Butterscotch Bread Pudding

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, golden dish of bread pudding fresh out of the oven. This butterscotch bread pudding is the kind of dessert that wraps you in a blanket of nostalgia with every bite. Imagine soft, custardy bread soaked in velvety butterscotch, finished with toasty tops and hints of caramelized sugar. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or indulging in a quiet moment at home, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born out of the classic love for turning day-old bread into a decadent treat. One cold evening, with only some leftover brioche, a few pantry staples, and a craving for something sweet and soul-soothing, this butterscotch twist on traditional bread pudding came to life. It was a hit from the very first try, and it’s been a family favorite ever since. Simple ingredients, a touch of creativity, and a whole lot of love make it what it is.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Bread pudding traces its roots back to 11th-century England, where frugal cooks invented it as a way to use up stale bread. Known as “poor man’s pudding,” it’s evolved over centuries into a rich, luxurious dessert. The butterscotch variation gives it a modern, indulgent spin while still honoring its humble beginnings. Fun fact: in some parts of the world, it’s also eaten as a breakfast treat!

Why You’ll Love Butterscotch Bread Pudding

This dish is more than just dessert. It’s comfort, joy, and a little bit of magic in every spoonful.

Versatile: Enjoy it warm or cold, as a dessert or even for brunch.

Budget-Friendly: Makes use of leftover bread and basic pantry items.

Quick and Easy: Just mix, soak, and bake. No complicated steps.

Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits to make it your own.

Crowd-Pleasing: Rich, warm, and perfect for gatherings or special occasions.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it a day in advance and just bake when ready.

Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day after flavors settle in.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

You’re only a few tricks away from pulling off a bakery-worthy dessert at home.

• Choose rich, eggy bread like brioche or challah for the best texture.
• Let the bread soak in the custard for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• Cover with foil for the first half of baking, then uncover for a golden crust.
• Use high-quality butterscotch chips for that deep caramel flavor.
• Serve with a drizzle of warm cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Here’s what to gather before you start so the process is smooth and fun.

Large Mixing Bowl: For whisking together your custard mixture.

Whisk: Helps blend eggs, sugar, and milk evenly.

Baking Dish (9×13 inch): The perfect size for even baking and browning.

Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements.

Spatula or Spoon: To gently fold the bread into the custard.

Ingredients in Butterscotch Bread Pudding

This recipe brings together simple, humble ingredients to create something magical.

1. Brioche Bread: 6 cups cubed, slightly stale. Acts as the rich, fluffy base.
2. Butterscotch Chips: 1 cup. Melts into the custard for sweetness and depth.
3. Raisins: 1/2 cup. Add chewy bursts of natural sweetness.
4. Eggs: 4 large. Bind the custard and give the pudding structure.
5. Whole Milk: 2 cups. Creamy liquid base for the custard.
6. Heavy Cream: 1 cup. Adds richness and smooth texture.
7. Brown Sugar: 1 cup. Deep molasses sweetness for a warm flavor.
8. Vanilla Extract: 1 tablespoon. Enhances all the flavors with a cozy aroma.
9. Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon. Adds a gentle, warming spice.
10. Salt: 1/4 teaspoon. Balances the sweetness beautifully.

Ingredient Substitutions

Here’s how to tweak the recipe based on what you have on hand.

Brioche Bread: Use challah, French bread, or even croissants.

Butterscotch Chips: Swap with white chocolate or caramel bits.

Raisins: Use dried cranberries or chopped dates.

Whole Milk: Substitute with oat milk or almond milk for a lighter version.

Heavy Cream: Greek yogurt or coconut cream work well too.

Ingredient Spotlight

Butterscotch Chips: These little golden drops are the heart of the flavor profile. They melt into the custard and infuse the pudding with rich, caramel-like sweetness.

Brioche Bread: Soft, buttery, and slightly sweet, brioche soaks up the custard like a sponge while still holding its shape after baking.

