This “Bread Pudding Recipe Easy Simple” Is the 5-Ingredient Dessert Hack You’ll Brag About

You’ve got stale bread, a sweet tooth, and maybe 30 minutes? Perfect. This is the dessert that turns leftovers into legendary.

No culinary degree, no fancy gadgets—just a warm, custardy, caramel-edged miracle that tastes like you tried harder than you did. If you can whisk and pour, you can win dessert tonight. And yes, your kitchen will smell like a cozy bakery—because you’re the genius who made it happen.

The Secret Behind This Recipe

Great bread pudding is all about the ratio: bread to custard to heat.

The trick? Use slightly dry bread so it soaks up the custard without getting mushy. Then bake just long enough to set the middle while keeping the top golden and crisp.

We also use a mix of milk and cream for richness without making it heavy. A touch of vanilla and warm spices (hello, cinnamon) make it taste like comfort in a bowl. Finish with a quick butter-brown sugar drizzle or a splash of warm cream—because we’re not here to be shy.

Shopping List – Ingredients

6 cups day-old bread, cubed (brioche, challah, sandwich bread, or French bread)
4 large eggs
2 cups whole milk (or 1 cup milk + 1 cup half-and-half for richer texture)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional but recommended)
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing)
Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup raisins, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries
Optional topping: powdered sugar, maple syrup, caramel sauce, or a quick vanilla glaze

Instructions

Prep the pan and oven. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish (or a similar casserole dish) with butter.
Cube the bread. Cut bread into 1-inch cubes. If it’s fresh, spread on a sheet pan and toast in the oven for 8–10 minutes to dry it slightly.
Make the custard. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
Combine. Add bread cubes and optional mix-ins to the bowl. Gently fold to coat every piece.
Let it sit for 10 minutes so the bread drinks up the custard.
Add butter. Stir in melted butter for extra richness and a little golden magic.
Transfer to pan. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Press down lightly to level it.
Bake. Bake for 35–45 minutes until the top is golden and the center is just set. A knife inserted near the center should come out mostly clean with a few custardy crumbs.
Rest. Let it cool for 10 minutes.
This helps it firm up and makes slicing civilized.
Serve. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel or warm maple syrup. Ice cream on top? Obviously.

Storage Instructions

Cool completely before storing to avoid condensation sogginess.
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap individual squares in plastic, then foil.
Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Microwave 30–60 seconds per piece, or bake at 325°F (165°C) for 10–12 minutes. Splash of milk or cream before reheating keeps it lush.

Nutritional Perks

Protein and calcium: Eggs and milk bring a decent protein hit and bone-loving calcium.
Dessert with benefits? Yep.
Lower waste: You’re upcycling bread into something glorious. Wallet-friendly and planet-friendly.
Customizable sweetness: You control the sugar and the add-ins.
Want lighter? Swap part of the sugar for maple syrup, or use reduced-fat milk.

Don’t Make These Errors

Using fresh, soft bread only: It won’t absorb enough custard and may turn mushy. Dry it out first, even if it’s new.
Overbaking: Dry bread pudding is sadness in a pan.
Pull it when the center is just set and still slightly jiggly.
Skipping the soak: The 10-minute rest is not optional. It’s the difference between custard-soaked bliss and dry corners.
Drowning it in liquid: More custard isn’t always better. Keep the ratio close: about 2 cups milk + 4 eggs for 6 cups bread.
Forgetting the salt: A pinch wakes up the flavors.
Don’t fear it.

Mix It Up

Apple pie vibe: Add small diced apples, extra cinnamon, and a handful of raisins. Top with a quick caramel drizzle.
Chocolate lover’s fix: Swap 2 tablespoons of sugar for cocoa powder and add chocolate chips. Serve with whipped cream because you’re extra.
Citrus-bright: Zest an orange or lemon into the custard and add dried cranberries.
Simple, fresh, unreal.
Tropical twist: Use coconut milk for half the dairy, add shredded coconut and pineapple bits. Lime zest seals the deal.
Breakfast edition: Use cinnamon swirl bread, add chopped pecans, and serve with warm maple syrup. You’re welcome.

FAQ

What’s the best bread to use?

Brioche or challah are top-tier for richness, but regular sandwich bread or French bread works great.

Day-old or lightly toasted bread is key for texture.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes. Use almond, oat, or coconut milk, and swap butter for coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine. It won’t be quite as rich, but still delish.

How do I know when it’s done?

The top should be golden, edges set, and the center just set with a slight wobble.

A knife near the center should come out mostly clean, not wet.

Can I prep this ahead?

Absolutely. Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 12 hours. Bake straight from the fridge, adding 5–10 extra minutes.

FYI, letting it sit overnight often improves the flavor.

Is it supposed to be mushy?

Soft and custardy, yes. Wet and soupy, no. If it’s soggy, it needed more baking time or the bread wasn’t dry enough.

What sauce should I serve with it?

Classic picks: vanilla glaze, bourbon sauce, caramel, or just warm maple syrup.

A scoop of vanilla ice cream is never a bad idea, IMO.

Can I reduce the sugar?

You can drop the sugar by 25–30% without losing the vibe. Add natural sweetness with raisins, dates, or a drizzle of honey after baking.

Final Thoughts

This bread pudding recipe easy simple is the culinary equivalent of a mic drop: minimal effort, major payoff. It uses what you already have, tastes like a bakery secret, and flexes for any occasion—from weeknight dessert to “I need something impressive in 45 minutes.” Keep the ratios tight, don’t overbake, and give it that 10-minute soak.

Then serve it warm, smile like you planned it, and accept the compliments like a pro.