Carrabba’s Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe

You know that feeling when fall rolls around and you just crave something warm and comforting? Pumpkin Bread Pudding is the perfect answer.

Inspired by Carrabba’s Italian Grill, this dessert marries the rich, spicy flavors of pumpkin with the delicious, comforting texture of baked bread pudding.

It’s great for a holiday feast or just a cozy night at home. Trust me, it’s going to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You will love this Carrabba’s Pumpkin Bread Pudding?

You’ll love Carrabba’s Pumpkin Bread Pudding for its perfect blend of warm spices and rich pumpkin flavor, making it an irresistible comfort dessert. The soft, custardy bread pudding has a delightful contrast of textures—crispy on top and tender inside—creating a satisfying bite every time.

This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for cozy gatherings or holiday celebrations, and its versatility allows you to enjoy it plain or topped with whipped cream or ice cream. It’s a crowd-pleaser that captures the essence of autumn in every bite.

Ingredients for Carrabba’s Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe

• 8-10 cups (1900-2350 ml) stale bread, cut into ½ -inch pieces
• 5 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup (240 ml) pumpkin puree (about 9 oz. or 255g)
• 2 cups (480 ml) milk
• 2 cups (440 g) packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) pumpkin pie spice
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
• 1 Tablespoon (15 ml) vanilla extract
• 2 cups (480 ml) whipped cream (optional)

Equipment & Tools Required

1. 9”x13” baking dish: For baking the bread pudding.
2. Large mixing bowl: To mix the custard and bread.
3. Whisk: To combine the eggs, pumpkin puree, and other ingredients.
4. Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate measurement of ingredients.
5. Spatula or wooden spoon: To mix the bread into the custard.
6. Oven: Preheated to 350°F/175°C for baking.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes
Servings: 8-10

How to Make Carrabba’s Pumpkin Bread Pudding?

Step-01: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or butter a 9”x13” baking dish to prevent the pudding from sticking.

Step-02: Prepare the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until fully blended. Add the pumpkin puree, milk, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and vanilla extract. Whisk the mixture until all ingredients are well combined and the sugar has dissolved.

Step-03: Prepare the Bread

Cut your stale bread into 1/2-inch cubes. The choice of bread can significantly impact the texture; brioche, challah, or any soft, enriched bread works well.

Step-04: Combine Bread and Custard

Add the cubed bread into the custard mixture. Gently toss the bread to ensure each piece is coated. Lightly press down on the bread to help it absorb the custard.

Step-05: Bake the Bread Pudding

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. Check the pudding to see if the custard is set in the center and the top is golden brown. If not, continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until done.

Allow the bread pudding to cool slightly before serving. For an extra touch of indulgence, top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Creative Serving Ideas for Carrabba’s Pumpkin Bread Pudding

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm bread pudding with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The contrast between the cold ice cream and warm pudding creates a delightful dessert experience.

2. Caramel Sauce Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the bread pudding just before serving. The rich, sweet sauce enhances the flavors of the pumpkin and spices.

3. Whipped Cream Topping: A generous dollop of whipped cream adds lightness and creaminess, balancing the dense texture of the bread pudding.

4. Maple Syrup: For a breakfast-inspired twist, serve the bread pudding with a drizzle of warm maple syrup. The maple flavor complements the pumpkin spice beautifully.

5. Candied Pecans: Sprinkle candied pecans on top for added crunch and a nutty sweetness that pairs well with the pumpkin flavor.

6. Coffee or Espresso: Pair a slice of pumpkin bread pudding with a cup of strong coffee or espresso. The bitter notes of the coffee contrast nicely with the sweet, spiced dessert.

7. Chai Tea: Serve with a warm cup of chai tea. The aromatic spices in the tea echo the flavors in the bread pudding, creating a harmonious pairing.

8. Cinnamon Whipped Cream: Make cinnamon-infused whipped cream by adding a pinch of cinnamon to your whipped cream. The extra spice complements the pumpkin and adds depth to the dish.

9. Cranberry Sauce: For a festive touch, pair the bread pudding with a side of tangy cranberry sauce. The tartness of the cranberries cuts through the sweetness and adds a burst of flavor.

10. Apple Compote: Serve with a warm apple compote made from sautéed apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. The apples add a fresh, fruity element that enhances the fall flavors of the pudding.

URRecipe Community Tips on Carrabba’s Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe

1. Use Stale Bread: Stale bread is ideal for bread pudding because it absorbs the custard better without turning mushy. If your bread is fresh, you can dry it out in the oven at a low temperature for 10-15 minutes before using.

2. Choose the Right Bread: For a richer texture, use brioche, challah, or any other soft, enriched bread. These types of bread will give your pudding a tender and luxurious feel.

3. Customize Your Spice Mix: If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, create your own by mixing cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Adjust the proportions to match your taste preferences.

4. Enhance Flavor with Add-ins: Consider adding raisins, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips to the bread mixture before baking to add texture and extra flavor.

5. Let the Bread Soak: After combining the bread with the custard, let it soak for 10-15 minutes. This allows the bread to fully absorb the liquid, resulting in a more uniform and flavorful pudding.

