This Brown Sugar and Maple Bread Pudding is a cozy, indulgent treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate. With its golden, custard-soaked bread and a rich caramelized crust, every bite is a perfect balance of soft, creamy textures and sweet, maple-kissed flavors. It’s the ultimate comfort dessert that comes together in just 15 minutes of prep and bakes to perfection in under an hour.
Infused with the deep, molasses-like sweetness of brown sugar and the comforting aroma of maple, this pudding is a nostalgic nod to classic American desserts. Whether served warm or chilled, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is impossible to resist.
Ingredients for Brown Sugar and Maple Bread Pudding
- 6 cups white bread, cubed (day-old bread works best)
- 5 eggs
- 2 ½ cups milk (whole milk recommended for richness)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup maple syrup (pure maple syrup for best flavor)
- ½ cup sugar (granulated or cane sugar)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup walnuts, chopped (optional, or substitute with pecans)
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed, for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the baking dish: Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- Prepare the bread: Place the cubed bread in a large bowl and set aside.
- Make the custard mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, cinnamon, maple syrup, sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt until well combined.
- Combine bread and custard: Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes. Gently toss until all the bread is evenly coated.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the bread mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the custard.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle the brown sugar and chopped walnuts evenly over the top of the bread mixture.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with additional maple syrup if desired and enjoy!
Sweet Toppings and Sauces to Elevate Your Bread Pudding
While this bread pudding is already delicious with maple syrup, try drizzling it with a caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. For a fruity twist, serve with a side of warm berry compote (mix 1 cup berries, 2 tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp lemon juice in a saucepan until thickened). You can also sprinkle powdered sugar or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
This bread pudding makes a fantastic dessert or even a decadent brunch dish. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk to balance the sweetness. For a brunch spread, serve alongside crispy bacon or scrambled eggs to create a sweet-and-savory combo your guests will love.
Storing and Reheating Like a Pro
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes. For a crispy top, broil for 1-2 minutes, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
Recipe Variations to Mix It Up
Swap out the walnuts for pecans or almonds for a different nutty flavor. If you prefer a richer taste, use brioche or challah bread instead of white bread. For a boozy twist, add 2 tbsp of bourbon or rum to the egg mixture. You can also experiment with dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for added texture.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Bakers
To save time, cube the bread the night before and store it in a sealed bag. You can also whisk the egg mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it (just give it a quick stir before using). If you’re short on oven space, this recipe can be baked in a slow cooker on low for 3-4 hours—just skip the browning step!
Brown Sugar and Maple Bread Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 cups white bread, cubed
- 5 eggs
- 2 ½ cups milk
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup maple syrup
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup walnuts, chopped
- ½ cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- Place cubed bread in large bowl and set aside.
- In separate smaller bowl, whisk eggs, cinnamon, syrup, sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt.
- Pour egg mixture over bread and gently toss until all bread is coated.
- Pour bread into 9×13 pan and spread evenly in pan. Let bread sit for 5-10 minutes or until egg mixture has soaked through.
- Sprinkle brown sugar and walnuts on top of bread.
- Bake 40-45 minutes or until golden brown on top. Remove from oven and let cool for at least 10 minutes for easier serving.
- Top with maple syrup and enjoy!