Transform leftover sourdough bread into a rich and comforting dessert with this Sourdough Bread Pudding Recipe. The tangy flavor of sourdough pairs beautifully with a creamy custard base, creating a unique twist on the traditional bread pudding. Perfect for cozy family dinners, holiday feasts, or just a sweet indulgence, this recipe is easy to make and endlessly customizable.
Why Sourdough Bread Pudding Is a Must-Try
Sourdough bread pudding is a delightful way to use up day-old bread while creating a dessert that feels luxurious and satisfying. The tangy sourdough adds depth to the dish, balancing the sweetness of the custard. It’s versatile enough to include flavors like chocolate, fruits, or nuts, making it suitable for any occasion.
For more comforting dessert ideas, visit our Dessert Category. Pair this pudding with our Peach Crumble Recipe for a dessert duo that will impress any guest.
Ingredients for Sourdough Bread Pudding
Bread and Custard Base
- 4 cups sourdough bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (slightly stale is best)
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk (or cream for a richer pudding)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dates
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Topping (Optional)
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp sugar (for a caramelized top)
For Serving
- Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel or bourbon sauce
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sourdough Bread Pudding
1: Prepare the Bread
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the sourdough bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast lightly for 5-7 minutes.
2: Make the Custard
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3: Combine Bread and Custard
- Place the toasted sourdough cubes in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, pressing gently to ensure all pieces are soaked.
4: Add Toppings
- Sprinkle optional add-ins like raisins, chocolate chips, or nuts between the layers or on top.
- Brush the melted butter over the top and sprinkle with sugar for a caramelized crust.
5: Bake the Pudding
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
6: Serve and Enjoy
- Let the pudding cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Pair this bread pudding with our French Toast Recipe for a sweet brunch option.
Customizing Your Sourdough Bread Pudding
- Add Fruits: Include fresh or dried fruits like apples, bananas, or berries.
- Spice It Up: Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the custard for a boozy twist.
- Make It Chocolatey: Use cocoa powder in the custard or add a layer of chocolate ganache on top.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute sourdough with gluten-free bread.
For more creative recipes, visit our Baking Category.
Tips for Perfect Sourdough Bread Pudding
- Use Stale Bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better without becoming too mushy.
- Toast the Bread: Lightly toasting the bread adds structure and enhances flavor.
- Chill for Flavor: Let the bread soak in the custard for at least 30 minutes before baking for a more cohesive dish.
- Serve Warm: Bread pudding tastes best when served warm and fresh from the oven.
Pair this dessert with our Blueberry Bagel Recipe for a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors.
Serving Suggestions for Sourdough Bread Pudding
- With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream adds an extra layer of indulgence.
- For Breakfast: Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup and a side of fresh fruit for a decadent brunch option.
- At a Party: Slice into squares and serve with individual toppings for an elegant presentation.
- As a Gift: Bake in mini ramekins or jars and gift to friends and family.
Nutrition Facts for Sourdough Bread Pudding
Average per serving (based on a 1-cup portion):
- Calories: 250–350
- Protein: 6–10g
- Carbohydrates: 30–45g
- Sugars: 18–25g
- Dietary Fiber: 2–4g
- Total Fat: 8–12g
- Saturated Fat: 3–6g
- Sodium: 250–400mg
This Sourdough Bread Pudding combines the tangy, rich flavors of sourdough with creamy custard and sweet toppings. It’s a satisfying dessert or brunch dish packed with warmth and comfort.
Regional Variations of Sourdough Bread Pudding
Sourdough Bread Pudding adapts beautifully to various culinary traditions:
Classic American Sourdough Bread Pudding
- Ingredients: Sourdough bread, milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Flavor Profile: Sweet, creamy, and mildly tangy.
- Pairing: Serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce or vanilla ice cream.
New Orleans-Style Bread Pudding
- Ingredients: Add whiskey or rum sauce and a touch of cinnamon.
- Flavor Profile: Bold, spiced, and indulgent.
- Pairing: Garnish with whipped cream and raisins for authenticity.
British-Inspired Bread and Butter Pudding
- Ingredients: Layer buttered sourdough slices with dried fruits and custard.
- Flavor Profile: Rich, buttery, and fruity.
- Pairing: Best enjoyed with custard or a splash of cream.
Tropical Sourdough Bread Pudding
- Ingredients: Coconut milk, pineapple chunks, and a hint of lime zest.
- Flavor Profile: Sweet, tropical, and refreshing.
- Pairing: Add toasted coconut flakes for texture.
Savory Sourdough Bread Pudding
- Ingredients: Replace sugar with cheese, herbs, and sautéed vegetables.
- Flavor Profile: Savory, cheesy, and herbaceous.
- Pairing: Serve as a side dish with roast chicken or turkey.
Fun Cooking Techniques for Kids
Involve kids in preparing the Sourdough Bread Pudding with these simple tasks:
Tearing the Bread
- Activity: Let kids tear sourdough bread into bite-sized pieces.