6. Don’t Overmix: Gently fold the bread into the custard. Overmixing can break down the bread too much, leading to a mushy texture.

7. Check for Doneness: Bread pudding is done when the custard is set in the center and the top is golden brown. If the pudding still jiggles in the middle, bake it a bit longer.

8. Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on the baking time to prevent the pudding from drying out. It should be moist and custardy in the center.

9. Serve Warm: Bread pudding is best served warm, straight from the oven. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

10. Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared ahead of time. Assemble the pudding and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight, then bake just before serving. This makes it a great option for holiday gatherings or dinner parties.

How to Store Leftover and Reheat Carrabba’s Pumpkin Bread Pudding?

Store leftover Carrabba’s Pumpkin Bread Pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place a portion in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or warm the entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, until heated through. Add a little extra whipped cream or ice cream before serving, if desired.

Carrabba’s Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe

You know that feeling when fall rolls around and you just crave something warm and comforting? Pumpkin Bread Pudding is the perfect answer.

Inspired by Carrabba’s Italian Grill, this dessert marries the rich, spicy flavors of pumpkin with the delicious, comforting texture of baked bread pudding.

5 from 3 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 316 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 8-10 cups 1900-2350 ml stale bread, cut into ½ -inch pieces
• 5 large eggs beaten
• 1 cup 240 ml pumpkin puree (about 9 oz. or 255g)
• 2 cups 480 ml milk
• 2 cups 440 g packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons 10 ml pumpkin pie spice
• ½ teaspoon 2.5 ml salt
• 1 Tablespoon 15 ml vanilla extract
• 2 cups 480 ml whipped cream (optional)

Instructions

 

• Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or butter a 9”x13” baking dish to prevent the pudding from sticking.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until fully blended. Add the pumpkin puree, milk, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and vanilla extract. Whisk the mixture until all ingredients are well combined and the sugar has dissolved.
• Cut your stale bread into 1/2-inch cubes. The choice of bread can significantly impact the texture; brioche, challah, or any soft, enriched bread works well.
• Add the cubed bread into the custard mixture. Gently toss the bread to ensure each piece is coated. Lightly press down on the bread to help it absorb the custard.
• Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. Check the pudding to see if the custard is set in the center and the top is golden brown. If not, continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until done.
• Allow the bread pudding to cool slightly before serving. For an extra touch of indulgence, top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Video

Notes

Store leftover Carrabba’s Pumpkin Bread Pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place a portion in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or warm the entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, until heated through. Add a little extra whipped cream or ice cream before serving, if desired.

Keyword Carrabba’s Pumpkin Bread Pudding, Carrabba’s Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe

Common queries on Carrabba’s Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe

These commonly asked questions and their short answers will give you an better understanding of this Carrabba’s Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe

1. What is pumpkin bread pudding made of?

Pumpkin bread pudding is made with stale bread, pumpkin puree, milk, eggs, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and vanilla extract. The stale bread soaks up a spiced custard mixture, which is then baked until set.

2. What is the purpose of using stale bread in bread pudding?

Stale bread is preferred because it absorbs the custard mixture more effectively than fresh bread. Fresh bread tends to become too soggy, while stale bread holds its shape and texture better during baking.

3. How do I know when the pumpkin bread pudding is done?

The pudding is done when the custard is set in the center and the top is golden brown. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife or toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached.

4. Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread?

While stale bread is ideal for this recipe, you can use fresh bread if needed. To make fresh bread more suitable, toast it in the oven at a low temperature for 10-15 minutes to dry it out slightly.

5. Can I make this pumpkin bread pudding ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bread pudding ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight before baking. This is convenient for meal planning and helps the flavors meld together.

6. What is bread pudding sauce made of?

Bread pudding sauce can vary, but a common sauce is made from butter, brown sugar, cream, and vanilla. It’s typically cooked on the stovetop until thickened and poured over the bread pudding for added sweetness.

7. Can I use a different type of milk in this recipe?

Yes, you can use alternative milks such as almond, soy, or oat milk. Ensure that the milk you choose is unsweetened and has a similar consistency to regular milk for best results.

8. Is there a substitute for pumpkin pie spice?

If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can make your own by combining ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Adjust the proportions to taste, generally using about 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon each of nutmeg and ginger, and a pinch of cloves.

9. Why is bread pudding called bread pudding?

Bread pudding is named for its key ingredients: bread and pudding. The bread is soaked in a pudding-like custard mixture made from eggs, milk, and sugar, then baked until set. The name reflects both the main ingredient (bread) and the method of cooking (pudding).

10. Can I add other ingredients to the bread pudding?

Yes, you can customize the bread pudding by adding ingredients such as raisins, nuts, or chocolate chips. Just fold these extras into the bread mixture before baking to enhance the flavor and texture of the dessert.

This Carrabba’s Pumpkin Bread Pudding recipe is a must-try for pumpkin lovers. Its rich, creamy texture and spiced pumpkin flavor make it an irresistible dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Whether you’re enjoying it warm out of the oven or reheating it the next day, it’s the perfect treat to celebrate the flavors of the season.

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