11 Bread Pudding Recipes That Make The Most Of Leftover Bread

11 Bread Pudding Recipes That Make The Most Of Leftover Bread – turning stale loaves into decadent desserts has never been so delicious. Bread pudding is the ultimate comfort food alchemy, transforming yesterday’s forgotten bread into today’s irresistible treat. These 11 recipes reinvent the classic with creative twists that will make you look at leftover bread in a whole new way, from boozy bourbon-soaked versions to chocolate-studded indulgences.

Whether you crave traditional custardy goodness or want to experiment with savory variations, our collection proves bread pudding is far from boring. Imagine pulling a golden-brown pudding from the oven, its cinnamon-scented steam filling your kitchen, or discovering the perfect balance of crisp edges and soft center in every spoonful. These recipes celebrate the magic of making something extraordinary from the simplest ingredients.

Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding

Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding is a warm and comforting dessert that combines the sweetness of apples with the cozy spice of cinnamon. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover bread while creating something truly delicious and satisfying. This recipe is simple to follow and perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.

With its delightful texture and rich flavors, this bread pudding makes for a great treat at any time of the year. The soft bread absorbs the custard mixture beautifully, while the apples add a juicy sweetness that balances the spices perfectly. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch!

Ingredients

• 4 cups cubed day-old bread
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup diced apples
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Add the cubed bread and diced apples to the mixture, gently folding to combine until the bread is soaked.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and drizzle the melted butter on top.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden and the custard is set.
6. Let it cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar and serving warm.

Savory Spinach and Cheese Bread Pudding

This savory spinach and cheese bread pudding is a delightful way to use up leftover bread while treating your taste buds to a creamy, cheesy dish. The combination of fresh spinach and rich cheese creates a comforting flavor that’s both satisfying and simple to make.

This recipe is perfect for brunch, a light dinner, or even as a side dish. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite cheeses or add some herbs to amp up the flavor. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

• 4 cups cubed stale bread
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
• 3 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish with olive oil.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until well combined.
3. Add the cubed bread, chopped spinach, and cheese to the egg mixture. Stir gently until the bread has absorbed most of the liquid.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.
6. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your savory bread pudding!

Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding

Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding is a delightful treat that transforms leftover bread into a comforting dessert. The rich, custardy base pairs perfectly with chocolate chips, creating a sweet symphony of flavors that will satisfy any sweet tooth. It’s simple to make, requiring just a few ingredients and a bit of time to bake to perfection.

This recipe is not only great for using up stale bread, but it also brings a warm, indulgent flavor to your table. Whether you serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream or drizzled with chocolate sauce, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!

Ingredients

• 4 cups stale bread, cubed
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine the stale bread cubes, milk, heavy cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until the bread is well coated.
3. Gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and a knife inserted comes out clean.
6. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, and drizzle with chocolate sauce if desired.

Classic Vanilla Bread Pudding

Classic vanilla bread pudding is a comforting dessert that perfectly showcases leftover bread. With a rich, creamy texture and a hint of sweetness from vanilla, this dish is simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug, making it ideal for any occasion.

This recipe combines stale bread, eggs, milk, and sugar, resulting in a delightful treat that you can serve warm or chilled. Top it with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel for an extra indulgence. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

• 6 cups of day-old bread, cubed
• 4 cups milk
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• Optional: whipped cream for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Add the cubed bread to the bowl and stir until all the pieces are soaked in the mixture. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes.
4. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Drizzle melted butter over the top.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the pudding is set and golden on top. Let it cool slightly before serving.
6. Serve warm with whipped cream, if desired.

Banana Bread Pudding with Rum Sauce

This Banana Bread Pudding with Rum Sauce is a delightful way to use up leftover bread. It combines the sweet and comforting flavors of ripe bananas with a rich, creamy pudding base, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and indulgent. The addition of rum sauce elevates it to a special treat, perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in.

Making this recipe is quite simple, even for beginners. You’ll only need a few ingredients and some basic steps to create a warm dessert that everyone will love. The combination of soft bread, sweet bananas, and a drizzle of rum sauce makes for a delicious dessert that feels both homemade and festive.

Ingredients

• 4 cups stale bread, cubed
• 2 ripe bananas, sliced
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread and banana slices, mixing gently.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
4. Pour the milk mixture over the bread and bananas, allowing it to soak for about 15 minutes.
5. Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until set and golden brown.
6. While the pudding bakes, prepare the rum sauce by combining 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup butter, and 1/4 cup rum in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until melted and smooth.
7. Serve the warm bread pudding drizzled with the rum sauce.

Berry Mixed Bread Pudding

This Berry Mixed Bread Pudding is a delightful way to transform leftover bread into a comforting dessert. Bursting with fresh berries, it combines the sweetness of fruit with the richness of custard-soaked bread for a treat that’s both simple to make and pleasing to the palate.

