Craving something warm, cozy, and irresistibly sweet—but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen? This easy bread pudding recipe for busy days! is the answer. It’s quick to prepare, requires simple pantry staples, and delivers that perfect combination of soft, custardy goodness and golden, crispy edges.
Whether you’re in the U.S., U.K., or Canada, this traditional dessert is a family favorite that never goes out of style. Serve it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert—and enjoy a delicious bite of nostalgia any day of the week.
🥖 Why You’ll Love This Easy Bread Pudding Recipe
Bread pudding is the ultimate comfort food. It’s budget-friendly, uses up leftover bread, and comes together in under an hour. The best part? You can customize it with your favorite add-ins—like raisins, chocolate chips, or cinnamon apples.
This easy bread pudding recipe for busy days! is:
✅ Quick – Ready in about 40 minutes.
✅ Simple – Only basic ingredients needed.
✅ Versatile – Works with any bread you have on hand.
✅ Delicious – Soft inside, golden and caramelized on top.
🍞 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need for this no-fuss bread pudding recipe for busy days!
For the Bread Pudding:
6 cups of day-old bread, cubed (French bread, brioche, challah, or sandwich bread all work)
3 large eggs
2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
½ cup heavy cream (optional for extra richness)
½ cup sugar (white, brown, or a mix)
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
A pinch of salt
½ cup raisins, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts (optional)
2 tbsp butter, melted
For the Optional Sauce:
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup butter
¼ cup cream or milk
½ tsp vanilla extract
🕒 Quick Step-by-Step Instructions
This easy bread pudding recipe for busy days! takes just 10 minutes of prep and about 30 minutes of baking.
Step 1: Prep Your Bread
Cut or tear your bread into bite-sized cubes. If it’s fresh, dry it out in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 8 minutes. Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better.
Step 2: Make the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Bread and Custard
Place bread cubes in a greased 9×9-inch baking dish. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread. Gently press the bread down to soak up the liquid.
Hack: Let it sit for 10 minutes to ensure the bread fully absorbs the custard—one of the best baking Hacks Inside! for the perfect texture.
Step 4: Add Mix-Ins
Sprinkle your favorite add-ins—raisins, chocolate chips, or pecans—on top. Drizzle with melted butter.
Step 5: Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30–35 minutes, or until golden and slightly firm to the touch. The center should be set but still soft.
🍮 Optional Brown Sugar Sauce (Takes 5 Minutes!)
Want to make your easy bread pudding recipe for busy days! extra indulgent? Whip up this simple caramel-style sauce while your pudding bakes.
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Add brown sugar and cream. Stir constantly until it starts to bubble.
Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.
Stir in vanilla extract and drizzle over warm bread pudding.
Hack: Add a splash of bourbon or rum (optional) for a grown-up twist!
🌟 Tips & Hacks for Perfect Bread Pudding
Here are some kitchen and dessert Hacks Inside! to make this dish even easier:
Use any bread you have: Croissants, cinnamon rolls, or even leftover sandwich bread add unique flavor and texture.
Make it ahead: Assemble the pudding the night before, refrigerate it, and bake in the morning.
Add fruit: Try sliced bananas, apples, or berries for natural sweetness.
Use plant-based swaps: Almond milk, coconut milk, and vegan butter work great for dairy-free versions.
Crispier top: Sprinkle a bit of sugar on top before baking for a golden, caramelized crust.
🍨 Serving Ideas
Your easy bread pudding recipe for busy days! is delicious straight out of the oven—but here are some serving ideas to elevate it:
Drizzle with caramel, vanilla, or chocolate sauce.
Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Serve with fresh berries for a light, fruity twist.
Dust with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant look.
🧊 Storage and Reheating
Got leftovers? Here’s how to keep your bread pudding tasting fresh:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 30–40 seconds or bake at 325°F (160°C) for 10 minutes until heated through.
💡 Fun Variations to Try
Once you master this easy bread pudding recipe for busy days!, experiment with these fun twists:
Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding: Add chopped apples and extra cinnamon.
Chocolate Lover’s Version: Mix cocoa powder into the custard and sprinkle chocolate chips throughout.
Maple Pecan Delight: Replace sugar with maple syrup and top with toasted pecans.
Berry Bliss: Fold in blueberries or raspberries for a fresh, fruity kick.
🍞 Conclusion: Simple, Sweet, and Totally Satisfying
You don’t need to spend hours baking to enjoy something truly comforting. This easy bread pudding recipe for busy days! proves that homemade desserts can be quick, affordable, and absolutely delicious.
With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a warm, custardy dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. Whether you enjoy it as breakfast, dessert, or a midnight snack, one thing’s for sure—you’ll be making this again and again!
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