Comforting Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Bread Pudding Recipe

Cinnamon bread pudding transforms humble ingredients into a magical culinary experience that speaks directly to comfort and nostalgia.

Sweet aromas of warm spices and rich dairy whisper promises of decadent indulgence.

Soft, custardy textures meld with crisp bread edges, creating a sensory symphony that delights every palate.

Traditional desserts often carry deep emotional connections, bridging generations through shared moments of pure deliciousness.

Remarkable in its simplicity, this classic recipe elevates everyday ingredients into something extraordinary.

Home cooks can craft this dessert with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

You’ll find each spoonful transports you to a world of pure, unapologetic deliciousness.

Why Cinnamon Bread Pudding Is So Comforting

• Indulge in Creamy Comfort: This bread pudding offers a luxurious, silky texture that melts in your mouth, combining soft bread cubes with a rich, velvety custard that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
• Master the Simple Gourmet Technique: The water bath method creates an incredibly smooth, evenly cooked dessert that transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality treat without requiring advanced culinary skills.
• Versatile Dessert Delight: Perfect for everything from casual family dinners to elegant dinner parties, this recipe adapts effortlessly to different occasions and can be served warm or at room temperature with classic toppings like vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
• Quick and Stress-Free Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time and minimal ingredients, this bread pudding delivers maximum flavor and impressive results, making it an ideal dessert for home cooks who want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for This Sweet, Bready Treat

• Day-Old Bread: Stale bread provides the perfect texture and absorbs the custard beautifully, helping create a rich and creamy dessert.
• Walnuts: Crunchy nuts add a delightful texture and nutty flavor to complement the soft bread pudding.

• Milk, Cream: Rich dairy creates a silky smooth base for the pudding, ensuring a luxurious and tender dessert.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps set the pudding and provides structure to the entire dish.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the top of the bread pudding.
• Vanilla: Classic flavoring that enhances the overall taste of the dessert.
• Liqueur: Optional ingredient that adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the sweet flavors in the pudding.

• Vanilla Ice Cream, Whipped Cream: Optional garnishes that provide a cool, creamy contrast to the warm bread pudding.

How to Bake a Rich Cinnamon Bread Pudding

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 350°F (175°C). Position the rack right in the center for perfect baking. Grab a 2-quart baking dish and set it nearby.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Custard

• Milk
• Cream
• 2 eggs
• Sugar
• Liqueur (optional)
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Blend until the mixture is silky smooth and everything is fully combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Bread Base

Grab day-old bread and dice it into 1-inch cubes. Chop some walnuts for extra crunch. Spread the bread and nuts evenly in your baking dish. Pour the custard over the bread, making sure every piece gets soaked. Let it rest for 15 minutes to absorb all those delicious flavors.

Step 4: Set Up the Water Bath

Bring of water to a gentle simmer. Sprinkle of sugar over the top of the bread pudding. Carefully place your baking dish into a larger roasting pan. Gently pour the hot water around the dish, filling it about halfway up the sides.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the custard sets firmly. The pudding should look slightly puffy and have a gentle wobble when you nudge the pan.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Carefully remove the baking dish from the water bath. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes to cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fluffy dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch.

Tips That Keep Bread Pudding Moist and Cozy

• Rescue Dry Bread: Transform stale bread into a delicious dessert by using it for this recipe. Day-old or slightly hard bread absorbs liquid better and creates a rich, custardy texture.
• Blend Like a Pro: Whisk liquid ingredients until completely smooth, eliminating any egg streaks or lumps. Consistent mixing ensures a creamy, luxurious pudding with perfect texture.
• Master the Soak Time: Give bread chunks a generous bath in custard mixture for 15-20 minutes before baking. This step allows bread to deeply absorb flavors and create a melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
• Create Perfect Moisture: Use a water bath technique by placing your baking dish in a larger pan filled with hot water. This gentle cooking method prevents burning and ensures even, tender results.
• Decode Doneness: Look for a golden-brown top and a slightly jiggly center when checking your pudding. Remove from oven just as it sets to maintain a luscious, creamy interior without drying out.

