Pumpkin Bread Pudding

By
Kristina Vanni
Kristina Vanni
Kristina Vanni
An internationally recognized culinary authority, Kristina Vanni is well-known for her recipe development, food photography, and experience as a TV show host.
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Updated on 07/25/21
Pumpkin Bread Pudding

Kristina Vanni
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 60 mins
Total: 70 mins
Serving: 1 square
Yield: 12 squares
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
3366 Calories
90g Fat
557g Carbs
103g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories 3366
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 90g 116%
Saturated Fat 25g 125%
Cholesterol 631mg 210%
Sodium 3340mg 145%
Total Carbohydrate 557g 203%
Dietary Fiber 32g 114%
Total Sugars 298g
Protein 103g
Vitamin C 20mg 102%
Calcium 1515mg 117%
Iron 31mg 172%
Potassium 3648mg 78%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Once prepared by the less fortunate in early nineteenth century England as a way to repurpose stale bread, today bread pudding is considered a decadent comfort food dessert. Using pumpkin puree in bread pudding is one great way to add moisture and flavor to day-old bread cubes. Along with brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg, these flavors combine for a holiday treat the whole family will love. For even more texture, add a handful each of dried fruit and chopped nuts into the mix.

Bread pudding can be eaten warm, at room temperature, or chilled from the refrigerator. Many like to top their serving with a variety of toppings. The pumpkin flavor and warm spices work well when drizzled with hot caramel sauce, just before serving. Finish each serving with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, chopped pecans and a dusting of nutmeg. There you have a restaurant quality dessert.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups whole milk

  • 3 large eggs

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

  • 1 (15-ounce) can pure pumpkin puree

  • 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • 1 pound day-old crusty bread such as baguette or ciabatta (cut into 1-inch cubes)

  • 1/2 cup raisins

  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Optional Toppings:

  • Caramel sauce

  • Whipped cream

  • Chopped pecans

  • Ground nutmeg

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients. Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease the bottom and sides of a 9x13 in baking pan.

    Pumpkin Bread Pudding

    Kristina Vanni

  2. Whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract in a large bowl.

    Pumpkin Bread Pudding

    Kristina Vanni

  3. Add the pumpkin puree and stir to combine.

    Pumpkin Bread Pudding

    Kristina Vanni

  4. Mix in the brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg.

    Pumpkin Bread Pudding

    Kristina Vanni

  5. Add the bread cubes, raisins, and chopped pecans.

    Pumpkin Bread Pudding

    Kristina Vanni

  6. Toss gently to completely coat and submerge the bread cubes. Let the mixture stand for 10 minutes.

    Pumpkin Bread Pudding

    Kristina Vanni

  7. Spoon the mixture into the prepared pan. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

    Pumpkin Bread Pudding

    Kristina Vanni

  8. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting into squares to serve.

    Pumpkin Bread Pudding

    Kristina Vanni

  9. Serve each square with a drizzle of prepared caramel sauce. Top with a dollop of whipped cream. Garnish with additional chopped pecans and a sprinkle of ground nutmeg, as desired.

    Pumpkin Bread Pudding

    Kristina Vanni

  10. Enjoy! Refrigerate any remaining bread pudding within two hours of removal from oven.

Is bread pudding supposed to be moist?

Bread pudding should be tender and moist, not runny. To achieve the right consistency, bake until the center is just set. When undercooked, a gentle press on the bread will produce leaking custard. When overcooked, the final product will be dry.

Can I leave bread pudding out overnight?

Do not leave bread pudding out overnight as it is a custard base. Refrigerate within two hours of removing from the oven to properly and safely set. Reheat as needed.

How do you fix dry bread pudding?

Whether you did not soak the bread enough or you overcooked the dish, your result is a dry bread pudding. Have no fear! Some melted vanilla ice cream is your cheat for a quick Crème Anglais sauce. Pour it over and/or place under a serving of your bread pudding.