Heavenly Pumpkin Spice Bread Pudding
Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of our Heavenly Pumpkin Spice Bread Pudding! This delightful dessert combines the warm spices of pumpkin pie with tender bread soaked in a creamy custard. Perfect for chilly evenings or special occasions, this dish will have your guests dreaming of autumn with every bite. Serve it warm, drizzled with homemade caramel sauce or topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream for an exquisite treat that's sure to outshine traditional pumpkin pie!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Half-and-half cream
2 cups (You can substitute with evaporated milk, or use 1 cup each of half-and-half and evaporated milk.)
Pumpkin puree
15 ounces (1 can) (Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.)
Dark brown sugar
3/4-1 cup (Adjust the amount to your preferred sweetness.)
Large eggs
2 (Lightly beaten before adding to mix.)
Pumpkin pie spice
1 1/2-2 teaspoons (Use store-bought or homemade blend.)
Cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons (Freshly ground cinnamon works best.)
Vanilla extract
2 teaspoons (Use pure vanilla extract for best flavor.)
French bread or egg bread
10-12 cups (Cut into 1/2-inch cubes, stale bread works best.)
Golden raisins
1 cup (You can substitute with regular raisins if desired.)
Whipped cream
To taste (Serve fresh or store-bought, for topping.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a 11x7-inch baking dish generously.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the half-and-half cream, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth and fully combined.
3
Gently fold in the bread cubes and golden raisins, ensuring that the bread is well-coated with the custard mixture.
4
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
5
Allow the mixture to sit for 10-15 minutes, enabling the bread to absorb the flavors and custard.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden-brown and the center is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
7
Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
8
Serve warm with a generous topping of whipped cream or a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce. Enjoy your slice of autumn bliss!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heavenly Pumpkin Spice Bread Pudding?
It is a rich, comforting dessert that combines the warm flavors of pumpkin pie spice with tender bread soaked in a creamy custard.
What type of bread is best for this recipe?
French bread or egg bread works best. Using stale bread is ideal as it absorbs the custard better.
What size baking dish should I use?
You should use a generously buttered 11x7-inch baking dish.
Can I substitute the half-and-half cream?
Yes, you can substitute it with evaporated milk, or use a combination of 1 cup half-and-half and 1 cup evaporated milk.
Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of puree?
No, make sure to use 100% pure pumpkin puree, as pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices.
How many eggs are required for this bread pudding?
The recipe requires 2 large eggs, lightly beaten.
What temperature should I bake the bread pudding at?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does it take to bake?
It typically takes between 40 to 45 minutes to bake until golden-brown and set.
How do I know when the bread pudding is done?
A knife inserted into the center should come out clean when it is fully baked.
Why do I need to let the mixture sit before baking?
Allowing it to sit for 10-15 minutes enables the bread to fully absorb the custard and flavors.
Can I use regular raisins instead of golden raisins?
Yes, regular raisins can be used as a substitute for golden raisins if desired.
What is the best way to serve this dessert?
It is best served warm with a topping of whipped cream or a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the recipe?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of dark brown sugar between 3/4 and 1 cup based on your preference.
What spices are used in this bread pudding?
The recipe uses pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and vanilla extract for a warm autumn flavor profile.
Can I make this recipe for Thanksgiving?
Absolutely! It is a fantastic alternative or addition to traditional pumpkin pie for holiday gatherings.
What should the bread be cut into?
The bread should be cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
How many cups of bread are needed?
The recipe calls for 10 to 12 cups of cubed bread.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is considered an easy recipe that involves simple whisking, folding, and baking.
Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar?
Yes, light brown sugar will work, though dark brown sugar adds a slightly deeper molasses flavor.
How much pumpkin puree is in one recipe?
The recipe uses one 15-ounce can of pumpkin puree.
Should I butter the baking dish?
Yes, buttering the dish generously is important to prevent sticking and add flavor.
Is the bread pudding served hot or cold?
It is traditionally served warm, though it can be enjoyed at room temperature.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
While not in the original ingredients, chopped pecans or walnuts would be a great addition for texture.
What kind of vanilla should I use?
Pure vanilla extract is recommended for the best flavor.
Can I use homemade pumpkin pie spice?
Yes, you can use either a store-bought blend or your own homemade spice mix.
Is this a good comfort food?
Yes, the warm spices and creamy texture make it an excellent comfort food for chilly evenings.
What can I use if I don't have French bread?
Egg bread, such as Challah or Brioche, is an excellent alternative.
Should I whisk the liquid ingredients together first?
Yes, whisk the cream, puree, sugar, eggs, and spices until smooth before adding the bread.
Does the recipe use golden raisins?
Yes, 1 cup of golden raisins is included for a burst of sweetness.
How many servings does this make?
While specific servings aren't listed, an 11x7 dish typically serves 6 to 8 people.