Bagel Bread Pudding

Cinnamon bagel bread pudding takes the best part of a bakery breakfast—a chewy cinnamon crunch bagel—and turns it into a custardy, sugar-dusted dessert with crisp edges and a soft, creamy center. As it bakes, the butter and brown sugar melt together into a caramel sauce that seeps into the bread, leaving the whole pan fragrant with cinnamon and vanilla. There’s no better dessert to cuddle up with after a hearty fall dinner.

The secret to great bread pudding lies in the balance of tastes and textures: sturdy bread that can hold its shape, a silky custard to bind it, and enough time in the oven for the two to meld. Bagels are ideal here; they’re dense enough to absorb the custard without collapsing, and their tender crumb ensures the finished pudding stays moist. You can either pick up your favorite bagels from the store or try your hand at homemade cinnamon crunch bagels!

Ingredients for Bagel Bread Pudding

• Eggs: Eggs provide structure to the bread pudding and add richness that balances out the sweetness of the bagels and sugar.
• Milk: Milk is the base of the custard, soaking into the bagels to make them tender and moist.
• Vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances the overall sweetness with its warm, floral aroma. Use homemade vanilla extract if you have it!
• Cinnamon crunch bagels: These bagels make up the bulk of the pudding, soaking up the custard to create a hearty base. The cinnamon-sugar coating adds spice and sweetness to every bite.
• Butter: Butter melts into the brown sugar to form a caramel-like sauce. It contributes richness and a glossy finish on top.
• Brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a hint of molasses flavor to the pudding. When melted with butter, it forms a sauce that caramelizes in the oven.
• Confectioners’ sugar: A dusting of confectioners’ sugar gives a delicate, sweet finish to the pudding. It also adds visual appeal with a snowy contrast against the golden top.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the custard and assemble

In a large bowl, combine the eggs, milk and vanilla. Gently stir in the bagels. Transfer the mixture to a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Let it stand for 15 minutes or until the bagels are softened.

Meanwhile, place the butter and brown sugar in a small saucepan. Cook and stir them over medium-low heat until the sugar is melted. Pour the mixture over the baking dish.

Step 2: Bake the bagel bread pudding

Bake the bread pudding, uncovered, at 350° for 45 to 50 minutes or until the top is puffed and the center is almost set. Let it stand for 15 minutes. If desired, dust it with confectioners’ sugar and serve it warm.

Bagel Bread Pudding Variations

• Drizzle it with caramel sauce: Replace the dusting of confectioners’ sugar with warm caramel sauce for a richer finish.
• Stir in nuts: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts with the bagel pieces for crunch and nutty flavor.
• Try chocolate chips: Sprinkle chocolate chips into the custard-soaked bagels to add melty pockets of sweetness.
• Use flavored extracts: Substitute almond or maple extract for the vanilla to change the pudding’s flavor profile.
• Top it with whipped cream: Serve each portion with a generous dollop of whipped cream instead of confectioners’ sugar for a bakery-style finish.

How to Store Bagel Bread Pudding

Cover the cooled bread pudding tightly with foil, or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator. For the best texture, keep the dish whole until you’re ready to serve again, rather than cutting it into pieces.

How long does bagel bread pudding last?

Bagel bread pudding will keep well in the refrigerator for three to four days when covered tightly or stored in an airtight container.

How do you reheat bagel bread pudding?

Reheat bagel bread pudding in a 350° oven, covered with foil, for about 15 to 20 minutes or until it’s warmed through. For a quicker option, warm individual portions in the microwave in short bursts, about 30 to 45 seconds at a time, until they’re heated to your liking.

Bagel Bread Pudding Tips

Should you let the bagels dry out before making bread pudding?

You don’t have to let the bagels dry out before making bread pudding, but using stale or dry bread can improve its texture. Slightly stale bagels soak up more of the custard, which helps the pudding bake up soft on the inside without turning soggy.

How do you know when bread pudding is ready?

Bread pudding is ready when the top is puffed and golden and the center looks set but still jiggles just slightly when you nudge the pan. A good test is to insert a knife into the center; if it comes out mostly clean with just a bit of custard clinging, the bread pudding is done.

How should you serve bagel bread pudding?

Serve bagel bread pudding warm, after it has rested for about 15 minutes to set the custard. It’s delicious with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar, but you can also dress it up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.