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There’s nothing quite like a warm, Southern bread pudding fresh out of the oven—rich, custardy, and brimming with homestyle flavor.
Whether you’re working with day-old cornbread, buttery brioche, or simple white bread, Southern cooks know how to turn humble ingredients into soul-satisfying desserts.
These recipes go beyond tradition, offering sweet surprises like bourbon-soaked raisins, praline toppings, and fruity twists with peaches, blueberries, or sweet potatoes.
Perfect for holiday tables, church suppers, or quiet Sunday mornings, these 25+ Southern bread pudding recipes bring comfort and creativity together in every bite.
From classic to creative, each one is a tribute to Southern hospitality and the warm, inviting flavors of home.
So grab your whisk, preheat the oven, and discover just how sweet and versatile bread pudding can truly be.
25+ Easy and Delicious Southern Bread Pudding Recipes
With over 25 irresistible Southern bread pudding recipes to choose from, there’s truly a flavor for every craving and occasion.
Whether you lean toward traditional favorites or adventurous flavor fusions, these comforting creations are bound to become family staples.
From the crispy, golden tops to the soft, spiced centers, every recipe brings the warmth of the South straight to your kitchen.
So go ahead—indulge in a spoonful of nostalgia and let the sweetness of the South fill your home.
Classic Southern Bread Pudding
Warm, custardy, and richly spiced, Classic Southern Bread Pudding is the epitome of comfort food.
Soft cubes of day-old bread soak up a luscious blend of vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet cream.
As it bakes, the top forms a golden, slightly crisp crust that contrasts beautifully with the tender interior.
Each bite melts in your mouth, filling your senses with cozy warmth and nostalgic sweetness.
This dessert shines on its own or can be elevated with a drizzle of bourbon sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Bourbon Pecan Bread Pudding
Bourbon Pecan Bread Pudding brings together the nutty crunch of toasted pecans and the smooth warmth of Southern bourbon.
The bread absorbs the silky custard infused with brown sugar, butter, and rich spices.
As it bakes, a deep, caramel-like aroma fills the kitchen, drawing everyone in.
The pecans add texture and depth, while the bourbon adds a gentle kick that enhances the overall flavor.
Perfect as a decadent dessert or indulgent brunch treat, this pudding is a true Southern gem.
Sweet Potato Bread Pudding
Earthy, sweet, and spiced just right, Sweet Potato Bread Pudding adds a Southern twist with mashed sweet potatoes blended into the custard.
Hints of cinnamon and nutmeg complement the natural sweetness, creating a warm, inviting flavor.
The texture is creamy with just the right amount of softness, thanks to the hearty bread base.
A light drizzle of maple glaze or whipped cream takes it to the next level.
Enjoy it solo or as a unique side dish at holiday meals or family dinners.
Peach Bread Pudding
Juicy, ripe peaches take center stage in this Southern-style Peach Bread Pudding.
Each bite bursts with fruity sweetness, softened by a custard-rich base and delicately spiced undertones.
The aroma of baked peaches and buttered bread fills the air with irresistible charm.
Its slightly crisp edges and silky interior offer a delightful play of textures.
This pudding pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding
Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding combines the comforting appeal of traditional Southern bread pudding with pockets of gooey melted chocolate.
As it bakes, the chocolate swirls through the vanilla custard, creating rich, fudge-like streaks.
The soft, pillowy bread soaks up every drop of the decadent custard, delivering a moist, cake-like texture.
Each forkful brings a balance of sweetness and indulgence that satisfies any chocolate lover.
It’s perfect for casual gatherings, holiday feasts, or a sweet midnight snack.
Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding
Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding brings together tender apple slices and aromatic spices in a down-home Southern classic.
The apples soften as they bake, releasing juices that blend beautifully into the custard-soaked bread.
Cinnamon, clove, and a touch of brown sugar enhance the flavor with warm, spiced notes.
The result is a golden, bubbling pudding with a sweet, crisp top and a cozy, melt-in-your-mouth center.
Whether served warm for breakfast or dessert, this dish feels like a comforting hug in every bite.
Banana Bread Pudding
Banana Bread Pudding is a rich, Southern-style dessert that turns overripe bananas into pure comfort.
The creamy banana custard seeps into every layer of bread, creating a moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Hints of cinnamon and vanilla add a warm, inviting aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes.
