Best Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding

Homemade raisin bread pudding is delicious and easy to make at home. Homemade bread pudding is easier than you think and might become a new family favorite dessert. 

Easy Bread Pudding

I even made an Instant Pot bread pudding version using basically this same method you will see here too! This is by far my favorite old fashioned dessert that I just had to make homemade myself. Once I got the hang of the best ingredients to use and method I tweaked it a number of other ways beyond this one. Have you tried making a batch for yourself yet??

I have used day old loaves of french bread in the past when I’ve made apple pie bread pudding and others but this time I took it a step further and used a loaf of raisin bread which made it even easier.

Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding

You may be the same as myself years ago, thinking it would take a long time to make this. Not true. You don’t have to use day old bread as you may have heard in the past rather using a loaf of bread off the shelf with thick slices or raisin bread for this one works great.

Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding

You can serve it up plain and it’s just sweet enough, or top it with:

• Diced berries 
• A drizzle of vanilla or cream cheese frosting over each piece served
• Serve it with a simple rum sauce for bread pudding
• Powdered sugar
• A combination of a few toppings

How to Make Bread Pudding with Cinnamon Raisin Bread

You can totally do this, no joke. At the store usually on the top shelf with the other bread are a few brands of sweet bread with raisins already baked inside. Grab one of those. Cinnabon and Sun Maid make their own version and sometimes Franz bakery you can find which is thicker.

1. Buy a loaf of raisin bread at the store – in the bread aisle
2. If it is really fresh and slices are really soft – leave on the counter, still tied, for a few days/a week until slices are a bit firmer
3. Cut each slice into 6 equal pieces
4. Sprinkle cinnamon raisin bread pieces over your melted butter
5. Pour egg mixture on top of bread
6. Bake as directed below
7. Allow to cool at least until the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan – allows it to be sliced and served easier.

If you want to make something else that is in the same category, give our oatmeal raisin muffins a whirl.

Raisin Bread Pudding Recipe

I suggest drizzling ready made cream cheese frosting over the top of each piece when you serve it. I also love fruit on all desserts so depending on what is in season I will dice something up and add that too.

Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding Recipe

1. This is my favorite 9×13″ baking dish I use a lot
2. Large bowl
3. Loaf of raisin bread
   1. Heels removed, bread cubed
4. Heavy whipping cream
5. Eggs
6. Butter or margarine
7. Maple syrup – I recommend real maple syrup
8. Vanilla
9. Cinnamon
10. Apple sauce – here’s a recipe for homemade apple sauce
11. Could add a few tbsp of brown sugar to make it extra sweet

You could warm a tub of cream cheese frosting in the microwave and pour it on top if you like, or enjoy as is.

Bread Pudding with Raisins

In a bowl whisk the egg, heavy cream, vanilla and cinnamon together. Then you’ll want to cut or cube your pieces of raisin bread. It helps if your loaf is a bit on the firmer side, day old type or leave bag open overnight.

1. Spray the inside of your pan. Pour your melted butter inside your prepared baking dish. Then add your cubed bread pieces and spread out evenly.
2. Pour over bread your whisked egg milk mixture so each piece is wet. Cover pan with foil.
3. I generally preheat oven to 350 degrees F at the beginning so it’s ready when I have everything prepared.
4. Bake for 30 minutes. Then uncover for an additional 10 – 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and knife inserted comes out rather clean.
5. Keep in mind it will be very moist and egg will solidify a bit more as it cools.

It is best served warm but I do allow it to sit for at least 15 minutes after I take it out so it can solidify a bit more and it’s easier to slice. Pour vanilla sauce or melted cream cheese frosting on top and enjoy. Total time is about 50 minutes from start to finish.

Sun Maid Raisin Bread Pudding

Other homemade bread pudding recipes you will love:

1. Using this one plus spooning pie filling over the top is an easy way to add sweetness and fruit. I use canned pie filling like apple or blueberry so it’s super easy with the flavors y’all love.
2. Strawberry bread pudding uses the same method with canned fruit, great summertime treat.
3. But our favorite is probably this banana bread pudding with fresh fruit in it.

Can you freeze bread pudding?

• There’s never much left in our house so I just refrigerate the piece or two to eat the next day.
• I wouldn’t recommend freezing it as it won’t be as good when thawed out but it’s totally up to you.

Total this takes about 45 minutes to bake and cool before serving. Just to keep in mind if you’re preparing this for Christmas brunch or another occasion with guests.

Our no bake cake is simple to create as well for a large get together.