Southern Sweets: 9 Bread Pudding Recipes from Martha Stewart

Got leftover bread? Put it to good use with one of these rich, easy bread pudding recipes.

Published: Jul 28, 2011

<p>This warm bread pudding recipe transforms day-old bread — plus eggs and cream — into an indulgence. This version has Creole roots, with cubes of baguette and a sauce that's flavored by a healthy dose of bourbon.</p><br />

<b>Recipe:</b> <a href="/recipefinder/louisiana-bread-pudding-whiskey-sauce-recipe-mslo0711" target="_blank"><b>Louisiana Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce</b></a>

Courtesy of Martha Stewart

Bread pudding is one of those desserts whose sum is greater than its parts. Consisting of leftover or day-old bread (challah, brioche, French bread, and even cake and pastries are all good options) and a sweetened mixture of milk and eggs, this home-cooked comfort-food dish is baked until puffed and golden. Check out this collection of easy bread pudding recipes, which also includes a couple savory options for true bread-pudding aficionados.For more simple sweets, try our tempting spoonable desserts or anyone-can-bake super easy dessert recipes.

Louisiana Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce

Courtesy of Martha Stewart

Whiskey sauce, made from bourbon, sugar, and cream, is a traditional garnish for Louisiana-style French-bread pudding.

Recipe: Louisiana Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce

Banana-Raisin Bread Pudding

<p>We love egg-based challah (or brioche) for its golden color and rich texture, but you can use Italian or white sandwich bread instead. Bakery bread that's a day or two old (or sandwich bread that's gone slightly stale) also works well for bread-pudding - it may need to soak a little longer to absorb the liquid.</p><br /><p><b>Recipe:</b> <a href="/recipefinder/banana-raisin-bread-pudding-recipe-mslo0711"><b>Banana-Raisin Bread Pudding</b></a></p>

Courtesy of Martha Stewart

Egg-based challah or brioche bread work particularly well in this raisin-studded bread pudding, though you can use Italian or white sandwich bread instead.

Recipe: Banana-Raisin Bread Pudding

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Croissant Pudding

<p>As if croissants weren't good enough already, this recipe turns them into a thick, creamy, and decadent bread pudding.</p>

<p><strong>Recipe:</strong> <a href="http://gogonow.org/recipefinder/croissant-pudding-recipe-mslo0711%22%3E%3Cstrong%3ECroissant Pudding</strong></a></p>

Courtesy of Martha Stewart

As if croissants weren't good enough already, this recipe turns them into a thick, decadent bread pudding.

Recipe: Croissant Pudding

Chocolate Bread Pudding

<p>A quick chocolate custard mixture transforms cinnamon-raisin bread into this rich, puffed treat. The pudding can be served warm, room temperature, or cold.</p><br /><p><b>Recipe: <a href="/recipefinder/chocolate-bread-pudding-recipe" target="_blank">Chocolate Bread Pudding</a> </b></p>

Courtesy of Martha Stewart

A quick chocolate custard mixture transforms cinnamon-raisin bread into this rich, puffed treat. The pudding can be served warm, room temperature, or cold.

Recipe: Chocolate Bread Pudding

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Maple-Pecan Bread Pudding

<p>This french toast-inspired bread pudding will have you putting away your frying pan and breaking out a baking dish.</p>
<p><b>Recipe:</b> <a href="http://gogonow.org/recipefinder/maple-pecan-bread-pudding-recipe-mslo0711%22 target="_blank"><b>Maple-Pecan Bread Pudding</b></a></p>

Courtesy of Martha Stewart Living

Inspired by French toast, this bread pudding incorporates good-quality maple syrup directly into its egg-and-milk custard.

Recipe: Maple-Pecan Bread Pudding

Bread-and-Butter Pudding with Strawberries

Courtesy of Martha Stewart Living

Allowing bread to soak in custard batter for a full hour is the secret to a good bread-and-butter pudding.

Recipe: Bread-and-Butter Pudding with Strawberries

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Pumpkin Bread Pudding

Courtesy of Martha Stewart

Beneath the bread pudding's crusty golden top, soft cinnamon, ginger, and pumpkin-spiced custard provides a robust treat.

Recipe: Pumpkin Bread Pudding

Roasted-Parsnip Bread Pudding

Parsnips give an earthy dimension to this bread pudding, which melds cubes of brioche, grated cheese, and thyme. This vegetarian dish is yummy enough to sub for traditional stuffing. Assemble it the night before, and bake it the day of the meal.
<p><br/><strong>Recipe: <a href="http://gogonow.org/recipefinder/roasted-parsnip-bread-pudding-recipe-mslo0711?click=recipe_sr" target="_blank">Roasted-Parsnip Bread Pudding</a></strong></p>

Courtesy of Martha Stewart

Looking for a bread pudding that hits a savory note? Brioche, Parmesan cheese, and thyme make a mellow match for spicy parsnips in this savory recipe.

Recipe: Roasted-Parsnip Bread Pudding

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Camembert Asparagus Bread Pudding

<p>Pungent Camembert cheese, mushrooms, onions, and bread are layered with asparagus to produce the ultimate side dish.</p><p><b>Recipe:</b> <a href="/recipefinder/camembert-asparagus-bread-pudding-recipe-mslo0711" target="_blank"><b>Camembert Asparagus Bread Pudding</b></a></p>

Courtesy of Martha Stewart

An ideal vegetarian entrée or side dish, this savory bread pudding features pungent Camembert cheese, mushrooms, onions, and bread layered with tender-crisp asparagus.

Recipe: Camembert Asparagus Bread Pudding