Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding Recipe

A warm serving of cinnamon raisin bread pudding is one of the simplest ways to bring comfort to the table. This classic baked dessert turns tender cubes of cinnamon raisin bread into a soft, custardy dish with cozy spice, sweet raisins, and a golden top. It is easy enough for a weekend brunch, but special enough to serve after dinner or for a holiday-style dessert.

A thick square slice of Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding topped with raisins and drizzled with white icing sits on a white plate. The bread is golden brown and appears moist and dense.

Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding

  • Classic comfort: This cinnamon raisin bread pudding is soft, warm, and satisfying, with all the familiar flavors of a traditional baked custard dessert.
  • Easy to make: The recipe uses basic ingredients and simple steps, making it approachable even if you do not bake often.
  • Moist and tender: The bread absorbs the egg and milk mixture, creating a rich texture that stays soft in the center.
  • Warm flavor: Cinnamon and vanilla give the pudding a cozy aroma and a gentle sweetness without making the recipe complicated.
  • Great for many occasions: Serve it for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or anytime you want a comforting homemade dish.

Ingredients Needed To Make Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding

Scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredient amounts and detailed instructions.

  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Cinnamon
  • Vanilla extract
  • Sugar
  • Cinnamon raisin bread
  • Raisins

Substitutions + Alternatives

Can I use regular bread?

Yes. Cinnamon raisin bread gives this dessert its signature flavor, but you can use another bread you enjoy. If using plain bread, the flavor will be milder, so you may want to keep the cinnamon, vanilla, and raisins for warmth and sweetness.

Can I use regular dairy?

Yes. Use the milk you prefer for this recipe. Whole milk, 2%, skim milk, or a dairy-free milk can work. If you want a richer result, choose a milk with more body.

Almond milk can be used, but because it is thinner than some other options, the finished texture may be slightly lighter. A thicker milk alternative is a better choice if you want a creamier bread pudding.

Before You Get Started: A Couple Notes To Help You Get The Best Results

  • Always: Read the full recipe before you begin so you know when to soak, bake, and cool the bread pudding.
  • When preparing: Let the bread soak long enough to absorb the custard. This helps create a soft, even texture throughout the pudding.
  • Oven temperatures: Baking times can vary from oven to oven. Check that the center is set and the top is golden before removing the dish from the oven.

How To Make Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding

  1. Whisk the eggs, milk, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and sugar together until smooth.
  2. Add the cubed cinnamon raisin bread to a prepared baking dish.
  3. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, making sure the cubes are well coated.
  4. Let the bread soak for 30 minutes so it can absorb the custard mixture.
  5. Bake at 350°F until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
  6. Let the bread pudding cool before slicing and serving.
A loaf of sliced raisin bread, perfect for Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding, is arranged on a light cutting board, with some slices cut into small cubes. The bread has a brown crust and visible raisins inside.
A glass baking dish filled with chunks of cinnamon raisin bread pudding, mixed with raisins or chocolate chips, prepared for baking on a white marble countertop.
A glass baking dish filled with golden-brown Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding made from cubed bread with raisins, sitting on a white surface.

Variations & Substitutions

  • Bread: Try brioche, challah, or stale croissants for a richer version. Cinnamon raisin bread is still the easiest way to get the classic flavor.
  • Sweetener: Adjust the sugar to your taste. Maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar can also be used for a different sweetness and flavor.
  • Spices: Add a small amount of nutmeg, cardamom, or cloves if you want a deeper spice profile.
  • Add-ins: Dried fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips can be mixed in for extra texture.
  • Sauce: Serve with caramel, maple syrup, or custard sauce if you want a more decadent dessert.

Commonly Asked Questions

Can I use stale bread?

Absolutely. Stale bread is excellent for bread pudding because it absorbs the custard well. If your bread is fresh, you can let it sit out for a while or dry it gently in the oven before adding the custard.

Can I make this bread pudding ahead of time?

Yes. Let the baked bread pudding cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through.

Can I use a different type of milk?

Yes. Whole milk, 2%, skim milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream can be used. A richer milk or cream will make the bread pudding creamier.

Can I freeze bread pudding?

Yes. Cool the bread pudding completely, place it in an airtight freezer-safe container, and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

A thick square slice of Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding topped with raisins and drizzled with white icing sits on a white plate. The bread is golden brown and appears moist and dense.

Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding

Danielle Cochran

This cinnamon raisin bread pudding is a cozy baked dessert with a soft custard center, golden top, sweet raisins, and warm cinnamon flavor.
Prep Time 15
Cook Time 50
Soaking + Cooling Time 1 30
Total Time 2 35
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 455 kcal

Equipment

  • 9×13 baking dish with 2-inch sides
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Nonstick spray

Ingredients

  • 4 eggs
  • 2 ½ cups milk
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 5 cups cinnamon raisin bread cubed into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tbsp raisins for topping

Instructions

  • Spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray. For a deeper bread pudding, use a 7×10 baking dish.
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and sugar until well combined.
  • Add the cubed cinnamon raisin bread to the prepared baking dish. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes, making sure all pieces are soaked.
  • Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes so the bread can fully absorb the custard.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
  • Remove from the oven and let the bread pudding cool for 1 hour before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to slice.
  • Top with additional raisins before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Calories: 455kcal
Carbohydrates: 82g
Protein: 14g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Sodium: 460mg
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 25g

This cinnamon raisin bread pudding tastes like a dessert that took hours, but the method is wonderfully simple. The bread soaks up the cinnamon-vanilla custard, the raisins add little pockets of sweetness, and the baked top turns golden while the inside stays soft and tender. Serve it warm for a cozy brunch, let it cool for clean slices, or dress it up with your favorite sauce for a special dessert.

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