Crock Pot Bread Pudding is a cozy, no-fuss dessert made with basic ingredients and warm spices. It’s soft, rich, and gently sweet, all cooked right in your slow cooker. Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or when you just want something warm and comforting.
Why We Love This Crock Pot Bread Pudding Recipe
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. As you gather the ingredients, you’ll notice that many of them may already be in your pantry. This makes it an incredibly accessible dessert. You can easily serve this at family gatherings or even during a quiet night in. There’s something special about a dessert that is satisfying, yet uncomplicated, and this bread pudding checks all the boxes.
Not only is it easy to prepare, but using a crock pot means you can set it and forget it. You’ll have more time to spend with loved ones while your dessert cooks gently. Once it’s done, the bread pudding emerges from the cooker beautifully set, with golden edges and soft, creamy insides—perfect for serving warm with a drizzle of homemade vanilla sauce. It’s like a warm hug on a plate!
Ingredients for Crock Pot Bread Pudding
To create the perfect Crock Pot Bread Pudding, you will need the following ingredients:
- 8 cups day-old French bread, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
- 3/4 cup raisins (optional)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs, well beaten
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) salted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the vanilla sauce, gather these ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
How to Make Crock Pot Bread Pudding
Creating this delicious Crock Pot Bread Pudding involves simple steps that lead to an incredibly satisfying dessert. Start by preparing your slow cooker. Spray the inside of a 6-quart oval slow cooker with cooking spray to keep your pudding from sticking.
Next, take your day-old French bread and cut it into 1/2 inch cubes. If you choose to add raisins, toss them in with the bread cubes in the slow cooker. This will add a bit of sweetness and texture to your pudding.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, and eggs. Then, mix in the sugars, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until everything is well blended. This creamy mixture carries the flavor that will soak into your bread cubes.
Pour this liquid mixture over the bread and raisins in the slow cooker. Make sure to stir everything gently until the bread cubes are well coated. Allow the mixture to sit for about 20 minutes, giving the bread time to absorb the milky goodness. After that, stir again for even distribution.
Once everything is combined, cover the slow cooker and set it on low heat. Let it cook for about 2 1/2 to 3 hours. As it cooks, the aroma will fill your kitchen, making anticipatory hunger grow. To check if your bread pudding is ready, insert a knife into the center; it should come out clean, indicating that it is perfectly set.
While your bread pudding is cooking, you can prepare the vanilla sauce. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, whisk together the granulated sugar, butter, heavy cream, and milk. Stir until the sugar has dissolved, which should take about 5 minutes. Remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This sauce will add the finishing touch to your warm bread pudding.
When your pudding is cooked to perfection, slice it into portions and serve it warm, drizzling your delicious vanilla sauce on top. The combination of textures and flavors will surely leave everyone coming back for more!
How to Serve Crock Pot Bread Pudding
Serving your Crock Pot Bread Pudding is as delightful as making it. Once you’ve removed the pudding from the crock pot and sliced it, allow your guests to take their pick of their serving size. For a beautiful presentation, consider placing each slice on a plate and drizzling the warm vanilla sauce generously over the top.
You can also sprinkle a touch of cinnamon or some fresh berries as a finishing touch, enhancing both the aesthetic and flavor. This dish pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for those who enjoy added richness.
If you’re hosting an event, consider serving the bread pudding as part of a dessert buffet. That way, your guests can indulge in their other favorite sweets while coming back to savor this comforting treat. Serve it in small ramekins or bowls for an elegant touch that makes every person feel special.
Expert Tips: Crock Pot Bread Pudding
Creating a memorable Crock Pot Bread Pudding may seem simple, but a few expert tips can help elevate your dish.
Use Day-Old Bread: Fresh bread holds more moisture and may lead to a soggy pudding. Day-old French bread is ideal because it has dried out enough to soak up the custard without becoming too mushy.
Customize the Ingredients: Don’t hesitate to experiment with your add-ins. Consider using chocolate chips, nuts, or even different dried fruits. Each ingredient can change the flavor profile, allowing you to make this dessert your own.
Check Cooking Time: Every slow cooker is different, so cooking times may vary. Start checking for doneness around the 2.5-hour mark, and adjust accordingly.
Make It Ahead: This pudding can be prepared a day ahead. Just mix everything and keep it in the refrigerator. On the day you want to serve it, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking.
Serve Immediately: Bread pudding is best when served fresh out of the crock pot. If you need to keep it warm, set it to the keep warm function on your slow cooker to maintain its temperature without overcooking.
How to Store Crock Pot Bread Pudding
If you happen to have leftovers of your delectable Crock Pot Bread Pudding, storing it is straightforward. Allow the bread pudding to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick treat or use the oven to warm the leftovers gently—just be sure to cover it with foil to avoid drying it out. If you want to prolong its shelf life, consider freezing the bread pudding before drizzling with vanilla sauce. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then warm it.
Variations of Crock Pot Bread Pudding
While the classic version of Crock Pot Bread Pudding is incredible on its own, there are various ways to switch things up and make it even more exciting.
Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding: Add a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the bread mixture for a rich, dessert-like version that chocolate lovers will adore.
Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding: Dice fresh apples and add them in with the bread. The apples will soften and release juicy sweetness that complements the cinnamon.
Banana Bread Pudding: Use banana bread instead of French bread for an entirely new flavor. You can also add sliced bananas into the mixture for extra banana flavor.
Nutty Bread Pudding: Sprinkle in some chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture contrast that complements the softness of the pudding beautifully.
Pumpkin Spice Bread Pudding: For fall flavors, add canned pumpkin puree and increase the spices. This will turn your bread pudding into a cozy, seasonal dessert that celebrates autumn.
FAQ About Crock Pot Bread Pudding
What type of bread works best for Crock Pot Bread Pudding?
Using day-old French bread gives the best texture and flavor. Its sturdiness allows it to soak up the custard without turning mushy.
How do you know when the bread pudding is done?
You can check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center. If it comes out clean, your bread pudding is ready to serve.
Can I leave out the raisins?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of raisins, feel free to omit them or replace them with your favorite dried fruits or nuts.
Is it possible to make Crock Pot Bread Pudding gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the French bread for a gluten-free bread option, maintaining the same delightful flavors.
Can you reheat leftovers?
Yes, leftover Crock Pot Bread Pudding can easily be reheated in the microwave or oven. Just be sure to cover it to retain moisture.
Crock Pot Bread Pudding
Equipment
- Crock Pot
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 8 cups day-old French bread cut into 1/2 inch cubes
- 0.75 cup raisins (optional)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs well beaten
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 0.25 cup light brown sugar packed
- 0.25 cup salted butter melted (1/2 stick)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup granulated sugar for vanilla sauce
- 0.5 cup salted butter for vanilla sauce
- 0.33 cup heavy cream for vanilla sauce
- 0.25 cup milk for vanilla sauce
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract for vanilla sauce
Instructions
- Spray the inside of a 6-quart oval slow cooker with cooking spray.
- Cut the day-old French bread into 1/2 inch cubes and place in the slow cooker. Add raisins if using.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugars, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well blended.
- Pour the mixture over the bread and raisins. Stir gently to coat. Allow to sit for 20 minutes to absorb the liquid.
- Cover and cook on low for 2.5 to 3 hours until set. Check by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.
- While the pudding cooks, prepare the vanilla sauce by whisking together sugar, butter, heavy cream, and milk in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until the sugar dissolves. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Once the bread pudding is done, slice and serve warm, drizzling with vanilla sauce.
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