There are certain recipes that feel like a warm blanket around your shoulders, and Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding is absolutely one of them. For me, this dessert is tied to slow Sunday mornings, when the house still smells faintly of coffee and everyone is moving a little more gently than usual. It’s the kind of dish that doesn’t just feed your family—it fills the kitchen with comfort, memories, and the promise of something sweet waiting at the table.

I still remember the first time I made this recipe on a chilly afternoon with a loaf of leftover cinnamon raisin bread that was just starting to go stale. I didn’t want to waste it, so I turned to bread pudding—a simple, old-fashioned solution that has saved countless loaves over generations. What came out of the oven was nothing short of magical: custardy on the inside, lightly crisp on top, and scented with cinnamon, vanilla, and warm spices.

Since then, this easy cinnamon raisin bread pudding has become my go-to whenever I need a cozy dessert for dinner, a comforting breakfast-for-dinner treat, or something special for holidays and family gatherings. It’s the recipe I reach for when I want to slow things down, gather everyone around the table, and serve something that feels like home.

Whether you’re making it as a quick side dish for brunch, a simple dessert for dinner, or a comforting addition to your holiday table, this baked bread pudding is guaranteed to bring smiles—and requests for seconds.

Why You’ll Love It

It uses simple pantry ingredients
You don’t need anything fancy—just bread, milk, eggs, sugar, and spices you probably already have on hand.
It’s a wonderful way to use up leftover cinnamon raisin bread.

It’s incredibly easy to prepare
This is a truly easy cinnamon raisin bread pudding that comes together in minutes.
Just mix, pour, bake, and let the oven do the work.

Perfectly soft and custardy inside
Every bite is tender and creamy in the center with a lightly golden top.
It’s the ultimate comfort texture.

Naturally sweet and warmly spiced
The cinnamon raisin bread adds built-in flavor, making every spoonful fragrant and cozy.

Great for holidays and family gatherings
This recipe feeds a crowd and fits beautifully on a holiday dessert table.

Delicious for breakfast or dessert
Serve it with coffee in the morning or vanilla ice cream after dinner—it’s perfect either way.

Ingredient Notes & Details

Cinnamon raisin bread
Day-old or slightly stale bread works best because it soaks up the custard beautifully. Fresh bread can be used, but stale gives better structure.

Milk
Whole milk creates the creamiest texture, but 2% or a dairy-free alternative can also be used.

Heavy cream
Adds richness and a velvety mouthfeel. You can substitute with more milk if needed.

Eggs
These set the custard and give the bread pudding its signature creamy center.

Brown sugar
Provides warmth, moisture, and a caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.

Granulated sugar
Balances the brown sugar and keeps the pudding light.

Ground cinnamon
Enhances the flavor already in the bread and deepens that warm spice profile.

Vanilla extract
Rounds out the sweetness and adds depth.

Salt
A pinch is all you need to balance the sugars and highlight the spices.

Butter
Used to grease the pan and dot the top for a golden, rich finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven and prepare the pan
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a baking dish generously to prevent sticking and add flavor.

Cube the bread
Cut the cinnamon raisin bread into bite-sized cubes and spread them evenly in the prepared dish.

Mix the custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt until smooth.

Pour over the bread
Slowly pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, making sure every piece is moistened.

Let it soak
Allow the bread to sit for 10–15 minutes so it can absorb the custard fully.

Add butter and bake
Dot the top with small pieces of butter and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set but still soft.

Cool slightly before serving
Let the bread pudding rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the custard to finish setting.

FAQ for Common Questions

Can I make cinnamon raisin bread pudding ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble it the night before, cover, refrigerate, and bake the next day.

What’s the best bread for bread pudding?
Cinnamon raisin bread is ideal because it already has built-in flavor and sweetness.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes. Use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk and replace cream with more milk.

Why is my bread pudding dry?
Too much bread or not enough custard can cause dryness. Make sure the bread is well soaked.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes. Freeze baked portions for up to 2 months.

Can I serve bread pudding cold?
You can, but it’s best warm for maximum flavor and texture.

Storage Tips

Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing
Freeze in individual portions for easy reheating and longer storage.

Reheating
Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) or microwave until heated through.

Variations

Apple Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding
Add diced apples for extra texture and fruitiness.

Maple Bread Pudding
Replace some sugar with maple syrup for deeper sweetness.

Nutty Bread Pudding
Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.

Pumpkin Spice Bread Pudding
Add pumpkin purée and pumpkin spice for fall flavor.

Low Sugar Bread Pudding
Reduce the sugar slightly for a lighter dessert.

Vanilla Glaze Topped Bread Pudding
Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze for bakery-style sweetness.

What to Serve with Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding

Fresh + Light Sides
Fresh berries, citrus slices, or fruit salad.

Comfort Food Pairings
Coffee, hot chocolate, or spiced tea.

Holiday Table Classics
Pumpkin pie, apple crisp, or sugar cookies.

Protein Options
Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or breakfast sausage.

Starches + Breads
Buttermilk biscuits, croissants, or toast.

Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding

This Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding is a warm, cozy dessert made with soft cubes of cinnamon-swirled bread soaked in a rich vanilla custard, baked until golden, and bursting with sweet raisins and comforting spice—perfect for chilly nights, holiday gatherings, or anytime you crave old-fashioned comfort in every bite.

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 4 cups cinnamon raisin bread cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons melted butter plus extra for greasing
• 2 cups whole milk
• 3 large eggs
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup raisins
• Optional topping: powdered sugar or vanilla glaze

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a medium baking dish with butter.
• Spread the bread cubes evenly inside the dish. Sprinkle the raisins over the bread.
• In a bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
• Slowly pour the custard mixture over the bread. Gently press the bread down so it absorbs the liquid evenly.
• Drizzle the melted butter over the top.
• Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes to allow the bread to soak fully.
• Bake uncovered for 40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
• Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with vanilla glaze if desired.