Instructions for Making Butterscotch Bread Pudding

Let’s get into it! This is the part where your kitchen starts to smell amazing.

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Place the bread cubes into the greased baking dish, sprinkle in the raisins and butterscotch chips evenly over the top.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Pour the custard mixture over the bread, pressing down gently so all cubes are soaked. Let it sit for 30 minutes to absorb.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20–25 minutes until golden and set.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Let it cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with warm cream or caramel sauce.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream or fresh whipped cream.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The magic of this pudding lies in the contrast. The top becomes crisp and golden, giving you those perfect caramelized bites, while the inside stays soft, custardy, and bursting with creamy butterscotch goodness. The raisins add chewy pockets of sweetness, and every bite is layered with warm cinnamon and brown sugar notes.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Let’s make it foolproof with these quick tips.

• Use slightly stale bread so it soaks up the custard without falling apart.
• Letting it rest before baking enhances flavor and texture.
• Don’t overbake or it’ll dry out. The center should jiggle slightly.

What to Avoid

Avoid these common missteps to guarantee pudding perfection.

• Using fresh bread: It’ll get mushy instead of custardy.
• Skipping the soak: The bread needs time to absorb flavor.
• Overcrowding the dish: Leave space for the custard to puff and bake evenly.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 390
Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Want to prep ahead? This dish is your best friend. You can assemble it the night before and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat gently in the oven or microwave. It also freezes well in individual portions for up to 2 months.

How to Serve Butterscotch Bread Pudding

Serve it warm, straight from the oven, with a generous drizzle of caramel or a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra decadent twist, try it with a scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream. You can also serve it with a splash of cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Give your leftovers a new life with these tasty ideas.

• French Toast-Style Slices: Pan-fry slices in butter until golden on both sides.
• Bread Pudding Parfaits: Layer with yogurt and fresh fruit for a next-day breakfast.
• Mini Trifles: Cut into cubes and layer with pudding or whipped cream in glasses.

Additional Tips

Want to elevate the flavor even more?

• Toast the bread cubes briefly before soaking to deepen flavor.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or clove for an extra festive feel.
• Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for a crunchy finish.

Make It a Showstopper

Presentation counts, especially when serving guests. Bake your pudding in a pretty ceramic dish and dust it with powdered sugar right before serving. Add a few golden raisins or a drizzle of caramel over the top to make it shine on the dessert table.

Variations to Try

Feeling creative? Here are some fun spins on the classic.

• Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding: Swap butterscotch for chocolate chips.
• Pumpkin Spice Twist: Add pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice to the custard.
• Nutty Delight: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
• Tropical Version: Add dried pineapple, coconut flakes, and white chocolate.
• Boozy (Non-Alcoholic) Touch: Use rum extract for flavor without the alcohol.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use regular sandwich bread?

A1: You can, but brioche or challah gives better texture and richness.

Q2: Can I make it dairy-free?

A2: Yes, use almond milk and coconut cream, and skip the heavy cream.

Q3: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

A3: Warm in the microwave or oven at 300°F until heated through.

Q4: Do I have to use butterscotch chips?

A4: No, you can use white chocolate, caramel bits, or leave them out entirely.

Q5: How long can I keep this in the fridge?

A5: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Q6: Can I freeze this?

A6: Absolutely. Freeze individual portions wrapped tightly for up to 2 months.

Q7: Is this recipe kid-friendly?

A7: Yes! It’s sweet, soft, and full of comforting flavors kids will love.

Q8: Can I add nuts?

A8: Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts are a great crunchy addition.

Q9: Should I serve it hot or cold?

A9: It’s best served warm, but it’s also delicious cold or at room temp.

Q10: Can I double this recipe?

A10: Yes, just use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time as needed.

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like the cozy comfort of a warm slice of butterscotch bread pudding. It’s simple to make, bursting with flavor, and always a hit no matter the occasion. Trust me, you’re going to love this one. So grab your whisk, preheat that oven, and get ready to create something unforgettable.

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