Oh my goodness, let me just say that Butterscotch Pumpkin Bread Pudding is truly a delight! As the chilly days of fall approach, there’s nothing quite like the warm, creamy comfort of this dessert to wrap you in a cozy embrace. I whip this up every year as soon as the leaves start to turn, and it never fails to remind me of family gatherings around the holidays. The sweet aroma of baking pumpkin, spices, and butterscotch fills the house, transporting me back to my grandma’s kitchen where I’d sneak spoonfuls straight from the bowl when no one was looking.
The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its deliciousness, but also in its versatility. It’s a fantastic way to use leftover bread—heck, I’ve used everything from baguettes to whole-grain loaves, and it turns out scrumptious every single time! Plus, who doesn’t love that perfect marriage of pumpkin and butterscotch? It’s like a cozy sweater for your taste buds!
What’s in Butterscotch Pumpkin Bread Pudding?
Let’s break down the ingredients, shall we? You might already have a few of these in your pantry!
Pumpkin Puree: Yes, please! This is the star of the show. I prefer using canned pumpkin for ease, but if you’re feeling adventurous, go ahead and roast your own.
Butterscotch Chips: Sweet, ooey-gooey goodness that brings a wonderful richness to the pudding. Look for quality brands like Guittard or Ghirardelli to really elevate the dessert.
Heavy Cream: This is where the magic happens! It adds a luscious creaminess that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds (or thirds!).
Milk: Who doesn’t love a good combo of cream and milk? It lightens up the mixture just a tad while still keeping it rich.
Eggs: These little wonders are essential for binding everything together—the foundation of an excellent bread pudding!
Brown Sugar: Sweet and flavorful, brown sugar adds depth and caramel notes that perfectly complement the pumpkin.
Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Ginger: A classic fall spice trio! They create a warm, inviting flavor profile that can instantly brighten up a dreary day.
Stale Bread: Almost any type works—French, brioche, or even plain old sandwich bread. Stale bread has the magic ability to soak up all that delicious custard mixture without turning to mush.
Is Butterscotch Pumpkin Bread Pudding Good for You?
Now, let’s talk about whether this delightful dish makes the cut in the “healthy” department. In a word—moderation is key.
Pumpkin Puree: Loaded with vitamins A and C, pumpkin puree is a nutritional powerhouse that supports eye health and boosts your immune system.
Heavy Cream and Eggs: They provide protein and healthy fats, but they can also add to the calorie count, so keep that in mind if you’re watching what you eat.
Brown Sugar: Sure, it sweetens things up beautifully, but it’s still sugar. A little goes a long way!
In short, while this isn’t exactly a “health food,” it’s a wonderfully comforting treat that you can enjoy every now and then without any pangs of guilt!
Ingredients List
– 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
– 1 cup butterscotch chips
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup milk
– 3 large eggs
– 3/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tsp cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp nutmeg
– 1/2 tsp ginger
– 6 cups stale bread, cubed (about 1 loaf)
*Serves about 8-10 people, depending on how generous you feel!*
How to Make Butterscotch Pumpkin Bread Pudding?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish for easy cleanup afterward.
2. In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, milk, brown sugar, and eggs. Whisk until smooth and well blended—dance around a little, that’s how I do it!
3. Stir in the spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger) until they’re evenly distributed. The aroma will be incredible!
4. Add the stale bread cubes to the custard mixture. Gently fold them in, making sure every piece is well-coated. Let it soak for about 10 minutes while you stare at it lovingly.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the butterscotch chips on top.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. The waiting is the hardest part!
7. Let it cool for a few minutes (if you can wait that long) before serving. Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent touch.
Sweet Serving Suggestions
– Want to kick it up a notch? Drizzle with caramel or hot fudge sauce.
– Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flair.
– Or, if you’re feeling extra like a top chef, add a dash of sea salt for that perfect sweet-and-salty combo!
You absolutely must give this Butterscotch Pumpkin Bread Pudding a try. Whether it’s a family gathering or just a cozy night in, it’s sure to be a hit. Be sure to let me know how it turns out, and feel free to share any personal twists you make! Happy baking!
