Cinnamon Bread Pudding Recipe – 6 Ingredients

This easy recipe for cinnamon bread pudding is such a classic dessert that will work all year long and can be served hot or cold. Enjoy the mixtures of warm spices and melted butter on top of cinnamon swirl bread making this dish just perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

There are several different variations you can make to this wonderful bread pudding. You could consider adding in some heavy cream or swapping in some challah bread. Personally, I don’t serve it with any sort of topping, but it would go great with a vanilla glaze! The options are endless.

Ingredients: 

• Butter: pre-melted to help with the mixing
• Brown Sugar: this will give you a hint of molasses
• Milk: to really soak into that bread
• Eggs: for a slightly thicker texture, like with French Toast
• Salt: to cut the sweetness
• Cinnamon Bread: also delicious with leftover cinnamon rolls!

How To Make The Best Bread Pudding

Heat oven to 350 and grease an 8×8 baking pan or casserole dish. Set aside.  Cut bread into 1/2″ cubes and place them in a medium bowl. Set aside. 

Add butter and sugar together in a large bowl. Stir in milk and eggs until mixed well add a dash of salt. Mix in bread and pour mixture into prepared baking dish. 

Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center comes out nearly clean.  This will become one of your favorite desserts.

FAQs

What are some substitutes I can make with the ingredient list?

1. Butter: Substitutes: Coconut oil, vegetable oil, or margarine.
2. Brown Sugar: Substitutes: White sugar, honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar. Keep in mind that the flavor may vary depending on the substitute used.
3. Milk: Substitutes: Almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, or any other non-dairy milk for a dairy-free option.
4. Eggs: Substitutes: Unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg), mashed banana (1/4 cup per egg), yogurt, or buttermilk. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly with egg substitutes.
5. Salt: Substitutes: You can omit the salt or use a small amount of sea salt, kosher salt, or any other salt you have on hand.
6. Cinnamon Bread: Substitutes: If you can’t find cinnamon bread, you can use regular bread and increase the amount of ground cinnamon in the recipe. Alternatively, you can add raisins or nuts to enhance the flavor.

What type of bread is best for bread pudding?

The best type of bread for bread pudding is typically one that has a firm and slightly dense texture. This helps the bread hold up well when soaked in the custard mixture without turning into mush. Traditional choices for bread pudding include:

1. French Bread or Baguette: French bread tends to have a nice crust and a soft interior, making it a popular choice for bread pudding.
2. Challah: Challah, a rich and slightly sweet bread, is an excellent option for bread pudding. Its eggy and buttery composition adds richness to the dish.
3. Brioche: Brioche is a buttery and tender bread with a high egg and butter content, making it a decadent choice for bread pudding.
4. Cinnamon Swirl Bread: If you enjoy an extra kick of cinnamon flavor, using cinnamon swirl bread or cinnamon raisin bread can enhance the overall taste of the bread pudding.
5. Italian Bread: Italian bread is another good option, providing a sturdy texture that can absorb the custard mixture well.
6. Sourdough: Sourdough adds a unique tangy flavor to bread pudding. Keep in mind that it has a firmer texture, so it works well if you prefer a denser pudding.

Ultimately, the choice of bread depends on personal preference. You can experiment with different types of bread to find the one that suits your taste and the flavor profile you desire for your bread pudding. Additionally, using slightly stale bread can be beneficial, as it tends to absorb the custard mixture better.

How much cinnamon should be used for the best flavor without overpowering the dish?

A guideline is to use 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of ground cinnamon for a standard-sized bread pudding recipe. This amount is usually enough to infuse the dish with a warm and comforting cinnamon flavor without overwhelming it.

If you’re uncertain or want a milder cinnamon taste, start with the lower end of the range (1 teaspoon) and taste the custard mixture before baking. You can always add more if you feel it needs a stronger cinnamon flavor.

Keep in mind that the type and freshness of your cinnamon can also impact the intensity of the flavor. Freshly ground cinnamon tends to have a more robust flavor compared to pre-ground cinnamon that has been sitting on the shelf for a long time.

