Description
This Pumpkin Bread Pudding is a decadent autumn dessert featuring tender brioche soaked in a spiced pumpkin custard, baked to perfection and served with a luscious caramel sauce. It’s a comforting treat perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy family dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 (14-oz.) loaf brioche
- Butter, for pan
Creamy Custard
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 large eggs
- 1 (15-oz.) can pumpkin puree
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup bourbon, optional
- 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
To Serve
- Caramel, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Slice the brioche into 1-inch cubes. To dry out, either leave the bread cubes out overnight or spread them out on a baking sheet and bake at 200ºF for 20 minutes. Let cool completely before using.
- Make the Custard Mixture: Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Butter a 2- to 3-quart baking dish thoroughly. In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, egg yolks, and whole eggs until smooth. Stir in the pumpkin puree, milk, heavy cream, bourbon (if using), vanilla extract, cinnamon, kosher salt, nutmeg, and ground ginger until fully combined.
- Combine Bread and Custard: Add the dried brioche cubes to the custard mixture and toss gently to coat all pieces evenly. Allow the bread to soak in the custard for 10 minutes so it absorbs all the flavors.
- Bake the Pudding: Transfer the soaked bread and custard mixture to the prepared buttered baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread pudding cool for about 20 minutes to firm up before slicing. Serve warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce for a rich, sweet finish.
Notes
- To speed up the drying of the bread, baking at a low temperature is recommended if you don’t want to wait overnight.
- Using brioche bread adds a rich, buttery flavor and soft texture, but you can substitute challah or another soft bread if preferred.
- The bourbon is optional but adds a lovely depth of flavor; feel free to omit for a non-alcoholic version.
- Ensure the custard is fully set before removing from oven to avoid a runny texture.
- This pudding can be made a day ahead, refrigerated, and gently reheated before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
