Pumpkin Pie Bread Pudding with Challah – Best Fall Recipe

Pumpkin Pie Bread Pudding with Challah combines the comforting flavors of autumn with a decadent twist, making it a perfect treat for any fall gathering. The rich and spiced pumpkin filling pairs beautifully with the soft, buttery challah bread, creating a dessert that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze and optional pecan topping, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that adds warmth to any occasion.

Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Pie Bread Pudding with Challah

This Pumpkin Pie Bread Pudding with Challah is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience. The use of challah bread provides a unique texture that’s both airy and slightly sweet, perfect for soaking up the rich pumpkin custard. Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast, a cozy family dinner, or a birthday celebration, this dessert is sure to impress. It’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy the festivities without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Pumpkin Pie Bread Pudding with Challah:

• Challah Bread: This soft, egg-based bread adds a sweet, rich flavor and a perfect texture that holds up beautifully in the custard.
• Pumpkin: Essential for that signature fall flavor. Use canned pumpkin for ease or roasted fresh pumpkin for a more intense taste.
• Eggs: The binding agent in this recipe, providing structure and richness to the custard.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Adds a creamy texture that makes the pudding decadently smooth.
• Whole Milk: Balances out the richness of the cream while adding a velvety texture.
• White and Brown Sugar: These sugars bring sweetness and depth to the pudding, with brown sugar contributing a slight molasses flavor.
• Vanilla: For a warm, aromatic base flavor that enhances the pumpkin and spices.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice and Cinnamon: The classic fall spices that give this dessert its signature pumpkin pie flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness to the custard and helps create a golden-brown crust when baked.

Pecan Topping:

• Pecans: These add a nutty crunch that complements the soft bread pudding and enhances the overall texture.
• Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps form a crumbly, caramelized topping.
• Butter: To bind the topping together and add richness.

Cream Cheese Glaze:

• Cream Cheese: The base for the glaze, making it smooth and tangy.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the glaze while keeping it silky smooth.
• Butter: Adds a luxurious richness to the glaze.
• Heavy Cream: Thin out the glaze and gives it a pourable consistency.
• Vanilla and Pumpkin Pie Spice: Flavor enhancers that tie the glaze back to the bread pudding’s warm, spiced notes.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to make adjustments due to dietary restrictions or ingredient availability, here are some suggestions:

• Challah Substitutes: If you can’t find challah, use brioche or a similar egg-based bread for a comparable texture and sweetness.
• Non-Dairy Options: Swap the heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a dairy-free version. Use a non-dairy butter for the pecan topping and glaze.
• Sugar Alternatives: For a lower-sugar version, try using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit.
• Nuts: If you don’t have pecans, walnuts make a great alternative, or omit the nuts entirely for a nut-free dessert.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 13×9 inch baking dish generously.
2. Prepare the Challah: Cut the challah bread into ¾-inch chunks and place them into the prepared dish.
3. Mix the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin, heavy cream, milk, white sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon until fully combined.
4. Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture over the challah bread, pressing the bread down gently to ensure it absorbs the custard. Let it sit for about 30 minutes to allow the bread to soak in the custard.
5. Prepare the Pecan Topping: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, diced pecans, and softened butter. Mix until crumbly, then sprinkle evenly over the bread pudding.
6. Bake the Bread Pudding: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Make the Glaze: While the pudding is baking, prepare the cream cheese glaze. In a mixer, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, heavy cream, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix until smooth, then heat in the microwave for about 15 seconds to thin the glaze to a pourable consistency.
8. Finish the Pudding: Once the bread pudding is done, remove it from the oven. Drizzle half of the cream cheese glaze over the top, then let it cool for 30 minutes before drizzling with the remaining glaze. Serve with extra glaze on the side.

Tips & Tricks

• Soak the Bread: Be sure to let the bread soak in the custard for at least 30 minutes to ensure the bread absorbs the flavor. If you have time, you can prepare the pudding the night before and let it soak overnight.
• Texture Check: If the bread pudding looks too dry before baking, pour a bit more custard over it to ensure it’s properly soaked. The bread should be soft, but not falling apart.
• Add Extra Flavor: If you like more spice, feel free to add extra cinnamon or a pinch of ground ginger for a zesty twist.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

This Pumpkin Pie Bread Pudding with Challah pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced chai or a rich coffee. For a holiday twist, serve it alongside whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also add a spoonful of caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.

For variations, try adding chocolate chips to the custard for a rich, gooey treat, or make it a spicier version with a bit of fresh grated ginger. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated for a delicious breakfast or dessert the next day.

Seasonal Twist

Pumpkin Pie Bread Pudding with Challah is a perfect fall dessert, capturing the essence of the season with the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices. It’s also a great choice for Thanksgiving or any autumn-themed gathering, adding a unique touch to your dessert table. Make it ahead of time to save time during the holiday rush!

Conclusion

Pumpkin Pie Bread Pudding with Challah is the ultimate fall dessert, offering a perfect balance of warmth, sweetness, and comfort. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests at a holiday gathering or treat your family to a cozy, indulgent dessert, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy. The combination of challah bread, spiced pumpkin custard, and the rich cream cheese glaze creates a mouthwatering dessert that everyone will love. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, it’s a dessert anyone can make and enjoy. Don’t forget to top it with pecans for an added crunch that will elevate the flavors even more.

FAQ

More Relevant Recipes

• Pecan Pie Bread Pudding: This recipe is a delightful twist on the classic pecan pie, transforming it into a rich and indulgent bread pudding. The combination of pecans, brown sugar, and a buttery custard gives this dessert a similar comforting texture and flavor to Pumpkin Pie Bread Pudding with Challah, making it perfect for fall gatherings.
• Pumpkin Better Than Sex Cake: This moist, decadent cake features layers of pumpkin and spice, similar to the warm flavors of the pumpkin bread pudding. Topped with a sweet, creamy glaze, this cake is an irresistible treat for those who love pumpkin-based desserts with a twist of indulgence.
• Crescent Pumpkins with Cream Cheese and Pumpkin Pie Filling: A fun, bite-sized dessert that combines the comforting flavors of pumpkin pie with flaky crescent dough. This simple treat is perfect for those who enjoy pumpkin-flavored desserts but are looking for a quicker and more portable option.

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