Heartwarming Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Bread Pudding Recipe

Cinnamon bread pudding emerges as a soul-warming delicacy that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary embrace.

Fragrant whispers of nutmeg and vanilla dance through your kitchen, promising comfort beyond mere sustenance.

Velvety custard caresses crisp bread edges, weaving a tapestry of sensory bliss that melts resistance.

Generations have cherished this humble dessert, passing down recipes like precious family heirlooms.

Each spoonful carries echoes of grandmother’s love, rich with memories and warmth.

Surprisingly simple to create, this dessert requires minimal skill but delivers maximum satisfaction.

Check out this delectable journey and let cinnamon bread pudding redefine your dessert expectations.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Calories: 520 kcal

Servings: 8

What You’ll Need for Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Bread Pudding

• Day-Old Bread: Select slightly stale bread with firm texture for better absorption of custard.
• Walnuts: Choose fresh, crisp nuts without any rancid smell or discoloration.

• Milk, Cream: Use full-fat dairy for richer, smoother texture.
• Eggs: Select fresh, room-temperature eggs for smoother blending.
• Sugar: Opt for granulated white sugar for consistent sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Pick pure vanilla for deeper, more authentic flavor.
• Liqueur: Select optional complementary flavor like amaretto or rum.
• Salt: Use fine sea salt for balanced taste enhancement.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Select premium, creamy vanilla for classic pairing.
• Whipped Cream: Choose high-fat content cream for stable, fluffy topping.

Essential Equipment for Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Bread Pudding

• Medium Mixing Bowl: Perfect for whisking custard ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Essential for blending eggs, milk, and other ingredients without lumps.
• 2-Quart Baking Dish: Ideal size for assembling and baking the bread pudding.
• Knife: Needed for dicing bread into even 1-inch cubes and chopping walnuts.
• Roasting Pan: Large enough to hold the baking dish for creating a water bath.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Oven: Preheated to 350°F for consistent, even baking.
• Simmering Pot: Used to prepare hot water for the water bath technique.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Helpful for spreading bread and mixing ingredients.

Steps to Prepare Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Bread Pudding

• Fire Up the Oven

Blast the oven to a toasty 350°F. Nestle the rack smack in the middle for baking magic. Grab a roomy baking dish and have it ready to roll.

• Whip Together the Dreamy Custard

In a mixing bowl, unleash your inner chef and blend milk, cream, eggs, and a splash of sweetness. Sprinkle in some vanilla and a tiny pinch of salt. Whisk until the mixture looks silky and inviting, with no lumps in sight.

• Build Your Bread Foundation

Chop up day-old bread into bite-sized chunks. Toss in a handful of crunchy walnuts for extra excitement. Spread the bread and nuts across your baking dish like a cozy blanket. Pour the luscious custard over everything, letting each morsel soak up the goodness. Give it a quick 15-minute rest to develop deep, rich flavors.

• Create the Water Bath Technique

Bring a kettle of water to a gentle simmer. Dust the top with a sprinkle of sugar for a sweet crackle. Carefully place your baking dish into a larger pan. Gently pour the hot water around the dish, creating a steamy cocoon that helps the pudding bake evenly.

• Bake into Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into the waiting oven. Let it bake for about an hour until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the custard sets with a gentle wobble. The pudding should look puffy and tempting, practically begging to be devoured.

• Serve with Love

Rescue the dish from its hot water bath. Let it cool for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to settle. Serve up this warm, custardy delight. Crown it with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream or a fluffy cloud of whipped cream for the ultimate dessert experience.

Flavor Changes and Notes for Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Bread Pudding

Mix up this classic dessert with these delightful tips and clever variations.

Experiment with different bread varieties like brioche, challah, or even croissants for unique textures and flavors. Stale or day-old bread works best to soak up the creamy custard perfectly.

Toss in dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots for bursts of sweetness. Sprinkle chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or caramel bits to create your signature twist on this comforting dessert.

Play with warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to elevate the pudding’s depth. Zest some orange or lemon peel into the custard for a bright, citrusy undertone that will make taste buds dance.

Drizzle homemade caramel sauce, bourbon-spiked butterscotch, or rich chocolate ganache over the top. Serve with a scoop of gelato, dust with powdered sugar, or pair with a dollop of mascarpone cream for restaurant-worthy presentation.

Serving Tips for Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Bread Pudding

• Sprinkle with Sweet Delight: Dust the bread pudding with powdered sugar for a delicate, snowy finish that adds a touch of elegance.
• Drizzle Caramel Magic: Pour warm caramel sauce over the top, letting it cascade down the sides and create a rich, golden layer of indulgence.
• Crown with Creamy Coolness: Top with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, creating a delightful contrast between the warm pudding and cold, smooth ice cream.
• Garnish with Nutty Crunch: Scatter extra toasted walnuts or pecans over the pudding for a delightful textural surprise and added nutty flavor.

Storage Advice for Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Bread Pudding

• Preserve Freshness: Store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cool environment keeps the dessert moist and prevents bacterial growth.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen bread pudding stays delicious for 2-3 months, perfect for unexpected sweet cravings.
• Reheat with Care: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or restore oven-fresh texture by placing in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Add a splash of milk to prevent dryness and revive the creamy consistency.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the entire pudding ahead of time, refrigerate unbaked, and pop it in the oven when ready to serve. This make-ahead strategy saves time and ensures a stress-free dessert experience for gatherings or busy weeknights.

Warm Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Bread Pudding Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Warming comfort comes from this pioneer woman cinnamon bread pudding, a classic dessert blending rich custard with tender bread cubes. Caramel and cinnamon notes meld perfectly, inviting you to savor each luxurious spoonful.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz cinnamon challah (or plain challah or brioche), approximately 7 cups
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped
• ⅓ cup nut-flavored liqueur (such as Di Saronno or Frangelico)
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon (if using plain bread)
• ½ cup granulated sugar, plus 1 tbsp for garnish
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp kosher salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat: Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C), positioning the rack centrally for uniform heat circulation.
2. Custard Creation: Whisk whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, liqueur, vanilla extract, and salt until silky smooth, ensuring complete ingredient integration.
3. Bread Preparation: Distribute bread cubes and walnuts evenly across a 2-quart baking dish, creating a robust base layer for the pudding.
4. Custard Infusion: Pour the prepared custard over the bread and nuts, allowing 15-20 minutes of resting time for thorough liquid absorption and flavor melding.
5. Water Bath Setup: Prepare hot water and generously sprinkle additional sugar atop the soaked mixture to develop a caramelized exterior.
6. Baking Process: Position the baking dish within a larger roasting pan, adding simmering water halfway up the dish’s sides, then transfer to the preheated oven.
7. Final Baking: Cook for 50-60 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the custard sets with a gentle tremor when nudged.
8. Serving: Rest the pudding for 5-10 minutes, then serve warm with vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream for a decadent finish.

Notes

• Soak Strategically: Let bread cubes rest in custard for 15-20 minutes to absorb maximum flavor and achieve perfect texture.
• Master the Water Bath: Use simmering water carefully to create gentle, even heat that prevents custard from cracking or becoming rubbery.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Look for a golden-brown top and a custard that jiggles slightly when gently shaken, indicating perfect baking.
• Serve with Style: Enhance the dessert by pairing with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to elevate the rich, comforting flavors.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg