Christmas Pumpkin Bread Pudding is the ultimate holiday comfort dessert—warm, spiced, custardy, and dripping with buttery praline sauce. If you’re searching for easy dinner ideas, affordable meals for holiday gatherings, or simple family recipes to make your Christmas menu unforgettable, this festive bread pudding brings everything you love about cozy winter desserts into one irresistible dish. It’s rich, caramel-sweet, warmly spiced, and the perfect way to use day-old bread without wasting a single piece. Unlike traditional holiday desserts that require long prep times or complicated steps, this Christmas Pumpkin Bread Pudding comes together quickly, bakes beautifully, and fills your home with the nostalgic aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and toasted pecans. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas dinner, planning a holiday brunch, or looking for a simple recipe to share with the family, this dessert delivers all the flavor of a gourmet treat with the ease of a weeknight recipe.
This delicious dish blends creamy pumpkin custard, soft baked bread, warm spices, and a homemade praline sauce that tastes like it came straight from a Southern bakery. It’s a show-stopping dessert that doubles as comfort food, holiday nostalgia, and a budget-friendly meal option for feeding a crowd. If you love healthy cooking at home, cozy Christmas flavors, or quick weeknight recipes that feel luxurious, this Christmas Pumpkin Bread Pudding will instantly become a holiday tradition.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Budget-friendly ingredients make it perfect for affordable holiday meals and feeding large families
• Beginner-friendly recipe with simple steps—no special equipment or professional baking skills required
• Ideal for holiday meal prep recipes thanks to its easy make-ahead options
• Rich, spiced, and comforting—exactly what you expect from a Christmas dessert
• Customizable with gluten-free bread, low-sugar swaps, or dairy-free alternatives
• A crowd-pleasing dessert great for parties, potlucks, and Christmas gatherings
• Warm, cozy, and satisfying—perfect for anyone who loves classic Christmas comfort food
Ingredient Breakdown
Day-Old Bread (1 pound)
Stale bread absorbs the pumpkin custard better than fresh bread, giving the pudding a soft, luxurious texture. Use French, Italian, or challah bread for the best results. Day-old bread also makes this a budget-friendly recipe using inexpensive groceries.
Heavy Cream (1 cup)
Creates a rich, silky custard that makes the bread pudding moist and indulgent. Perfect for holiday comfort food lovers.
Half-and-Half (1 cup)
Balances richness while helping the custard soak evenly into the bread. Essential for creating a smooth, creamy texture.
Pumpkin Purée (1 can, 15 ounces)
Adds moisture, flavor, and that iconic Christmas pumpkin depth. Also boosts nutrition, making this recipe a healthier holiday dessert option.
Granulated Sugar (1 1/2 cups)
Provides sweetness and helps caramelize the top during baking. You can replace some with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
Melted Butter (3 tablespoons)
Adds richness and enhances browning. Butter helps bind the custard and bread together beautifully.
Eggs (4)
Eggs set the custard and act as the structure for the bread pudding. They give the dessert its traditional soft, custardy texture.
Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons)
Adds warmth and enhances the pumpkin spice flavor, making each bite sweeter and more aromatic.
Pumpkin Pie Spice (1 tablespoon)
A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and allspice—this creates the classic holiday flavor profile. It’s the heart of the recipe and the key to the Christmas aroma.
Praline Sauce Ingredients
• Butter (1 cup): The base of the sauce, giving richness and smooth consistency
• Heavy Cream (1 cup): Adds silkiness and helps the sauce thicken
• Brown Sugar (1 cup): Melts into a caramel-like sauce with deep holiday sweetness
• Toasted Pecans (1/2 cup): Adds crunch, warmth, and Southern-inspired praline flavor
This praline sauce turns the bread pudding from delicious to unbelievable—perfect for anyone who loves elevated holiday desserts.
Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend (Optional Homemade Mix)
• Cinnamon: Warmth and sweetness
• Nutmeg: Cozy holiday flavor
• Ginger: A touch of heat and brightness
• Cloves: Deep spice and aroma
• Allspice: Enhances all other spices
Making your own spice blend adds more control, flavor, and freshness—great for healthy cooking at home.
Pro Tips
• For the best texture, always use day-old bread to help the custard absorb evenly and prevent sogginess.
• Let the bread pudding sit for 10–15 minutes before baking so the bread fully soaks up the pumpkin mixture.
• Use toasted pecans for the praline sauce—they add more flavor depth and a satisfying crunch.
• Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking from edge to center.
• If you like crispier edges, bake a few minutes longer; for softer pudding, remove from the oven slightly earlier.
Ingredient Swaps or Variations
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free bread for a holiday dessert that works for everyone.
• Low-Sugar Variation: Swap half the sugar with a monk fruit sweetener for a healthier holiday recipe.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace dairy with coconut cream and almond milk for a rich but lactose-free dessert.
• Nut-Free Version: Replace pecans with oats or skip the praline topping entirely.
• Boozy Holiday Twist: Add a splash of rum or bourbon to the custard or the praline sauce for a festive flavor boost.
• Chocolate Chip Version: Fold chocolate chips into the bread mixture for an ultra-decadent twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Christmas Pumpkin Bread Pudding warm with generous drizzles of praline sauce. Pair it with holiday mains or accompany it with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a scoop of cinnamon gelato for a gourmet presentation. This dessert also works beautifully alongside simple salads, Christmas party appetizers, or even as part of a festive brunch spread. It pairs wonderfully with coffee, hot chocolate, or warm apple cider—perfect for creating a cozy holiday moment.
Make-Ahead + Storage Tips
This recipe is ideal for meal prep ideas and holiday planning.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the bread pudding up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Storing Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Wrap cooled bread pudding tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat at 300°F until warmed through.
Reheating: Warm in the microwave or oven. Add extra praline sauce to restore moisture and flavor.
Praline Sauce Storage: Keep separate in a jar in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat gently before serving.
Cultural or Historical Notes
Bread pudding has roots in European cuisine, where leftover bread was transformed into comforting desserts using custard and warm spices. Over time, the dish evolved into a Southern comfort classic, often served with praline or bourbon sauce. This Christmas Pumpkin Bread Pudding blends timeless holiday flavors with traditional American comfort food, making it a nostalgic dessert that feels both familiar and festive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make Christmas Pumpkin Bread Pudding ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Perfect for busy holiday cooking schedules.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat with extra praline sauce for best texture.
Can I make this recipe healthier?
Absolutely—use low-sugar substitutes, dairy-free milk, or whole-grain bread to lighten the dessert.
Can I freeze bread pudding?
Yes, this is one of the best freezer meals for holiday desserts. Freeze for up to 2 months and reheat in the oven.
What substitutions can I use for allergies?
Choose gluten-free bread, skip the pecans, or use dairy-free cream for allergen-friendly variations.
Pumpkin Praline Bread Pudding
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and place torn bread pieces inside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together heavy cream, half and half, pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth.
- Slowly pour the custard mixture over the bread pieces, ensuring all pieces are coated.
- Bake in preheated oven for about 1 hour, until set and lightly golden on top.
- While baking, prepare the praline sauce: In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine butter, heavy cream, and brown sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and stir in pecans. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Pour praline sauce over the baked bread pudding to serve.