Perfect for any occasion, this recipe offers a wonderful balance of flavors and textures. The juicy berries provide a refreshing contrast to the soft, warm pudding, making it a favorite among family and friends.

Ingredients

• 4 cups stale bread, cubed
• 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• Butter, for greasing

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish with butter.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Add the cubed bread to the mixture and stir until the bread is well coated. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to absorb the liquid.
4. Gently fold in the mixed berries, being careful not to break them.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the pudding is set and the top is golden brown.
7. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Pumpkin Spice Bread Pudding

Pumpkin Spice Bread Pudding is the ultimate cozy dessert, perfect for embracing the flavors of fall. This warm and comforting dish features soft bread soaked in a rich pumpkin custard, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s creamy, sweet, and has just the right amount of spice, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.

What makes this recipe so fantastic is how simple it is to prepare. You can easily whip it up using leftover bread, and it only takes a short time to bake until golden. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special touch!

Ingredients

• 6 cups of cubed bread (preferably stale)
• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Optional toppings: whipped cream, chocolate chips, or nuts

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
3. Add the cubed bread to the mixture, gently folding until all the bread is soaked. Let it sit for about 10 minutes.
4. Pour the bread mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. If desired, sprinkle chocolate chips or nuts on top.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a knife inserted comes out clean.
6. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Top with whipped cream or ice cream if desired.

Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding

Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding is a delightful twist on a classic dessert that combines the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the rich, creamy texture of bread pudding. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover bread and turns out incredibly satisfying. With every bite, you’ll enjoy the sweet notes of cinnamon and the creamy custard that envelops the bread.

This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for both experienced bakers and those new to the kitchen. With just a few simple steps, you can create a dish that’s sure to impress at any gathering, or even for a cozy night at home!

Ingredients

• 4 cups of leftover cinnamon rolls, cut into cubes
• 2 cups of milk
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 4 large eggs
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• A pinch of salt
• Powdered sugar for serving (optional)
• Maple syrup for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
3. Add the cubed cinnamon rolls to the mixture, gently folding them in to coat. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, allowing the bread to soak up the custard.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Allow it to cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup if desired.

Maple Pecan Bread Pudding

Maple Pecan Bread Pudding is a delightful and comforting dessert that’s perfect for using up leftover bread. The combination of sweet maple syrup and crunchy pecans creates a warm, inviting flavor that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s relatively simple to whip up, making it an ideal treat for both busy weeknights and special occasions.

This dish has a wonderful texture with soft, custardy bread pieces balanced by the nuttiness of pecans. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or on its own, this bread pudding is sure to please everyone at the table!

Ingredients

• 4 cups cubed leftover bread (preferably stale)
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, cream, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
3. Add the cubed bread to the mixture and gently stir to coat. Let it sit for about 10 minutes so the bread can absorb the liquid.
4. Fold in the chopped pecans, then pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the bread pudding is set and golden. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Peach and Cream Bread Pudding

This Peach and Cream Bread Pudding is a delightful way to use up leftover bread while enjoying the sweet, juicy flavors of ripe peaches. It’s creamy, comforting, and easy to whip up, making it a perfect dessert or breakfast treat. The combination of soft bread, fresh peaches, and a creamy custard creates a dish that’s both satisfying and indulgent.

The sweetness of the peaches pairs beautifully with the rich custard, making every bite a burst of flavor. Plus, this recipe is straightforward enough for anyone to make, whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at a new dessert.

Ingredients

• 4 cups of cubed stale bread
• 2 cups fresh peaches, sliced
• 3 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Butter for greasing the baking dish

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish with butter.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Add the cubed bread and sliced peaches to the mixture, gently stirring to coat the bread evenly.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and let it sit for about 10 minutes to soak.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Allow it to cool slightly, then serve warm with a drizzle of cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Almond Joy Bread Pudding

Almond Joy Bread Pudding is a delightful twist on the classic dessert, combining the rich flavors of chocolate, coconut, and almonds. This recipe brings together leftover bread and a sweet custard mixture, resulting in a comforting, indulgent treat perfect for any occasion. It’s simple to make, which means you can whip it up even on a busy day, and it’s sure to impress your family and friends!

This bread pudding captures the essence of the beloved candy bar, making it a nostalgic favorite. The creamy texture pairs beautifully with the crunchy almonds and the sweet coconut, creating a deliciously satisfying dessert that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 6 cups stale bread, cubed
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 2 cups milk
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread, shredded coconut, chocolate chips, and sliced almonds.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and cocoa powder until smooth.
4. Pour the liquid mixture over the bread and gently stir until everything is well combined. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to allow the bread to soak.
5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is set and golden brown.
6. Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top!