Should raisins or nuts be added, and if so, what type works well with cinnamon bread pudding?

The addition of raisins or nuts to cinnamon bread pudding is a matter of personal preference, and both can enhance the flavor and texture of the dish. Here are some considerations for adding raisins or nuts:

1. Raisins:
   • Raisins can add a natural sweetness and chewiness to the bread pudding.
   • Use regular raisins or golden raisins based on your preference. You can also try other dried fruits like chopped apricots or cranberries.
2. Nuts:
   • Nuts provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the pudding.
   • Common choices include chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds. Toasting the nuts before adding them can enhance their flavor.

If you decide to include both raisins and nuts, it’s a good idea to consider the overall flavor profile you want to achieve. Here’s a simple approach to incorporating these ingredients into your cinnamon bread pudding:

• For a classic version: Add a handful of raisins to the custard mixture. You can soak them along with the bread cubes to plump them up.
• For a nutty twist: Mix in a cup of chopped nuts into the custard mixture or sprinkle them on top before baking. Toasting the nuts before adding them can intensify their flavor.

Feel free to experiment and tailor the recipe to create the perfect cinnamon bread pudding for your liking.

What are some recommended toppings or sauces to serve with cinnamon bread pudding?

Cinnamon bread pudding is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it even further with the addition of toppings or sauces. Here are some recommended options:

1. Powdered Sugar: A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and a decorative finish to the top of the bread pudding.
2. Whipped Cream: Freshly whipped cream is a classic choice. You can sweeten it with a bit of sugar and add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
3. Caramel Sauce: A rich and buttery caramel sauce complements the cinnamon flavor beautifully. Drizzle it over individual servings or the entire bread pudding.
4. Vanilla Sauce or Custard: A vanilla-flavored sauce or custard can enhance the dessert’s creaminess and add a subtle vanilla undertone.
5. Maple Syrup: For a unique twist, consider serving the bread pudding with warm maple syrup. It adds a delightful sweetness and pairs well with the cinnamon.
6. Fruit Compote: A compote made with berries, apples, or pears can add a fruity and slightly tart contrast to the sweet and spiced bread pudding.
7. Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of warm cinnamon bread pudding creates a delightful combination of temperatures and textures.
8. Chopped Nuts or Shredded Coconut: Sprinkle some chopped nuts (such as toasted pecans or almonds) or shredded coconut on top for added crunch and flavor.

Feel free to mix and match these toppings or get creative with your own combinations.

Tips and Variations

• Add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract for some additional flavor
• If you are serving for breakfast or brunch, be sure to have a nice cup of coffee to serve along this sweet dessert. Delicious recipes always go great with a cup of joe!
• To store leftovers, cover in an airtight container and make sure it is completely sealed. Can store for up to two months.
• Add raisins to the bread pudding mixture to give it a completely new texture and taste. This is one of my favorite ways to serve it. Such a classic recipe.
• The perfect way to introduce this dish to your family is on Christmas morning.
• You can make this holiday specific by adding certain spices. For example, add nutmeg and pumpkin spice to create pumpkin cinnamon bread pudding for the Fall.
• When cutting your pieces, you could also aim for one-inch pieces / 1-inch cubes.
• Another term for this dish is poor man’s pudding. You might hear someone talking about this dessert using this term. In the end, it’s just this cinnamon bread pudding recipe.
• Pro tip: this dish tastes better the next day served with large eggs for breakfast. Yum! Reheat until golden brown the next morning, medium heat. You can also serve room temperature.

If you have a special occasion coming up, be sure to serve this Cinnamon Bread Pudding to friends and family. Your sweet tooth will thank you.

• Pressure Cooker Rice Pudding Using My Ninja Foodi – In Just Five Minutes!
• Maple Bacon Bread Pudding – Savory And Sweet
• Homemade Banana Pudding With Nilla Wafers And Fresh Whipped Cream
• Easy To Make Homemade Rice Pudding Recipe
• Sugar Free Jell-O And Cool Whip Dessert Idea
• Banana Bread Pudding Recipe Topped With Vanilla Cream Sauce