Easy Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Whiskey Caramel Sauce: The Ultimate Fall Dessert Recipe

Searching for that perfect comforting dessert to welcome the crisp autumn air? Look no further! This homemade Pumpkin Bread Pudding, infused with warm fall spices, a rich pumpkin custard filling, and drizzled with a decadent caramel sauce, is an absolute showstopper. It’s the ideal crowd-pleasing dessert that brings together all the cherished flavors of the season.

As the leaves begin to change and a gentle chill fills the air, our thoughts often turn to the comforting flavors of fall, and pumpkin undoubtedly takes center stage. While pumpkin is often relegated to just a few weeks a year, I believe its rich, earthy sweetness and versatility deserve far more attention. Beyond the classic, there are so many delightful ways to enjoy this seasonal favorite. For instance, our Pumpkin Coffee Cake makes a special morning treat, and our Pumpkin Blueberry Bread offers a unique twist. But let’s be honest, when most people think of pumpkin desserts this time of year, a warm slice of Classic Pumpkin Pie usually comes to mind, and for good reason!

However, I’m here to introduce you to a new fall tradition: Pumpkin Bread Pudding. There’s something truly magical about a good bread pudding, served warm straight from the oven, perhaps with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. (Confession: I’ll pretty much eat any dessert with ice cream, but that’s a story for another time!) This particular pumpkin bread pudding is simply too delicious not to share. It takes the beloved essence of a rich pumpkin pie and transforms it into a wonderfully comforting bread pudding experience. Imagine soft, tender cubes of bread, lovingly baked in a creamy, perfectly spiced pumpkin custard, then lavishly drizzled with a homemade whiskey caramel sauce. And don’t worry, if whiskey isn’t your preference, the caramel sauce is equally divine without it. This recipe promises to be a new family favorite, perfectly capturing the cozy spirit of autumn.

Why This Pumpkin Bread Pudding Will Become Your New Fall Favorite

This isn’t just another dessert recipe; it’s a culinary experience designed for ease, flavor, and versatility. Here’s what makes our Pumpkin Bread Pudding truly special:

• Effortlessly Easy to Make: Don’t let the gourmet taste fool you. This recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. You’ll be surprised how quickly you can assemble this impressive dessert.
• Perfect for Any Gathering: Whether you’re hosting a small dinner party or a large holiday feast, this bread pudding scales beautifully. It’s designed to feed a crowd, ensuring everyone gets a taste of its fall-inspired goodness.
• Fantastic for Make-Ahead & Freezing: Planning ahead for a busy week or special event? This dessert is incredibly forgiving. You can assemble it in advance, bake it later, or even freeze the baked pudding for a ready-to-go treat whenever a craving strikes.
• Delicious Served Warm or Cold: While most prefer it warm with a melting scoop of ice cream, this bread pudding is equally delightful served chilled. It offers a different texture and flavor profile that’s perfect for a lighter dessert option.
• A Versatile Canvas for Customization: The basic recipe provides a robust foundation, making it ideal for various sauces, toppings, or fun add-ins. Get creative and make it uniquely yours!

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Pumpkin Bread Pudding

Crafting this luscious dessert starts with high-quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:

PUMPKIN PUREE: This is the heart of our pumpkin bread pudding. It’s vital to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling already contains spices and sweeteners, which can throw off the carefully balanced flavors in this recipe. Always double-check the can label!

CHALLAH BREAD: The choice of bread makes a huge difference in bread pudding. I highly recommend using challah bread because its rich, eggy texture and slight sweetness create an incredibly tender and luxurious pudding. Brioche is another excellent alternative, offering a similar soft and absorbent crumb. If neither is available, a good quality French bread will also work beautifully, just ensure it’s slightly stale for optimal absorption of the custard.

MILK AND HEAVY CREAM: This dynamic dairy duo is responsible for the incredibly rich and creamy custard that saturates the bread. While this isn’t a low-calorie dessert (and we wouldn’t want it to be!), the combination of milk and cream delivers an unparalleled luxuriousness that truly elevates the dish.

BROWN SUGAR: Brown sugar adds depth and a subtle molasses note that complements the pumpkin and spices perfectly, contributing to a wonderfully caramelized flavor.

