Are you ready to treat your taste buds? This Pumpkin Cinnamon Bread Pudding is the perfect blend of cozy flavors and comfort. In this guide, I will walk you through each step, from gathering simple ingredients to serving delightful variations. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro in the kitchen, you’ll find tips to create a creamy, spiced dessert that dazzles your friends and family. Let’s dive in!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Comforting Delight: This pumpkin spice cinnamon bread pudding is a warm hug in dessert form, perfect for cozy fall evenings.
- Easily Adaptable: You can customize this recipe with your favorite add-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruits for a personal touch.
- Impressive Yet Simple: It looks and tastes gourmet but is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a great choice for gatherings.
- Deliciously Versatile: Serve it warm on its own or elevate it with ice cream for a truly indulgent treat any time of year.
Ingredients
List of Essential Ingredients
To make Pumpkin Cinnamon Bread Pudding, you need these key ingredients:
- 4 cups day-old bread (like Brioche or Challah), cut into cubes
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 3 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
These ingredients combine to create a warm, spiced dish that feels like a hug.
Substitutions for Common Ingredients
You might not have all these items on hand. Here are some easy swaps:
- Use any bread you have, like white or whole wheat.
- Swap pumpkin puree with sweet potato puree for a twist.
- Replace heavy cream with more milk for a lighter version.
- You can use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different sweet taste.
- If you don’t have eggs, try using flaxseed meal with water as a binder.
These substitutions keep the dish tasty and fun.
Nutritional Information per Serving
Each serving is about 1/8 of the total recipe. Here’s what you get:
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
This dish is a warm treat. It’s good to enjoy on chilly days.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps for Pumpkin Cinnamon Bread Pudding
To start, gather your ingredients. You need day-old bread, pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, cream, and spices. Cut the bread into cubes. For this recipe, I love using Brioche or Challah. They add great flavor and texture.
Next, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, whisk the pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Mix it well until smooth.
Now, add the bread cubes to the bowl. Stir gently so every piece is coated in the mixture. This step is key for flavor.
Tips for Soaking the Bread Properly
Soaking the bread is very important. Allow it to sit for 15-20 minutes. This lets the bread absorb the liquid. Stir occasionally to keep the bread from floating. If you want, you can add chopped pecans at this stage for extra crunch.
Make sure all the bread is covered. This will help create a nice, moist pudding. If you skip this step, the bread may not soak up enough flavor.
Baking Instructions and Timing Guidelines
Once the bread is soaked, pour it into the greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly for even cooking. Place it in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You will know it’s done when the top is golden brown.
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your bread pudding is ready! Let it cool slightly before serving. For a sweet touch, dust with powdered sugar before enjoying. You can serve it warm, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a treat!
Tips & Tricks
Best Bread Choices for Bread Pudding
The right bread makes a big difference. I recommend using day-old bread. Brioche or challah works great. Their soft texture soaks up the liquid well. You can also use French or Italian bread. Just ensure it’s not fresh. Fresh bread can become too mushy.
How to Achieve a Creamy Texture
To get a creamy texture, mix your wet ingredients well. Combine pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, and cream in a bowl. Whisk until smooth. Let the bread soak in this mixture. Aim for 15-20 minutes for the best results. Stir the bread gently to coat each piece. This helps absorb all the flavors.
Enhancing Flavor with Spices and Add-ins
Spices are key to great flavor. I use ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in this recipe. They bring warmth and depth. You can also add chopped pecans for crunch. They add a nice texture and nutty flavor. Feel free to experiment with other spices too. A hint of cloves or cardamom can elevate the dish further.
Pro Tips
- Use Stale Bread: Day-old bread works best for bread pudding as it absorbs the custard mixture without becoming mushy.
- Mix in Flavors: Feel free to add additional spices or flavorings like vanilla bean or orange zest to elevate the taste.
- Let it Rest: Allow the bread pudding to rest for a few minutes after baking; this helps it set and makes it easier to serve.
- Serve with Sauce: Drizzle with caramel or maple syrup for an extra indulgent touch when serving.

Variations
Alternative Flavor Profiles (e.g., Chocolate Chip, Cranberry)
You can change the flavor of your pumpkin cinnamon bread pudding. Try adding chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Just fold in about 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the bread mixture. If you love tartness, add 1 cup of dried cranberries instead. They pair well with pumpkin and spices.
Gluten-Free Options
If you follow a gluten-free diet, use gluten-free bread. Look for a good-quality gluten-free bread that can hold up in the pudding. You can also replace the heavy cream with coconut cream. This change keeps it rich while making it gluten-free.
Vegan Adaptations for the Recipe
To make this dish vegan, replace eggs with 1 cup of silken tofu. Blend the tofu until smooth and mix it with the other wet ingredients. Use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk. Swap heavy cream for coconut cream for a rich texture. These simple swaps make this bread pudding perfect for everyone!
Storage Info
Best Practices for Storing Leftovers
To keep your pumpkin cinnamon bread pudding fresh, store it in an airtight container. Allow it to cool first. You can place it in the fridge for up to three days. If you cover it well, it will stay moist and tasty. Avoid storing it in the warm kitchen, as this can make it spoil faster.
How to Reheat Bread Pudding
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bread pudding in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to avoid drying out. Heat it for about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for about 30-60 seconds. Just check that it’s warm throughout before serving.
Freezing Instructions and Tips
If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the bread pudding cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it as mentioned above for the best results.
FAQs
Can I make Pumpkin Cinnamon Bread Pudding in advance?
Yes, you can prepare Pumpkin Cinnamon Bread Pudding ahead of time. Just follow the recipe up to the baking step. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How long does homemade bread pudding last?
Homemade bread pudding lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze it. When frozen, it can last up to three months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
What toppings can I serve with pumpkin bread pudding?
You have many tasty options for toppings. Here are a few favorites:
- Whipped cream
- Vanilla ice cream
- Caramel sauce
- Chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts
- A dusting of powdered sugar
These toppings can add flavor and texture to your Pumpkin Cinnamon Bread Pudding. Enjoy experimenting to find your favorite!
This article covered everything you need to know about Pumpkin Cinnamon Bread Pudding. You learned about key ingredients, easy steps for preparation, and helpful tips for the perfect dish. I shared variations for different tastes and dietary needs, plus storage tips for leftovers.
Remember, making this dessert can be simple and fun. Each step and ingredient brings you closer to a delightful treat. Enjoy the process and feel great sharing it with other

Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Bread Pudding
Ingredients
- 4 cups day-old bread (such as Brioche or Challah), cut into cubes
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 3 large eggs
- 1.5 cups milk
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 0.75 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 0.25 teaspoon ground ginger
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until well combined.
- Add the cubed bread to the mixture, stirring gently to ensure each piece is immersed in the liquid. Allow it to soak for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent any bread from floating.
- If using, fold in the chopped pecans into the bread mixture.
- Pour the soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving for a touch of sweetness. Serve warm, alone or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat!


