This pumpkin bread pudding with caramel sauce is warm and scrumptious and something I love making in the fall when I feel like something comforting and cozy. It’s made with bread, so not a healthy gluten-free or low-carb dessert you might be accustomed to seeing on my blog, but it’s pumpkin-spiced dream come true and too good not to share. Plus, it’s pretty easy to make!
In This Post: ℹ️ Overview | 🛒 Ingredients | 📷 How To Make | 📹 Watch The Video | 💭 Recipe Tips | 📝 Full Recipe | 🥖 Bread Pudding FAQs
This pumpkin bread pudding is the epitome of fall comfort and deliciousness! And if you like traditional bread pudding, this pumpkin version will add a new twist to the favorite. It combines white stale bread (you can use plain or gluten-free), a luscious custard-like sauce infused with pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice, all baked to perfection and topped with a mouthwatering caramel sauce drizzle.
My recipe will guide you step-by-step with handy photos and recipe tips, so you make a yummy fall bread pudding.
Plus, make sure to check out some useful bread pudding FAQs to add to your cooking experience.
🎃 If you love pumpkin desserts, make sure to check out my healthy pumpkin pie with pecan crust and topping (Paleo-friendly), and pumpkin sticky date pudding (also gluten-free/grain-free), or try my pumpkin banana muffins or pumpkin muffins with cream cheese (gluten-free).
What You’ll Need
You need thickly sliced white bread (thinly sliced bread will turn too soggy), pumpkin puree (make sure it’s 100% pumpkin and not a spiced version), half and half or cooking cream (you can use light here), milk, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract and salt. For the sauce, I went with a store-bought caramel sauce. You can use this simple recipe to make your own caramel sauce.
For a lower-sugar version, you can replace brown sugar/white sugar with a sugar-free alternative.
How To Make Pumpkin Bread Pudding
Find more recipe tips and the full recipe card below. Here are some handy step-by-step photo instructions to guide you along for how to make this caramel pumpkin bread pudding.
- Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350 F / 175 C. Grease the cake pan with non-stick oil spray or some butter.
- Step 2. Add half and half, milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, salt, eggs, both sugars, and vanilla in an extra large mixing bowl and whisk.
- Step 3. Dice the bread into large chunks (about 1-inch by 1-inch) and add to the bowl with the custard sauce. Coat through and let them soak for about 10 minutes.
- Step 4. Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan, leveling out the top. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until firm and not soggy.
- Step 5. Rest out of the oven for 10 minutes before drizzling generously with caramel sauce.
- Serve with ice cream, cream or custard on the side.
Watch The Video
Recipe Tips
Overall, this recipe is very easy and it’s about impossible to mess up for any level of cook but here are some handy tips.
- You can use any bread that’s nice and thick. If the bread is too thin, it will just turn into a mushy mess. Leftover baguettes are great, or even dinner rolls.
- This recipe is great for using up older or stale bread, if you have it. Do not use moldy bread, obviously.
- Be sure to get 100% pumpkin for your puree and not the pumpkin pie mix.
- Caramel sauce is a delicious addition to this recipe, which could be swapped for vanilla or chocolate sauce, or extra fresh custard. Salted caramel sauce will add a delicious twist as well.
💬 If you’ve tried this pumpkin bread pudding or any other recipe on the blog then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube and or sign up to my Newsletter to see more of my delicious food.
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Ingredients
- 1 lb French bread such as Texas Toast or thickly sliced bread, about 450 grams
- 15 oz pumpkin purée (1 can), 425 grams
- 1 ½ cups half and half
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- ½ cup white granulated sugar
- 5 Eggs
- 3 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Salt pinch
To finish:
- ⅓ cup caramel sauce
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped pecans whipped cream, extra caramel sauce, chopped walnuts, custard.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 F / 175 C. Grease the cake pan with non-stick oil spray or some butter. Set aside.
- Add the pumpkin purée, half and half, milk, pumpkin pie spice, salt, eggs, both sugars, and vanilla in an extra large mixing bowl. Whisk until fully combined.
- Dice the bread into large chunks (about 1-inch by 1-inch is the size I go for, but eyeballing it is just fine).
- Add the bread chunks to the bowl with the other mixed ingredients, make sure they’re nice and coated, then let them soak for about 10 minutes.
- Gently place the mixture in your prepared pan, making sure that it’s an even layer, and bake for 40-45 minutes or until firm and not soggy.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for about 10 minutes before drizzling generously with caramel sauce.
- Serve with ice cream, cream or custard on the side.
Video
Notes
- Store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Freeze individual portions in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in the oven when ready to enjoy.
- To reheat bread pudding, simply pop individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until warm. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Nutrition label below is based on 10 servings but you could stretch it out, especially if served with ice cream.
Nutrition
More Pumpkin Recipes
Bread Pudding FAQS
Bread pudding is a delightful dessert made by soaking stale bread in a mixture of custard-like sauce, then baking until it becomes moist and tender.
Bread pudding has a comforting, custard-like texture with a delicious blend of sweet and spiced flavours. This Pumpkin Bread Pudding offers a delightful pumpkin twist.
Serve warm, topped with a drizzle of caramel sauce, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
Stale white bread or brioche works best for bread pudding, as they absorb the custard well and become tender when baked.
When stored properly in the refrigerator, bread pudding can last 3-4 days.
Yes, you can! Freeze individual portions in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in the oven when ready to enjoy.
To reheat bread pudding, simply pop individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until warm. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
The calorie count varies based on the ingredients used, but on average, bread pudding contains around 300-400 calories per serving.
Made it on Thanksgiving and it turned out delicious!
Yay, thank you and glad you liked it 🙂