This cinnamon sugar bread pudding is the kind of dessert that disappears fast at potlucks. It is cozy, fragrant, and made with simple ingredients that turn into something extra special in the oven.
Cinnamon Sugar Bread Pudding
Equipment
- 1 Baking Dish
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 Whisk
Ingredients
- 8 cups day-old bread brioche, challah, or sturdy white bread, cubed or torn
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract alcohol-free if desired
- 4 tablespoons butter melted, plus more for greasing the baking dish
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a baking dish with butter.
- Cut the bread into cubes or tear it into pieces, then spread it evenly in the dish.
- Whisk together the milk, cream, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Pour the custard over the bread, making sure every piece gets coated. Press down gently with a spoon and let it soak for a few minutes.
- Mix a little cinnamon with sugar and sprinkle it over the top. Dot with small pieces of butter.
- Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- Let the bread pudding rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Sugar Bread Pudding
This dessert brings together soft custardy bread, warm cinnamon, and a sweet sugar topping in every bite. It is easy to make ahead, feeds a crowd, and tastes like a little celebration in a pan.
Cinnamon Sugar Bread Pudding Ingredients & Substitutions
Here is what you will need to make this comforting dessert:
- Bread, day-old brioche, challah, or sturdy white bread works well
- Milk, whole milk gives the richest texture
- Heavy cream, for extra creaminess
- Eggs, these help set the custard
- Granulated sugar, for sweetness
- Brown sugar, for a deeper caramel note
- Ground cinnamon, the main flavor in this recipe
- Alcohol-free vanilla, for warmth and aroma
- Butter, melted and used in the topping and baking dish
- Salt, to balance the sweetness
Easy swaps: use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or replace some of the milk with more cream if you want a richer pudding. If you like a slightly different spice profile, add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom. For a fruitier version, fold in raisins, chopped apples, or diced pears.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cinnamon Sugar Bread Pudding
1. Prepare the baking dish
Start by preheating your oven and greasing a baking dish with butter. This helps the pudding release easily and adds a little flavor around the edges.
2. Cut and arrange the bread
Cut the bread into cubes or tear it into pieces, then spread it evenly in the dish. If the bread is slightly stale, even better, because it will soak up the custard without falling apart.
3. Make the custard
Whisk together the milk, cream, eggs, sugars, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt until smooth. The mixture should smell warm and sweet before it even goes into the oven.
4. Soak the bread
Pour the custard over the bread, making sure every piece gets coated. Press down gently with a spoon so the bread can absorb the liquid. Let it sit for a few minutes if needed.
5. Add the cinnamon sugar topping
Mix a little sugar with cinnamon and sprinkle it over the top. Dot the surface with small pieces of butter for a golden, lightly crisp finish.
6. Bake until set
Bake until the center is set and the top is golden brown. The edges should be slightly crisp, while the middle stays soft and custardy.
7. Cool before serving
Let the bread pudding rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps it settle and makes it easier to serve in neat squares or scoops.
Tips for Success
Use bread with some structure, since very soft sandwich bread can become too mushy. If your bread is fresh, cube it and let it dry out for a bit before assembling the pudding. For the best texture, let the custard soak in long enough to reach the center of the bread pieces. Do not overbake, because bread pudding should be set but still soft and tender inside.
Variations of Cinnamon Sugar Bread Pudding
There are lots of fun ways to make this recipe your own. Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch, stir in raisins for a classic touch, or mix in diced apples for a bakery-style twist. You can also drizzle the baked pudding with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, or serve it with a spoonful of whipped cream.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Cinnamon Sugar Bread Pudding
This dessert is lovely served warm on its own, but it is even better with a few extras. Try it with vanilla ice cream, lightly sweetened whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For a potluck table, pair it with coffee, hot tea, or a big bowl of fresh berries.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or cover the dish with foil and heat in a low oven until warmed through. If you want to freeze it, wrap portions tightly and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Memories Made Around the Table
Recipes like this always feel a little nostalgic to me. There is something about the scent of cinnamon and sugar baking in the kitchen that makes people wander in, asking when dessert will be ready.
FAQs
Can I make cinnamon sugar bread pudding ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a few hours ahead or even the night before. Keep it covered in the refrigerator, then bake when you are ready.
What kind of bread works best?
Brioche, challah, French bread, or a sturdy white loaf all work well. The key is using bread that can hold up to the custard.
How do I know when bread pudding is done?
The top should be golden and the center should be set but still soft. A knife inserted in the middle should come out mostly clean.
Can I add fruit or nuts?
Absolutely. Raisins, apples, pears, pecans, and walnuts all taste wonderful in this recipe.
Final Thoughts
This cinnamon sugar bread pudding is simple, comforting, and always a hit when you need a dessert for sharing. It brings together easy ingredients and classic flavor in a way that feels special every time.