CINNAMON, ALLSPICE, NUTMEG, CLOVES: These are the quintessential fall spices that awaken the senses and infuse the bread pudding with that unmistakable autumn aroma and flavor. The blend creates a warm, inviting profile that pairs magnificently with pumpkin.

VANILLA EXTRACT: A touch of vanilla enhances all the other flavors, adding a layer of sweet, aromatic complexity to both the pudding and the caramel sauce.

EGGS: Eggs are essential for binding the custard and giving the bread pudding its signature tender, cohesive texture. They create that custardy magic that sets this dish apart.

BUTTER: Used in both the bread pudding and the caramel sauce, butter adds richness, moisture, and a wonderfully decadent flavor.

FOR THE CARAMEL SAUCE (BROWN SUGAR, BUTTER, WHISKEY, HEAVY CREAM, VANILLA): These ingredients come together to create a silky, smooth, and deeply flavorful caramel sauce. The whiskey adds a sophisticated, warming note, but can be easily omitted for an equally delicious non-alcoholic version.

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Make Pumpkin Bread Pudding

Creating this delicious fall dessert is simpler than you might think. Just follow these easy steps:

FOR THE BREAD PUDDING:

1. Prepare Your Pan and Bread: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cut your chosen bread (challah, brioche, or French bread) into 1-inch cubes and spread them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
2. Whisk the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, eggs, packed brown sugar, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Whisk everything together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated. This forms your rich pumpkin custard.
3. Combine and Soak: Carefully pour the pumpkin custard mixture over the bread cubes in the baking dish, ensuring all the bread is well-saturated. Dot the top of the bread pudding evenly with small pieces of butter. Let the dish stand for about 5 minutes, allowing the bread to fully absorb the liquid.
4. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. The bread pudding is ready when the edges are set and lightly browned, and the center is cooked through but still delightfully moist. A knife inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.
5. Cool Slightly: Once baked, remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This allows the pudding to set a bit more and makes it easier to serve.

FOR THE CARAMEL SAUCE:

1. Melt Butter: While the bread pudding bakes, you can prepare your irresistible caramel sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
2. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the packed brown sugar, heavy cream, and the whiskey (if you’re using it). Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
3. Finish with Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. The sauce will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.
4. Serve Warm: Drizzle the warm caramel sauce generously over individual servings of the pumpkin bread pudding.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Bread Pudding

Tips and Variations to Elevate Your Bread Pudding

While this pumpkin bread pudding is exceptional as is, here are some ideas to customize and enhance your dessert:

• Customize Your Caramel Sauce: If you’re not a fan of alcohol, feel free to make the caramel sauce without the whiskey; it will still be incredibly delicious. For an even quicker option, you can certainly use a high-quality store-bought salted caramel sauce.
• Prepare Sauce in Advance: The caramel sauce can be made up to a week ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
• Alternative Cream Sauce: If you’re looking for a different topping, try a maple cream sauce! Whisk together 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup melted butter, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Heat gently until warmed through and pour over the pudding.
• Delicious Add-ins: Get creative with additions to the bread pudding mixture!
  • For a nutty crunch, sprinkle 1/2 cup of chopped pecans on top before baking.
  • Stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips (dark, milk, or semi-sweet) for a delightful melty surprise.
  • Add 1 cup of chopped white chocolate for a creamy, sweet contrast to the pumpkin.
  • For a tart and chewy element, mix in 1 cup of dried cranberries.
• Perfect Serving Companions: This bread pudding is fantastic on its own, but it truly shines when paired with certain toppings. A scoop of classic vanilla ice cream is always a hit, but for an extra pumpkin kick, try it with our No Churn Pumpkin Ice Cream! A dollop of freshly whipped cream also adds a lovely lightness.

This Pumpkin Bread Pudding is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to embrace the warm, comforting flavors of fall. Whether for a holiday gathering or a cozy night in, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Don’t hesitate to make it your own with your favorite additions and toppings!

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Don’t miss out on our latest recipes and updates! Subscribe to our newsletter and follow along on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram for all our delicious inspirations!