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Southern Bread Pudding Delight

Section: Cozy Meals for Every Mood

This Southern bread pudding blends cubed day-old bread with a custard of milk, cream, eggs, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Optional raisins or pecans add texture and sweetness. The mixture soaks before baking to create a moist, tender center and a golden crust. An optional butter-based sauce, flavored with powdered sugar and vanilla or bourbon, is drizzled on top for extra richness and depth. Perfect for a cozy, comforting dessert or brunch treat.

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Harper
Contributed by Harper
Last updated on Tue, 30 Sep 2025 19:16:40 GMT
A slice of bread pudding with white icing. Save
A slice of bread pudding with white icing. | flavorrhaven.com

This southern bread pudding has been a cozy favorite in my family for generations, perfect for turning simple day-old bread into a comforting, sweet dessert. It brings together rich creaminess and warm spices that make every bite feel like a hug.

I first made this during a chilly weekend with my grandmother, and now it reminds me of those special moments whenever I serve it.

Ingredients

  • Day-old bread cubes from French bread or brioche: using day-old bread helps absorb the custard better, giving the pudding its perfect texture
  • Whole milk and heavy cream: these create a rich, velvety custard
  • Eggs: the binding agent that sets the pudding while keeping it tender
  • Sugar and brown sugar: bring sweetness and a slight caramel note
  • Vanilla extract: adds a fragrant warmth
  • Cinnamon and nutmeg: the classic warm spices essential for that southern flavor
  • Raisins or chopped pecans: optional but add great texture and flavor contrast
  • Butter: for greasing the dish and dotting on top, enhancing richness

Instructions

Savour the Comfort:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and butter a 9 by 13 inch baking dish thoroughly. This ensures the pudding doesn’t stick and gives a buttery crust.
Mix the Custard:
In a big bowl whisk the whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until everything is well combined. The smooth custard is key to an even, creamy pudding.
Prepare the Bread:
Add the cubed day-old bread to the custard mixture. Toss gently so each piece gets coated, then let it soak for 15 to 20 minutes. This soak is what plumps the bread and makes the pudding moist. If you want to include raisins or pecans, fold them in now.
Arrange and Bake:
Pour the soaked bread mixture into your greased dish once everything has absorbed the custard. Dot the top with small bits of melted butter to add moisture and richness during baking. Place in the oven and bake for about 45 to 50 minutes. Look for a golden top that feels firm but still soft in the center.
Make the Sauce:
While your pudding is baking, melt butter in a small saucepan. Stir in powdered sugar and milk until smooth and creamy. Once off the heat, add vanilla extract or a splash of bourbon for extra depth. Drizzle this warm sauce generously over each serving.
A slice of bread pudding with white sauce.
A slice of bread pudding with white sauce. | flavorrhaven.com

My favorite part has to be the melody of cinnamon and nutmeg paired with the buttery custard soaking into the bread. It brings back memories of my grandmother’s kitchen where this dessert was a seasonal star, warming cold days and bringing the family together around the table.

Storage Tips

Store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep it moist. You can also freeze it either in portions or whole; just wrap tightly and thaw overnight before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

Whole milk and heavy cream can be swapped for half and half if you prefer a lighter custard, though it will be less rich. If you need a dairy-free option, use oat or almond milk and a dairy-free butter alternative, but expect a different flavor profile. Raisins can be replaced with dried cranberries or left out completely without hassle.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this bread pudding warm with the optional vanilla or bourbon sauce drizzled on top. Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream turns it into an indulgent treat that guests will love. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

A slice of bread pudding with a dollop of ice cream on top.
A slice of bread pudding with a dollop of ice cream on top. | flavorrhaven.com

This beloved southern bread pudding is a true comfort classic that keeps the warmth of family gatherings alive in every bite.

FAQs about Recipes

→ What type of bread works best?

French bread or brioche is ideal for a tender texture and rich flavor, but any day-old bread cubes will work well.

→ Can I substitute the raisins or pecans?

Yes, nuts or dried fruits like cranberries or chopped walnuts can be used to add different flavors or textures.

→ How long should the mixture soak before baking?

Allow the bread cubes to soak in the custard mixture for 15 to 20 minutes to ensure a moist and flavorful pudding center.

→ What does the sauce add to the dish?

The sauce adds a creamy, sweet finish with hints of vanilla or bourbon, enriching the warm spices and soft custard.

→ Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pudding a few hours before baking and refrigerate it to let the flavors meld together nicely.

Southern Bread Pudding Classic

A custardy baked bread dish rich with warm spices, milk, cream, and a creamy vanilla-butter sauce.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cooking Time
50 mins
Overall Time
70 mins
Contributed by: Harper

Recipe Category: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: Southern United States

Recipe Output: 8 Portion Size

Dietary Features: Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Need

→ Pudding

01 6 cups day-old bread, cubed (French bread or brioche preferred)
02 2 cups whole milk
03 1 cup heavy cream
04 4 large eggs
05 3/4 cup granulated sugar
06 1/4 cup brown sugar
07 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
08 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
09 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
10 1/2 cup raisins or chopped pecans (optional)
11 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for greasing and dotting)

→ Sauce (optional)

12 1/2 cup butter
13 1 cup powdered sugar
14 2 tablespoons milk or cream
15 1 tablespoon vanilla extract or bourbon

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with melted butter.

Step 02

In a large bowl, whisk together whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, granulated and brown sugars, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Step 03

Add bread cubes to the mixture and gently toss to coat. Let soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in raisins or pecans if desired.

Step 04

Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish and dot the surface with remaining melted butter.

Step 05

Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the pudding is golden brown and set in the center.

Step 06

While baking, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Remove from heat and blend in vanilla extract or bourbon.

Step 07

Drizzle the warm sauce over the pudding just before serving.

Additional Notes

  1. For best texture, use day-old French or brioche bread to absorb custard without becoming mushy.
  2. Raisins or pecans can be omitted or substituted to suit personal taste.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Saucepan

Allergen Notices

Inspect every ingredient for potential allergens and seek expert advice if necessary.
  • Contains dairy, eggs, and gluten
  • May contain tree nuts if pecans are used

Per Serving Nutritional Info

Keep in mind these are general guidelines, not a replacement for professional advice.
  • Calories: 420
  • Fats: 18 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 55 grams
  • Proteins: 9 grams