This is the most phenomenal Challah Bread Pudding. My family devoured it within minutes of coming out of the oven. Don’t skip the bread pudding sauce — it makes the dish.
My husband insists that any woman hoping to win a husband should make this Challah Bread Pudding for the lucky man. High praise, but the pudding really is that good.
If you enjoy comforting breakfast recipes, try my Sourdough French Toast Recipe or Tropical Fruit Salad for more ideas.
Table of Contents
- What is Challah Bread?
- Why Make Bread Pudding With Challah Bread?
- What is Bread Pudding?
- What Does Bread Pudding Taste Like?
- Ingredients for Challah Bread Pudding
- How to Make Challah Bread Pudding
- More Dessert Recipes
- Challah Bread Pudding Recipe
What is Challah Bread?
Challah (pronounced “hallah”) is a traditional braided Jewish bread made for special occasions. It’s rich, thanks to a generous amount of eggs, and is often sweetened with honey. Leftover challah is perfect for turning into a luxurious bread pudding.
Why Make Bread Pudding With Challah Bread?
- Challah is a rich, eggy bread that produces an especially tender, custardy pudding.
- It’s adaptable: try adding cocoa or chocolate chips for a chocolate version, or serve with caramel, bourbon, or Kahlúa cream sauce for variety.
- Warm bread pudding is always crowd-pleasing—fluffy, slightly crisp on top, and comforting inside.
What is Bread Pudding?
Bread pudding is a dessert made by soaking bread in a custard of eggs, milk, sugar and spices, then baking until set. It’s commonly served with a buttery cream or caramel sauce — mine is topped with a rich Bread Pudding Sauce that you won’t want to miss.
Stale bread works best because it soaks up the custard more effectively. You can bake one large pudding to slice or use individual ramekins for single servings. It also makes a great make-ahead breakfast: assemble the pudding, refrigerate overnight, and bake in the morning.
What Does Bread Pudding Taste Like?
Think of French toast but lighter and custardier. The top becomes lightly crisp while the interior remains soft and creamy, with slightly firmer edges. It’s the kind of dessert that quickly becomes a favorite.
Ingredients for Challah Bread Pudding
Simple ingredients are all you need:
- Challah bread: A few days old is best so it soaks up the custard.
- Eggs: Whole eggs create the custardy texture.
- Evaporated milk (or whole milk): Evaporated milk adds richness.
- Sugar: Granulated or brown sugar both work.
- Warm spices: Vanilla extract, ground cinnamon and nutmeg for depth of flavor.
See the recipe card below for the full ingredient list with measurements.
How to Make Challah Bread Pudding
1. Arrange slices of challah in an 8×8-inch (or 2.3-quart) baking dish. You can cut the bread into 1-inch cubes or leave larger slices—both work well.
2. Whisk together the eggs, evaporated (or whole) milk, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla until well combined to form a flavorful custard.
3. Pour the custard over the bread, pressing gently so the liquid begins to soak in. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to absorb. Meanwhile preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Bake until the pudding is puffed and golden on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a little residue—about 30–35 minutes.
5. The pudding will rise while baking and then sink slightly as it cools—that’s normal. Once it’s out of the oven, pour your bread pudding sauce over the top and let it rest for 5 minutes so the sauce soaks in.
If you don’t have challah, other breads like french bread will work—this dessert is forgiving and always comforting. Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of ice cream.
This bread pudding is perfect for entertaining: bake it while the main course is enjoyed, then bring out a warm, homey dessert that everyone will love.
More Dessert Recipes
- Salted Caramel Cake
- Butter Pecan Pound Cake
- Cinnamon Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Cinnamon Rolls With Apple Pie Filling
- Red Velvet Cake (Without Buttermilk)
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Challah Bread Pudding
Ingredients
- 8 slices challah bread 1/2 inch thick
- 6 large eggs
- 12 oz evaporated milk or whole milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
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Arrange the bread in an 8×8-inch baking pan or a 2.3-quart baking dish.
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Crack the eggs into a large bowl. Add the milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and sugar, then whisk until combined.
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Pour the custard over the bread and let it sit for about 5 minutes while you preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Bake in the preheated oven for about 30–35 minutes, until puffed and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Pour bread pudding sauce over the baked pudding and let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting and serving.
Notes
2. Don’t skip the bread pudding sauce — it elevates the dessert. Let the sauce soak in a few minutes before serving.