Best Storage for Bread Pudding Leftovers

• Vacuum Sealing: Lock in freshness by using a vacuum sealer for your bread pudding. Remove all air to prevent freezer burn and maintain the dessert's delicious texture. Seal individual portions for easy grab-and-go treats that taste just-baked.
• Mason Jar Storage: Layer bread pudding in clean mason jars for compact refrigeration. Stack portions vertically to maximize space and create a visually appealing storage solution. Seal tightly with lids to keep moisture and flavors locked inside.
• Temperature Control: Monitor your refrigerator's temperature between 35-38°F for optimal bread pudding preservation. Consistent cool temperatures prevent bacterial growth and maintain the dessert's quality. Place the pudding on a middle shelf away from raw foods to prevent potential cross-contamination.

Tasty Twists for Your Next Pudding Dish

• Caramel Nut Bread Pudding: Replace walnuts with pecans and drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top after baking, creating a rich and gooey dessert experience.
• Chocolate Lover's Variation: Fold in dark chocolate chips before pouring the custard, and sprinkle extra chocolate shavings on top for an intense chocolate bread pudding.
• Seasonal Berry Bread Pudding: Mix fresh seasonal berries like raspberries or blueberries into the bread mixture, adding a bright and tangy flavor profile to the classic dessert.
• Spiced Rum Tropical Bread Pudding: Swap the liqueur with spiced rum and add shredded coconut and diced mango to transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise.

A Soft, Sweet Finish to Cinnamon Bread Pudding

Cinnamon bread pudding whispers comfort from Ree Drummond’s heartland kitchen, blending rustic charm with sweet sophistication.

Heritage recipes like this connect generations through simple, luxurious ingredients.

Warm spices dance through each custardy bite, telling stories of family gatherings and nostalgic moments.

Kansas prairie winds seem to breathe life into this classic dessert, transforming humble bread into culinary poetry.

Southern hospitality meets midwestern warmth on your plate, inviting pure indulgence.

Grab a fork, savor each spoonful, share this recipe’s magic – then click those social buttons, spread deliciousness, and let your culinary adventure inspire others.

Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Bread Pudding Recipe

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4.5 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Pioneer Woman’s Cinnamon Bread Pudding delivers pure Southern comfort with rich custardy layers of buttery bread and warm spices. Generations of home cooks would celebrate this classic dessert that brings sweet memories to life with each comforting spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 7 cups cinnamon challah (or plain challah or brioche), approximately 12 ounces
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• ¾ cup heavy cream

Nuts and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 cup walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped
• ⅓ cup nut-flavored liqueur (such as Di Saronno or Frangelico)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (if using plain bread)

Sweeteners and Seasonings:

• ½ cup granulated sugar, plus 1 tablespoon for garnish
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by warming it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), positioning the rack in the center for optimal heat distribution.
2. Create a silky custard base by whisking together whole milk, heavy cream, large eggs, granulated sugar, liqueur, pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture becomes completely smooth and well-integrated.
3. Arrange diced bread cubes and roughly chopped walnuts evenly across the bottom of a 2-quart (1.9 liters) baking dish, ensuring a uniform foundation for the pudding.
4. Gently pour the prepared custard mixture over the bread and nuts, carefully coating every piece to guarantee thorough absorption. Allow the mixture to rest for 15-20 minutes, enabling the bread to soak up the rich custard completely.
5. Prepare a water bath by heating approximately 8 cups (1.9 liters) of water to a gentle simmer. Sprinkle the remaining granulated sugar across the top of the soaked bread pudding for a delicate caramelized finish.
6. Carefully place the baking dish inside a larger roasting pan, then slowly add the hot water until it reaches approximately halfway up the sides of the baking dish, creating a gentle steaming environment.
7. Slide the water bath into the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and a set custard that trembles slightly when gently shaken.
8. Remove the bread pudding from the oven and water bath, allowing it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes to stabilize and cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature, accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a delicate dollop of freshly whipped cream.

Notes

• Select slightly stale bread for optimal texture and absorption of rich custard mixture.
• Whisk liquid ingredients thoroughly to eliminate potential egg streaks and ensure silky smooth consistency.
• Allow bread pieces to soak completely in egg mixture for at least 15 minutes, enabling deep flavor penetration and tender result.
• Create gentle cooking environment by placing baking dish inside water bath, preventing scorching and promoting even heat distribution.
• Verify doneness by observing golden brown surface and slightly jiggly center, removing from oven before edges become dry or tough.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 401
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 117 mg