Fluffy Bread Pudding – Easy, Buttery, and Comforting Dessert

Few desserts feel as nostalgic and satisfying as Fluffy Bread Pudding. Warm from the oven, rich with vanilla custard, and perfectly soft inside with a golden, buttery crust — it’s the kind of classic comfort food that never goes out of style.

Made from humble ingredients like bread, eggs, milk, and sugar, this dessert transforms leftovers into something magical. The custard-soaked bread bakes up light and airy on the inside, yet crisp and caramelized on the edges — a texture that’s both cozy and irresistible.

Whether served plain, drizzled with caramel sauce, or topped with a scoop of ice cream, this homemade bread pudding is the perfect way to end a meal. It’s simple, affordable, and guaranteed to fill your kitchen with the most comforting aroma of cinnamon and vanilla.

JUMP TO

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Fluffy Bread Pudding

Perfectly Soft and Custardy

This isn’t your average bread pudding — it’s ultra-fluffy with a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The secret? Using the right bread and soaking it just long enough so every bite is moist and rich without being soggy.

Made from Simple Ingredients

You only need a few basic ingredients — bread, milk, sugar, butter, and eggs — to create this impressive dessert. No fancy techniques, no special equipment, just pure homemade goodness baked to perfection.

A Timeless Comfort Dessert

Bread pudding is an old-fashioned favorite for a reason. It’s cozy, nostalgic, and endlessly adaptable. You can keep it classic with cinnamon and raisins or add a modern twist with chocolate chips or caramel drizzle — either way, it’s a showstopper.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Fluffy Bread Pudding

For the Bread Pudding

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Day-old brioche, challah, or French bread	6 cups, cubed	Base of the pudding; absorbs custard beautifully
Unsalted butter, melted	4 tbsp (60 g)	Adds richness and flavor
Granulated sugar	¾ cup (150 g)	Sweetens the custard
Whole milk	2 cups (480 ml)	Creates a creamy base
Heavy cream (or half-and-half)	1 cup (240 ml)	Makes the pudding extra rich
Large eggs	4	Helps bind and thicken the custard
Vanilla extract	2 tsp	Adds warmth and aroma
Ground cinnamon	1 tsp	Brings cozy spice flavor
Salt	¼ tsp	Balances sweetness
Optional: raisins, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts	½ cup	Add texture and extra flavor

For the Topping (Optional but Delicious)

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Powdered sugar	For dusting	Adds sweetness and a pretty finish
Caramel sauce or vanilla glaze	To drizzle	Complements the warm custard flavor
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream	To serve	Adds a luxurious touch

Best Bread for Bread Pudding

The secret to fluffy bread pudding is using slightly stale bread — it absorbs the custard without turning mushy.

Best options:

• Brioche – soft, buttery, and perfect for soaking.
• Challah – rich and eggy with a tender crumb.
• French bread – great for structure and light texture.

Avoid very fresh or overly dense breads — they won’t soak the custard evenly.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Fluffy Bread Pudding

1. Prepare the Bread

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Cut your day-old bread into bite-sized cubes and place them evenly in the prepared dish. If your bread is very fresh, you can toast the cubes in the oven for about 10 minutes until lightly crisp — this helps them absorb the custard better without getting soggy.

2. Make the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined and slightly frothy.

This simple custard mixture will soak into the bread, creating that light, pudding-like texture while still keeping a crisp top layer.

Pro Tip: Warm your milk slightly before mixing — it helps dissolve the sugar more easily and gives a smoother custard.

3. Combine the Bread and Custard

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing gently with a spatula or the back of a spoon to ensure every piece is coated.

Let the mixture sit for 15–20 minutes so the bread fully absorbs the liquid. This soaking time is key for a fluffy texture — it allows the custard to penetrate the bread without turning it mushy.

If you’re adding raisins, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts, sprinkle them evenly between the layers before soaking.

4. Bake Until Golden

Once the bread has soaked, bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is puffed and golden brown.

You’ll know your fluffy bread pudding is ready when the edges are slightly crisp, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean but moist.

Optional: For a deeper caramelized crust, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar on top before baking.

5. Cool and Serve

Let the bread pudding cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. The custard will continue to set as it cools, creating that perfect balance of fluffy interior and slightly crisp exterior.

Serve warm or at room temperature, topped with:

• Caramel or vanilla glaze for extra sweetness.
• Whipped cream for lightness.
• Vanilla ice cream for a decadent touch.

This classic dessert is just as delicious the next day — the flavors deepen, and the texture stays soft and tender.

Tips for the Best Fluffy Bread Pudding

Use Day-Old Bread

Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard without collapsing, giving you that soft yet structured texture. If you only have fresh bread, toast it briefly to remove excess moisture.

Let It Soak Properly

Don’t rush the soaking step — give the bread at least 15 minutes to absorb the custard. This ensures even baking and prevents dry spots or overly dense areas.

Don’t Overbake

Overbaking can dry out the pudding and make it rubbery. Remove it from the oven when the center is just set but still jiggles slightly. It will firm up as it cools.

Add a Flavor Twist

Customize your fluffy bread pudding recipe to your taste:

• Add a splash of bourbon or rum for a grown-up dessert.
• Mix in orange zest or apples for a fruity variation.
• Sprinkle in chocolate chips or pecans for texture and richness.

Serve with a Sauce

A drizzle of warm caramel, vanilla cream, or brown butter sauce takes this dessert to the next level. You can also dust with powdered sugar for a simple but elegant finish.

Chef’s Tip:
To make your bread pudding extra moist and glossy on top, brush a little melted butter over it right after baking. It enhances both flavor and presentation.

Variations and Add-Ins for Fluffy Bread Pudding

Classic Options

If you love the traditional flavor, keep it simple with raisins, cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg. These add warmth and nostalgia while keeping the pudding soft and fluffy.

Tip: Soak raisins in warm water or rum for 10 minutes before adding — it keeps them plump and juicy during baking.

Modern Twists

Want to give your fluffy bread pudding a gourmet upgrade? Try these easy flavor variations:

• Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding: Fold in semisweet or dark chocolate chips for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding: Add diced apples and a touch of brown sugar for a fall-inspired dessert.
• Bourbon Bread Pudding: Stir in 2 tablespoons of bourbon or whiskey to enhance the custard’s depth and aroma.
• Banana Bread Pudding: Layer in sliced bananas and drizzle with caramel sauce for a tropical spin.

Toppings You’ll Love

The right topping can take your bread pudding from homey to heavenly:

• Caramel Sauce: Adds buttery sweetness that complements the vanilla custard.
• Vanilla Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar with milk and vanilla for a simple drizzle.
• Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: A cool, creamy contrast to the warm pudding.
• Brown Sugar Crumble: Sprinkle over the top before baking for extra texture.

FAQ – Fluffy Bread Pudding

Conclusion

There’s a reason Fluffy Bread Pudding has stood the test of time — it’s warm, comforting, and unbelievably satisfying. With its rich vanilla custard, buttery bread base, and perfect balance of textures, it’s the ultimate dessert for any occasion.

Whether you serve it plain, drizzled with caramel, or topped with ice cream, this cozy treat transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. It’s proof that you don’t need complicated recipes or fancy techniques to make a dessert that everyone loves.

So grab that leftover bread and whisk up this easy fluffy bread pudding recipe — one bite, and you’ll understand why this timeless classic continues to steal hearts, one warm spoonful at a time.

Print