The Best Peach Bread Pudding Recipe: A Cozy, Easy Dessert to Savor

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a warm, baked dessert filling your kitchen. This incredible Peach Bread Pudding combines the humble charm of day-old bread with a luscious, rich custard mixture and the sweet, vibrant flavor of fresh peaches. It’s a truly irresistible treat, perfect for any occasion. Served warm, perhaps crowned with a scoop of creamy No-Churn Vanilla Ice Cream, it transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dessert experience.

This Peach Bread Pudding recipe is not only ridiculously easy to make but also serves as the absolute best way to give new life to bread that’s nearing its stale date. In fact, using day-old or slightly stale bread is key to its success! The bread cubes eagerly soak up the flavorful custard mixture, creating a wonderfully moist and tender texture that bakes to golden perfection. This makes it one of the easiest oven-baked desserts and a standout among peach desserts. Our family cherishes this recipe, alongside other peachy delights like our beloved Peach Pie Recipe and comforting Peach Bread.

If you’re in the mood for a hands-off, slow cooker dessert, don’t miss our fantastic Crock Pot Peach Dump Cake. And for fellow bread pudding enthusiasts, be sure to explore our other tempting variations, including Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding, tropical Pineapple Bread Pudding, and a seasonal favorite, Pumpkin Bread Pudding.

Why This Peach Bread Pudding is a Must-Try

There are countless reasons why this Peach Bread Pudding has become a cherished staple in our recipe collection. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a delightful combination of practicality, flavor, and pure comfort. Here’s why we believe you’ll fall in love with it too:

• Effortless Elegance: Despite its rich flavor and impressive presentation, this recipe is incredibly straightforward. It requires minimal active prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need an easy yet satisfying dessert for guests.
• Waste Not, Want Not: It’s a brilliant solution for using up day-old bread that might otherwise go to waste. The slightly stale texture actually works wonders, allowing the bread to absorb the creamy custard more effectively, resulting in a superior texture. No need for fresh bread here; embrace the stale! If you ever find yourself without stale bread, many local grocery stores offer reduced-price day-old bread, which is perfect for this recipe.
• Bursting with Peach Flavor: The inclusion of fresh, juicy peaches elevates this bread pudding beyond the ordinary. Each bite offers a delightful sweetness and a hint of tartness, perfectly complementing the rich, spiced custard. It truly takes the classic bread pudding to a whole new level.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: While it makes a fantastic dessert, especially when served warm with ice cream or whipped cream, its comforting nature also makes it ideal for a special brunch or even a hearty breakfast. Imagine a cozy Sunday morning with a slice of this warm, peachy goodness!
• A Hug in a Dish: Bread pudding, by nature, is a comforting dish. The combination of soft, custard-soaked bread and warm, sweet fruit creates a dessert that feels like a warm hug. It’s the perfect treat to brighten a chilly evening or to share with loved ones.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Peach Bread Pudding

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a magical dessert. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delectable peach bread pudding:

• Day Old Bread, cut into 1-inch cubes: This is the foundation of your bread pudding. Stale bread is crucial because it acts like a sponge, soaking up the custard mixture without becoming mushy. Any sturdy bread like challah, brioche, or even plain white sandwich bread works well.
• Large Eggs: Eggs are essential for creating the rich, binding custard that holds the bread pudding together and gives it its signature creamy texture.
• Whole Milk: While you can use reduced-fat milk, whole milk provides the richest, most luxurious flavor and texture to the custard. It contributes significantly to the pudding’s creamy consistency.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: For an extra layer of decadence and a truly rich mouthfeel, heavy whipping cream is a must. It makes the custard incredibly silky and indulgent.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the custard and balances the natural tartness of the peaches. Feel free to adjust the amount to your preferred sweetness level.
• Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for the best, most aromatic flavor. It enhances all the other ingredients and adds a classic dessert warmth.
• Ground Cinnamon and Ground Nutmeg: These warm spices are the perfect partners for peaches and custard, adding depth and a comforting aroma. You can adjust the quantities to your personal taste.
• Fresh Peaches: Peeled and cut into chunks. Fresh, ripe peaches are highly recommended for their superior flavor and texture, especially when they are in season. Choose peaches that are slightly soft to the touch for optimal sweetness.