- Learning Outcome: Teaches them texture awareness and improves hand coordination.
Whisking the Custard
- Activity: Allow kids to whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla.
- Learning Outcome: Introduces them to basic baking techniques.
Layering Ingredients
- Activity: Encourage kids to layer the bread and toppings in the baking dish.
- Learning Outcome: Sparks creativity and builds their understanding of layering.
Sprinkling Garnishes
- Activity: Help kids sprinkle cinnamon, nuts, or chocolate chips on top before baking.
- Learning Outcome: Encourages artistic expression and attention to detail.
Kitchen Tools to Elevate Sourdough Bread Pudding
- Mixing Bowls
- Useful for whisking custard and mixing add-ins.
- Whisk or Electric Mixer
- Ensures a smooth custard without lumps.
- Baking Dish
- Use a deep dish to evenly bake the pudding and hold the custard.
- Bread Knife
- Handy for slicing sourdough into uniform pieces.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Essential for accurate proportions of ingredients.
- Spatula
- Helps spread the custard mixture evenly over the bread.
- Oven Thermometer
- Ensures the pudding bakes at the correct temperature.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Stale Bread Without Reviving It
- Slightly dry bread works best, but overly stale bread should be moistened with a little milk before use.
- Skipping Soaking Time
- Allow the bread to soak in the custard for 15–30 minutes to absorb maximum flavor.
- Overbaking the Pudding
- Bake until the center is just set to keep the texture moist and creamy.
- Neglecting the Water Bath (Optional)
- Use a water bath for a softer texture if preferred.
- Underseasoning the Custard
- Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors of the bread and custard.
Creative Add-Ins
- Dried Fruits
- Add raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots for sweetness.
- Chocolate
- Sprinkle with chocolate chips or swirl melted chocolate into the custard.
- Spices
- Incorporate cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for warmth.
- Nuts and Seeds
- Top with chopped pecans, almonds, or sunflower seeds for crunch.
- Fruits
- Fold in fresh apples, bananas, or berries for a fruity twist.
How to Double or Scale Sourdough Bread Pudding
- Use a Larger Dish
- Select a bigger baking dish to accommodate increased portions.
- Adjust Soaking Time
- Let the bread soak longer when doubling the recipe to ensure even absorption.
- Divide into Individual Portions
- Prepare in ramekins for personal-sized servings.
- Offer Topping Options
- Set up a topping bar with sauces, nuts, and whipped cream for guests to customize.
How to Store Sourdough Bread Pudding
- Refrigeration
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing
- Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating
- Warm in the oven at 300°F, covered with foil, to prevent drying out.
- Storing Sauces Separately
- Keep sauces or toppings separate to preserve freshness.
Sourdough Bread Pudding in Culture
Bread pudding is a timeless dish with roots in frugality, transforming day-old bread into a comforting dessert. Adding sourdough elevates the flavor with its tangy complexity, making it a unique take on this classic recipe.
From British bread and butter pudding to New Orleans’s boozy versions, sourdough bread pudding bridges cultural traditions with a modern twist, celebrating sustainability and creativity.
How to Adapt Sourdough Bread Pudding for Special Diets
- Gluten-Free Option
- Use gluten-free sourdough bread to accommodate dietary needs.
- Low-Sugar
- Reduce sugar and sweeten with natural alternatives like maple syrup or stevia.
- Dairy-Free
- Replace milk and butter with almond milk, coconut milk, or plant-based alternatives.
- Vegan-Friendly
- Use a flaxseed or chia seed mixture as an egg replacement and plant-based milk.
- Keto-Friendly
- Opt for keto sourdough bread and sweeten with erythritol or monk fruit.
How to Adapt Sourdough Bread Pudding for Special Occasions
- Holiday Gatherings
- Add festive spices like allspice and ginger, and top with a brandy sauce.
- Brunch Parties
- Serve with fresh fruit compote and whipped cream for a brunch centerpiece.
- Dinner Parties
- Present in individual ramekins with caramelized sugar for a crème brûlée effect.
- Casual Family Dinners
- Keep it simple with vanilla sauce and a light dusting of powdered sugar.
- Summer Picnics
- Prepare a chilled bread pudding with citrus zest and fresh berries.
FAQs About Sourdough Bread Pudding
Can I make sourdough bread pudding ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish and refrigerate it (covered) for up to 12 hours before baking.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can I freeze bread pudding?
Yes! Freeze baked bread pudding in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
What’s the best way to reheat bread pudding?
Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 15 minutes, or microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes.
Can I use other types of bread?
Yes! Brioche, challah, or French bread also work well, but sourdough adds a unique tangy flavor.
Explore More Recipes Like These
If you enjoyed this recipe, try:
- Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe for another sourdough-inspired dessert.
- Chia Seed Pudding Recipe for a light and healthy treat.
This Sourdough Bread Pudding Recipe is a warm and inviting dessert that transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping dish. Perfect for any time of year, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Try it today and enjoy the cozy flavors of this classic comfort dessert!
