Heavenly Million Dollar Bread Pudding Recipe for Sweet Bliss

A million dollar bread pudding that whispers comfort with every delectable spoonful.

Sweet memories dance through classic ingredients waiting to surprise you.

Crusty bread transforms into a luxurious dessert that feels like a warm embrace.

Old-fashioned techniques blend with modern twists to create something magical.

Serving a dessert that makes everyone pause and savor each incredible bite.

Rustic yet elegant, this recipe promises to become your new favorite indulgence.

Nobody will believe how simple yet spectacular this pudding can be.

Grab a fork and get ready to experience pure dessert bliss!

What Makes Million Dollar Bread Pudding So Rich

• Indulge in Comforting Textures: Soft, custardy bread chunks combine with a silky-smooth sauce, creating a luxurious dessert that melts in your mouth with every heavenly spoonful.
• Effortless Culinary Magic: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an impressive dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant, requiring minimal cooking skills and time.
• Warm Nostalgic Flavors: Cinnamon and nutmeg-infused custard brings back memories of grandma's kitchen, delivering a classic comfort food experience that wraps you in pure deliciousness.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or a cozy weekend treat, this bread pudding adapts to any occasion and satisfies sweet tooths of all ages.

What You’ll Need For Million Dollar Bread Pudding

• Bread Cubes: Soft, day-old bread for the perfect pudding texture. Brioche or challah work best for rich flavor.
• Butter or Nonstick Spray: Ensures easy removal and prevents sticking to the baking dish.

• Eggs, Heavy Cream, Milk: Creamy base that creates the signature soft, custardy texture. Whole milk provides richness.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor. Brown sugar brings a caramel-like undertone.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, classic flavor to the pudding.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that enhance the dessert's comforting profile. Optional but recommended.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall sweetness.

• Butter: Creates a rich, glossy sauce. Use unsalted for better control of sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Builds a caramel-like topping with complex sweetness.
• Heavy Cream: Adds silky smoothness to the sauce.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the topping's flavor.

Million Dollar Bread Pudding How-To Guide

Step 1: Prepare The Baking Canvas

Grab a baking dish and give it a generous coating of butter or nonstick spray. Spread the bread cubes evenly across the surface, creating a delicious foundation for your dessert.

Step 2: Craft The Creamy Custard

• Eggs
• Heavy cream
• Whole milk
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Salt

Pour this silky mixture over the bread cubes, gently pressing down to help the bread soak up all the luxurious flavors. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes, allowing the bread to become wonderfully saturated.

Step 3: Bake To Golden Perfection

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and slide it into a preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes. Watch for a golden-brown top and a set custard that signals culinary success.

Step 4: Create The Decadent Topping

• Melted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Heavy cream

Cook while stirring constantly until the mixture transforms into a thick, glossy sauce (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract for an extra flavor boost.

Step 5: Final Flourish And Serve

Drizzle the warm topping generously over the freshly baked bread pudding. Let it seep into every delicious crevice. Serve while warm, with an optional dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries make a delightful garnish for those seeking extra indulgence.

Pro Tip: This dessert is best enjoyed immediately, when the custard is warm and the topping is gooey. Invite friends and family to share in this million-dollar moment of pure deliciousness!

Pro Tips For Million Dollar Bread Pudding

• Bread Absorption Technique: Let bread cubes soak in custard for 15-20 minutes to ensure maximum flavor penetration and rich, creamy texture.
• Foil Protection Trick: Cover dish with aluminum foil during initial baking to prevent excessive browning and ensure even cooking of the custard.
• Customize Bread Selection: Use day-old brioche, challah, or French bread for best results, as stale bread absorbs custard more effectively.
• Temperature Control Method: Remove foil in the last 20-25 minutes to achieve a golden-brown top and perfectly set custard without drying out the pudding.
• Serving Elevation Hack: Drizzle warm topping immediately after baking to allow maximum sauce absorption and create a decadent, moist dessert experience.

Million Dollar Bread Pudding Storage And Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover the container tightly to prevent the pudding from absorbing other food odors.
• Freezing: Wrap individual portions or the entire dish in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months to maintain the best quality and texture.
• Reheating in Oven: Preheat the oven to 350F. Place the bread pudding in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying out, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of cream or milk to restore moisture if needed.
• Microwave Option: Reheat individual portions for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Stop halfway to stir and ensure even heating, preventing rubbery texture.

