Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Apple Cider Butter Sauce – Easy Recipe

Pumpkin bread pudding with apple cider butter sauce is the ultimate fall comfort food. This dessert combines the warmth of pumpkin, the richness of bread pudding, and the sweet tang of apple cider sauce for a perfect seasonal treat. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dish for brunch, a Thanksgiving dessert, or something to enjoy on a crisp autumn evening, this pumpkin bread pudding is sure to impress. It’s easy to make, comforting, and bursting with the flavors of fall.

Why This Pumpkin Bread Pudding is a Fall Favorite

This pumpkin bread pudding with apple cider butter sauce is a unique twist on a traditional favorite, bringing together the cozy warmth of pumpkin and the rich texture of custard-like bread pudding. The addition of apple cider butter sauce adds a delightful sweetness and depth of flavor. Whether served warm right out of the oven or cold the next day, it’s a dish that will quickly become a seasonal staple. This recipe is perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or as a satisfying treat after a hearty fall meal.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Bread Pudding

Here’s what you need to make this delicious pumpkin bread pudding with apple cider butter sauce:

• Canned Pumpkin Puree: Adds the warm, earthy flavor of pumpkin and gives the pudding a smooth, creamy texture.
• Whole Milk and Heavy Cream: These create the rich, custardy base that makes this bread pudding so indulgent.
• Eggs and Egg Yolks: Provide the structure and richness, making the pudding soft and decadent.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a touch of molasses flavor to complement the pumpkin and spices.
• Ground Cinnamon, Ginger, Pumpkin Pie Spice, Clove, and Nutmeg: These warm spices bring the fall flavors to life.
• Stale Bread: Preferably French or Italian bread, cubed. The stale bread absorbs the custard mixture, creating a rich texture when baked.
• Butter: Used to coat the bread, giving it a golden, crispy edge when baked.
• Apple: Adds freshness and a bit of tartness, balancing out the sweetness of the bread pudding.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

• Dairy-Free Option: Swap out the milk and cream for coconut milk and coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
• Gluten-Free Bread: Substitute the regular bread with gluten-free bread for a gluten-free pumpkin bread pudding.
• Maple Syrup: Instead of brown sugar, you can use pure maple syrup for a more natural sweetener and a slight maple flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create this delicious pumpkin bread pudding:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking dish.
2. Make the custard mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, egg yolks, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, pumpkin pie spice, clove, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. Prepare the bread: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cubed stale bread with melted butter. Add the diced apple to the bread and mix well.
4. Combine: Pour the custard mixture over the bread and apples, gently stirring to coat. Let the mixture sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 3 hours, for the bread to absorb the custard.
5. Bake: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the pudding is set and lightly browned on top. Optionally, cover with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking.
6. Make the apple cider sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add the powdered sugar and apple cider, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is smooth. Adjust consistency with more cider or powdered sugar if needed.
7. Serve: While the bread pudding is still warm, drizzle half of the apple cider butter sauce over the top. Reserve the remaining sauce for later servings.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Pumpkin Bread Pudding

• Bread Quality: For the best texture, use day-old bread or slightly stale bread. Fresh bread can become too soggy when soaked in the custard.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the custard with the bread, gently stir to avoid making the bread too mushy.
• Check for Doneness: The bread pudding should be golden on top and firm in the center. You can insert a knife to check if it comes out clean.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place individual slices on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to crisp the edges.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

Pumpkin bread pudding is perfect on its own, but it can also be paired with a variety of sides and variations to enhance the experience:

• Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: Serve with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a rich, indulgent treat.
• Spiced Pecans or Walnuts: Add some crunch and extra flavor by topping the pudding with spiced nuts like cinnamon-sugar pecans.
• Maple Syrup Drizzle: For a more pronounced maple flavor, drizzle some pure maple syrup over the top in addition to the apple cider butter sauce.
• Vegan Version: Swap the butter and heavy cream for plant-based alternatives like coconut oil and almond milk. Use flax eggs as a replacement for the whole eggs and egg yolks.

Why Pumpkin Bread Pudding is the Perfect Fall Dessert

Pumpkin bread pudding with apple cider butter sauce is the ultimate autumn dessert that perfectly captures the flavors of the season. With the rich taste of pumpkin, the warm spices, and the sweet apple cider sauce, this dish is perfect for holiday gatherings, weekend brunches, or just as a cozy treat for yourself. It’s versatile, easy to make, and satisfies both dessert lovers and breakfast enthusiasts alike. Whether served warm right out of the oven or as leftovers the next day, it’s sure to become a cherished recipe in your fall collection.

Enjoy this comforting, seasonal dessert that combines the best of fall’s flavors in one delicious dish!

Conclusion

Pumpkin bread pudding with apple cider butter sauce is the perfect fall dessert, combining the warmth of pumpkin, the richness of bread pudding, and the sweetness of apple cider sauce. This easy recipe offers a comforting treat that can be served as either a dessert or a brunch dish, making it a versatile choice for any occasion. Whether enjoyed warm right out of the oven or as leftovers the next day, this pumpkin bread pudding will quickly become a favorite in your fall recipe collection. Make this dish for your next family gathering or holiday meal and enjoy the delicious flavors of autumn in every bite.

---

FAQ

More Relevant Recipes

• Greek Yogurt Pumpkin Muffins
• Pumpkin Scones Recipe

Print