minutes of prep
Uses stale or leftover bread
No fancy equipment required
Easily customizable
Comforting, homemade taste every time
This is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
4 cups day-old bread, cubed
(white, brioche, challah, or sandwich bread)
2 cups milk
2 large eggs
½ cup sugar (white or brown)
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Pinch of salt
Optional Add-Ins
Raisins or dried cranberries
Chocolate chips
Chopped apples or bananas
Nuts (walnuts or pecans)
🔥 Quick Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven
Preheat to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
2️⃣ Fill the Baking Dish
Spread the bread cubes evenly in the dish. Add any optional mix-ins now.
3️⃣ Mix the Custard
In a bowl, whisk together:
Milk
Eggs
Sugar
Melted butter
Vanilla
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt
Pour evenly over the bread.
4️⃣ Bake
Let the bread soak for 5 minutes (if you have time)
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes
Top should be golden and center set
🍯 Quick Serving Ideas
Drizzle with honey or maple syrup
Dust with powdered sugar
Serve with vanilla ice cream
Add a splash of warm cream or custard
⏱️ Extra Time-Saving Tips
Use pre-sliced bread to skip cutting time
Mix everything directly in the baking dish
Make it the night before and bake in the morning
Microwave single servings for 60–90 seconds
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using fresh bread (too soggy)
Overbaking (leads to dryness)
Skipping seasoning (spices make the flavor pop)
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Store covered in the fridge up to 3 days
Reheat in microwave or oven until warm
⭐ Final Thoughts
This easy bread pudding recipe for busy days proves that homemade comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With minimal prep, flexible ingredients, and cozy flavor, it’s perfect for weeknights, last-minute guests, or when you just need something sweet and satisfying.