Great Add-Ons For Million Dollar Bread Pudding

• Sip Bourbon Bliss: Pair this rich bread pudding with a smooth Kentucky bourbon that complements its warm, sweet flavors. The caramel and vanilla notes in the bourbon dance perfectly with the dessert's sugary custard.
• Match with Muscadine Magic: Select a sweet muscadine wine from the Southern United States, which brings a fruity brightness that cuts through the pudding's dense, creamy texture. Its subtle grape undertones enhance the dessert's warmth.
• Craft a Coffee Companion: Serve alongside a robust dark roast coffee or a velvety cappuccino. The coffee's deep, slightly bitter profile creates a delightful contrast with the pudding's sweetness, balancing each delectable bite.
• Embrace Cream Liqueur Luxury: Drizzle Irish cream liqueur over the pudding or serve it as a side drink. Its silky, smooth character merges beautifully with the dessert's creamy custard, creating an indulgent after-dinner experience.

Tasty Versions Of Million Dollar Bread Pudding To Try

• Chocolate Chip Indulgence: Replace bread cubes with day-old brioche and fold in chocolate chips before adding custard, creating a rich and decadent dessert with melty chocolate pockets.
• Southern Pecan Classic: Sprinkle chopped pecans over bread cubes before pouring custard, then top with a bourbon-infused caramel sauce for a traditional Southern-style bread pudding.
• Tropical Fruit Fusion: Mix diced pineapple, mango, and coconut into bread cubes before adding custard, then finish with a rum-spiked glaze for a Caribbean-inspired version.
• Apple Cinnamon Comfort: Layer thinly sliced apples between bread cubes, add extra cinnamon to custard, and top with a crumble of oats and brown sugar for a warm, homestyle dessert.

Answers To Million Dollar Bread Pudding Questions

• What makes this bread pudding special?

This Million Dollar Bread Pudding stands out because of its rich, decadent custard and incredible homemade caramel-like topping that transforms a simple dessert into an extraordinary treat that tastes like it’s worth a million bucks!

• Can I use different types of bread?

Absolutely! While day-old bread works best, you can use brioche, challah, French bread, or even slightly stale white bread. Just ensure the bread is cut into similar-sized cubes for even soaking and baking.

• Is this dessert very sweet?

The recipe balances sweetness perfectly. The combination of granulated and brown sugars creates a deep, complex sweetness that’s rich but not overwhelming, making it a crowd-pleasing dessert for people who love moderate sweetness.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this?

Not at all! You’ll just need a 9×13-inch baking dish, a mixing bowl, whisk, and a small saucepan. It’s a straightforward recipe that doesn’t require any complicated kitchen tools or techniques.

Million Dollar Bread Pudding Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet southern charm meets irresistible comfort in Million Dollar Bread Pudding, a nostalgic dessert that whispers tales of homemade love. Rich custard-soaked bread melts into pure bliss, inviting you to savor each spoonful of pure indulgence.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread and Dairy:

• 1 loaf (14 oz / 400 g) brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) whole milk

Sugars and Spices:

• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Topping:

• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
• ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Garnishes:

• Powdered sugar
• Fresh berries
• Whipped cream

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Distribute bread cubes uniformly across the prepared baking dish, creating an even base for the custard.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine eggs, heavy cream, milk, granulated and brown sugars, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.
4. Gently pour the custard over the bread cubes, using a spoon to softly press down and ensure complete liquid absorption. Allow the mixture to rest for 15-20 minutes, enabling the bread to soak up the rich, flavorful custard.
5. Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes to establish the initial cooking process.
6. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes until the surface turns a beautiful golden brown and the custard sets completely.
7. While the pudding bakes, prepare the decadent topping by combining melted butter, granulated and brown sugars, and heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat.
8. Stir the topping continuously for 2-3 minutes until it reaches a slightly thickened consistency. Remove from heat and incorporate vanilla extract.
9. Once the bread pudding emerges from the oven, drizzle the warm, luscious topping evenly across the surface, allowing it to seep into the pudding.
10. Serve the bread pudding warm, optionally garnishing with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries for an extra touch of indulgence.

Notes

• Select bread with slightly stale texture to absorb custard better, preferring day-old challah or brioche for richer flavor.
• Soak bread cubes thoroughly to ensure maximum moisture and creamy consistency throughout the pudding.
• Avoid overmixing custard to prevent air bubbles, which can create uneven texture during baking.
• Check doneness by gently pressing center – it should spring back slightly and feel set but still slightly wobbly.
• For gluten-free version, substitute regular bread with gluten-free bread or challah.
• Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia for diabetic-friendly option.
• Enhance flavor profile by adding optional mix-ins like chopped pecans, raisins, or dark chocolate chips before baking.
• Store leftovers in refrigerator, reheating gently in microwave or oven to maintain pudding’s delicate texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 505
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 155 mg