You can find the complete, precise list of ingredients and their exact measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Delicious Variations to Customize Your Bread Pudding

One of the joys of making bread pudding is how adaptable it is. While the classic peach version is heavenly, feel free to get creative and tailor it to your liking or what you have on hand. Here are some fantastic variations to try:

• Canned or Frozen Peaches: If fresh peaches aren’t available or in season, feel free to swap canned peaches (drained) or frozen peaches (no need to thaw) for fresh. Just be aware that canned peaches may add more sweetness, so you might want to slightly reduce the sugar. Frozen peaches might release a bit more liquid, but the bread will absorb it.
• Explore Different Breads: While day-old sandwich bread works, experimenting with different types of sturdy bread can elevate the flavor and texture. Try using rich brioche bread, buttery croissants, traditional challah bread, or even a denser artisan loaf. Each will offer a unique characteristic to the pudding.
• Add a Nutty Crunch: Introduce a delightful textural contrast by adding your favorite nuts. Toasted pecans, walnuts, or even slivered almonds can be stirred into the mixture with the peaches, or sprinkled on top before baking for a crunchy topping.
• Indulge with Chocolate: For a decadent twist, toss in dark chocolate chunks, milk chocolate chips, or even white chocolate chips with the peaches. The chocolate melts into gooey pockets of deliciousness, creating a rich and indulgent dessert.
• Spice It Up: Beyond cinnamon and nutmeg, consider adding a pinch of ground ginger, cardamom, or a touch of allspice for a more complex flavor profile. A hint of almond extract alongside vanilla can also complement the peach flavor beautifully.
• Boozy Bread Pudding: For an adult-friendly version, add a splash of bourbon, rum, or Grand Marnier to the custard mixture. This adds a sophisticated depth of flavor that pairs wonderfully with peaches.
• Different Fruit Combos: While peaches are the star, they also pair well with other fruits. Consider adding a cup of fresh blueberries, raspberries, or sliced apples along with the peaches for a multi-fruit bread pudding.
• Sauce It Up: Serve with different sauces! Besides caramel, a light cream cheese glaze, a bourbon sauce, a raspberry coulis, or even a simple vanilla bean sauce can add another layer of flavor.

Easy Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating this delicious Peach Bread Pudding is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps for a perfect outcome every time:

Step 1. Prepare Your Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Lightly spray a 2-quart casserole dish with a non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Once prepared, spread your 1-inch bread cubes evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.

Step 2. Create the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, whole milk, heavy whipping cream, granulated sugar, pure vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Whisk the egg mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the sugar has dissolved. This forms the rich custard base for your pudding.

Step 3. Add the Peaches: Gently stir the peeled and diced fresh (or canned/frozen) peaches into the prepared custard mixture in the large bowl. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the liquid. This helps the peach flavor infuse into every part of the pudding.

Step 4. Soak the Bread: Pour the peach and custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Gently stir or press the bread down to ensure that all the cubes are fully coated and submerged in the liquid. Let the bread soak for a crucial 10-15 minutes. This soaking time allows the bread to absorb the custard, leading to a wonderfully moist and tender pudding, rather than dry, crunchy spots.

Step 5. Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. The bread pudding is ready when it’s set in the center (a knife inserted comes out mostly clean) and the top is beautifully golden brown. Keep an eye on it during the last 15-20 minutes of baking; if the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning.

Step 6. Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows it to set a bit more and makes it easier to serve. It’s absolutely divine topped with a scoop of Homemade Peach Ice Cream or a generous drizzle of Easy Homemade Caramel Sauce. Enjoy your warm, comforting dessert!

Frequently Asked Questions About Peach Bread Pudding

Here are some common questions and helpful tips to ensure your Peach Bread Pudding turns out perfectly every time:

More Irresistible Peach Recipes

If you’re a fan of peaches, you’ll love these other delightful recipes. They’re perfect for enjoying the sweet, juicy flavors of this beloved fruit:

• Peach Crumble
• Deep Fried Peach Cobbler
• Easy Peach Cobbler Recipe
• Homemade Peach Crisp Recipe
• Air Fryer Peach Cobbler
• Peach Crisp Recipe

We genuinely hope you enjoy making and savoring this peach bread pudding recipe. We love hearing from you, so please come back and share your thoughts and comments below!