The Best Bread Pudding with Crisp Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

The Best Rich Bread Pudding with Crisp Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

Craving a Dessert That’s Naturally Comforting and Impressively Delicious?

Imagine a dessert that’s both luxuriously rich and delightfully simple to make. That’s exactly what you get with this Rich Bread Pudding with Crisp Cinnamon-Sugar Topping. It’s the kind of treat that feels like a warm hug, perfect for any occasion, from a casual family meal to a special celebration. Are you ready to experience a dessert that is naturally delicious?

Why You’ll Love It

  • It’s naturally delicious, with a custardy inside and a crispy, sweet topping.
  • This bread pudding is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor.
  • It’s a perfect way to naturally use up leftover bread, minimizing waste and creating something wonderful.
  • The warm, comforting flavors are ideal for a cozy night in or a festive holiday gathering.
  • The recipe is versatile; you can naturally customize it with various mix-ins and toppings to suit your taste.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

What sets this recipe apart is the delicate balance between the richness of the custard and the satisfying crunch of the cinnamon-sugar topping. We don’t just sprinkle the sugar on top; we use a method that naturally creates a caramelized crust that’s irresistibly tasty. The key is in the bread selection and how we naturally infuse the custard. This technique helps create a texture that’s both soft and satisfyingly crisp on top.

Ingredient List

  • 6 cups cubed day-old bread (such as challah, brioche, or French bread) – Bread is the base of our dish, it soaks up all the goodness.
  • 4 large eggs – Eggs add structure and richness to the custard.
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar, for topping
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, for topping

Step-by-Step 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 eggs, milk, heavy cream, ¾ cup sugar, vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
  3. Place the cubed bread into the greased baking dish. Pour the custard mixture over the bread, making sure all the bread is evenly saturated. Press the bread down gently to ensure even soaking.
  4. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the bread and custard mixture.
  5. In a small bowl, mix together the ¼ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the bread pudding.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
  7. Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving. The crisp topping will naturally become even more pronounced as it cools.

Optional Toppings/Variations

Want to take your bread pudding to the next level? Here are a few ideas that naturally enhance the flavor:

  • Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over each serving for an extra layer of sweetness. You can make it by melting sugar until it naturally caramelizes, then carefully adding butter and cream.
  • Fresh Berries: Add a pop of freshness by serving with a mix of blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries.
  • Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream adds a lovely light and creamy texture.
  • Chocolate Chips: Incorporate ½ cup of chocolate chips into the custard mixture for a chocolatey twist.

Expert Tips

  • Use slightly stale bread for the best results. Day-old bread naturally absorbs the custard better without getting mushy.
  • Don’t skip the melted butter! It adds a richness and helps the topping become wonderfully crisp.
  • Make sure all the bread pieces are evenly soaked in the custard. Gently press them down to ensure they absorb the mixture fully.
  • Allow the bread pudding to cool slightly after baking. This allows the custard to set and the topping to crisp up naturally.
  • If you’re naturally craving extra crispness, broil the top for the last 1-2 minutes. Keep a very close watch to prevent burning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Can I use different types of bread? Yes, absolutely! Challah, brioche, French bread, or even croissants work well. Any bread that naturally soaks up liquid will work well.
  • Can I make this bread pudding ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the bread pudding and custard ahead of time and bake it just before serving. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Be aware the bread may absorb more custard the longer it sits.
  • Can I substitute the heavy cream? You can use half-and-half, but the bread pudding won’t be quite as rich. The heavy cream creates that naturally rich, decadent flavor.
  • How should I store leftover bread pudding? Cover and refrigerate leftover bread pudding for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave. The top will naturally lose some crispness when reheated.
  • Can I freeze this bread pudding? Yes, you can freeze it after baking. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently. The texture might change slightly but will still naturally taste great.

Variations and Customization Options

Feel like getting creative? Here are some fun ideas to customize your bread pudding:

  • Spiced Apple Bread Pudding: Add diced apples and a bit of apple pie spice to the custard mixture for a seasonal twist. The naturally sweet flavor of apples pairs well with cinnamon and nutmeg.
  • Bourbon Pecan Bread Pudding: Mix in ½ cup of pecans and 2 tablespoons of bourbon into the custard for a more adult version. The bourbon naturally gives a rich, warm flavor.
  • Citrus Infusion: Add orange or lemon zest to the custard for a refreshing and bright flavor. Citrus naturally balances the richness.
  • Coconut Bread Pudding: Mix in ½ cup of shredded coconut and replace half of the milk with coconut milk for a tropical twist. The coconut naturally adds a chewy texture.

Serving Suggestions

This Rich Bread Pudding is fantastic on its own, but it’s also wonderful with a few simple pairings. Serve it warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. It’s a naturally perfect dessert for brunch, a cozy weeknight treat, or an impressive end to any meal. You can also naturally pair it with coffee or tea for an afternoon snack.

Ready to Bake Naturally Delicious Bread Pudding?

With its rich, custardy interior and crispy cinnamon-sugar top, this Rich Bread Pudding is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, naturally satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Give it a try and let us know what you think! Share your photos and your personal variations and let’s all enjoy baking naturally delicious desserts together.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes and baking tips delivered straight to your inbox!

Scroll to Top