Each bite delivers a subtle fruitiness balanced by a tender, golden crust on top.
Serve it with caramel drizzle or whipped cream for a cozy, crowd-pleasing finish.
Praline Bread Pudding
Praline Bread Pudding blends classic Southern sweetness with a decadent nutty crunch.
The custard-soaked bread is enriched with chopped pecans and topped with a buttery praline glaze.
As it bakes, the praline topping bubbles into a crisp, candy-like layer that contrasts the soft interior.
Rich, caramelized flavors make this dish irresistible from the first forkful.
Enjoy it on its own or warm with a scoop of ice cream for extra indulgence.
Coconut Bread Pudding
Coconut Bread Pudding offers a tropical twist on the Southern classic with sweetened coconut flakes and creamy coconut milk.
The custard forms a velvety base, and the coconut adds chewiness and a subtle toasted flavor.
A hint of vanilla enhances the natural sweetness and brings out the richness of the bread.
Baked until golden and fragrant, the pudding is soft, sweet, and satisfying.
Pair it with pineapple or mango slices for a refreshing finish.
Pumpkin Bread Pudding
Pumpkin Bread Pudding captures the essence of fall with earthy pumpkin purée and warm baking spices.
The spiced custard infuses the bread with deep, rich flavors and a silky-smooth texture.
Hints of cinnamon, ginger, and clove fill the air as the pudding bakes to golden perfection.
The result is a dense, moist dish that feels like pumpkin pie in pudding form.
Top it with whipped cream or maple glaze for a seasonal treat that’s hard to resist.
Blueberry Bread Pudding
Blueberry Bread Pudding is a sweet and slightly tangy twist on tradition, bursting with fresh or frozen blueberries.
As the berries bake, they release juices that swirl through the custard-soaked bread, creating beautiful color and bold flavor.
Each bite offers a balance of fruity brightness and rich, eggy softness.
The top turns crisp and golden, offering a satisfying contrast to the jammy center.
Serve it with lemon glaze or vanilla cream to bring out the berry notes even more.
Caramel Bread Pudding
Caramel Bread Pudding is all about rich, buttery sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
A generous layer of caramel sauce coats the bottom, turning into a glossy topping when inverted.
The custard absorbs the caramel flavor, giving the pudding a deep, toffee-like warmth.
Its golden edges and silky interior create a perfect contrast of textures in every spoonful.
Best enjoyed warm, it pairs beautifully with sea salt flakes or fresh whipped cream.
Buttermilk Bread Pudding
Buttermilk Bread Pudding brings a classic Southern tang that perfectly balances the sweetness of its creamy custard base.
The buttermilk gives it a light, slightly tart note that complements warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
As it bakes, the top becomes golden and crisp, while the inside stays soft and custard-rich.
Every bite is buttery, tender, and irresistibly smooth.
It’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a sweet side at brunch gatherings.
Cornbread Bread Pudding
Cornbread Bread Pudding transforms day-old cornbread into a soul-satisfying Southern dessert.
The natural sweetness and crumbly texture of cornbread soak up a rich custard spiked with vanilla and cinnamon.
It bakes into a golden, slightly crisp top with a velvety interior full of comforting flavor.
The contrast between the rustic cornmeal and smooth custard is simply delightful.
Serve it warm with a drizzle of honey or caramel for a down-home finish.
Rum Raisin Bread Pudding
Rum Raisin Bread Pudding is a boozy, indulgent Southern classic full of deep flavor and soft texture.
Plump raisins are soaked in dark rum, infusing the pudding with rich, spiced notes.
The custard base wraps around every bread cube, creating a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth bite.
As it bakes, the rum and spices fill the kitchen with an inviting, festive aroma.
Top it with a rum glaze or vanilla sauce for a truly decadent dessert.
Maple Walnut Bread Pudding
Maple Walnut Bread Pudding delivers sweet and nutty perfection in every spoonful.
The custard is infused with pure maple syrup, giving the pudding a natural, rich sweetness.
Toasted walnuts add a satisfying crunch and earthy depth that complements the softness of the bread.
The baked top is golden and caramelized, while the inside stays moist and silky.
It pairs beautifully with whipped cream or a splash of cream for extra comfort.
Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding
Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding brings a refreshing citrus twist to traditional Southern comfort.
Tart cranberries and bright orange zest mingle with custard-soaked bread for a sweet and tangy balance.
The citrus aroma fills the room as it bakes, while the cranberries burst with flavor in every bite.
Its golden, crisp edges contrast with the soft, custardy center.
Serve it warm with vanilla glaze or dusted powdered sugar for a festive flair.
Cherry Almond Bread Pudding
Cherry Almond Bread Pudding is a luscious blend of juicy cherries and nutty almond flavor.
The cherries add bursts of fruity sweetness, while almond extract deepens the flavor profile.
Each bite offers creamy custard, tender bread, and a hint of crunch from slivered almonds.
The aroma of almond and baked fruit is warm and irresistible straight from the oven.
Perfect for holidays, brunches, or cozy evenings, it’s both elegant and easy to enjoy.
Raisin Bread Pudding
Raisin Bread Pudding is a timeless Southern dessert that brings warmth and nostalgia in every bite.
The custard-soaked bread is dotted with sweet, plump raisins that add bursts of chewy richness.
Hints of cinnamon and vanilla gently infuse the dish, giving it a deep, comforting flavor.
As it bakes, the top turns golden and slightly crisp, while the inside remains soft and velvety.
It’s delicious on its own or elevated with a drizzle of cream or caramel sauce.
Spiced Pear Bread Pudding
Spiced Pear Bread Pudding blends tender pear slices with warm spices like clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
The juicy pears melt into the custard, adding fruity sweetness and silky texture.
Baked until golden and bubbling, the edges crisp up while the center stays rich and creamy.
The aroma of spiced fruit fills the kitchen and invites everyone to the table.
It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Honey Butter Bread Pudding
Honey Butter Bread Pudding is a sweet, Southern classic with a golden, glossy finish.
The custard is enriched with creamy butter and sweet honey, creating a smooth and rich flavor.
The bread absorbs it all, turning irresistibly tender on the inside with a caramelized, buttery crust.
It’s light yet indulgent, perfect for a morning treat or cozy dessert.
Serve it warm with extra honey or a pat of melting butter for extra Southern charm.
Cherry Bourbon Bread Pudding
Cherry Bourbon Bread Pudding is a bold and elegant twist on traditional comfort food.
Tart cherries and smooth bourbon combine in a custard base that soaks deeply into the bread.
The result is a rich, full-bodied flavor with a soft, cake-like texture and bursts of fruity brightness.
Hints of vanilla and brown sugar round out the flavor beautifully.
This dessert pairs perfectly with whipped cream or a cherry glaze for a refined finish.
Pineapple Bread Pudding
Pineapple Bread Pudding adds a tropical note to the Southern staple with juicy pineapple chunks folded into the custard.
The sweetness of the fruit brightens the richness of the baked pudding.
Golden and bubbling at the edges, it offers a moist and fluffy texture throughout.
The tropical aroma brings a sunny, uplifting vibe to your table.
It’s ideal served warm with coconut whipped cream or a dusting of cinnamon.
White Chocolate Bread Pudding
White Chocolate Bread Pudding is an indulgent variation that melts into luxurious, creamy decadence.
Chunks of white chocolate melt into the custard, adding silky richness and a touch of sweetness.
The bread bakes to a golden brown on top, with a velvety, melt-in-your-mouth interior.
Its mild, buttery flavor pairs well with berries or citrus glaze for balance.
This dessert is perfect for special occasions or when you’re craving something extra indulgent.
Lemon Blueberry Bread Pudding
Lemon Blueberry Bread Pudding bursts with fresh, zesty flavor and berry sweetness.
The tart lemon custard cuts through the richness, while blueberries provide juicy pops of fruit.
Each bite is refreshing, smooth, and just sweet enough to satisfy without overwhelming.
As it bakes, the citrus and berry aroma is both bright and comforting.
Top it with lemon glaze or a dusting of sugar for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Conclusion
Southern bread pudding isn’t just a dessert—it’s a celebration of tradition, creativity, and comfort all in one dish.
These 25+ recipes prove that with a few pantry staples and a lot of love, you can create something extraordinary.
Whether you’re baking for brunch, holidays, or a simple weeknight treat, these puddings are sure to impress.
Start with one and soon, you’ll want to try them all.
