I absolutely love this Easy Peach Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce Recipe because it’s that perfect blend of cozy comfort and fresh, fruity brightness. Whenever I make it, the warm peaches soaked into soft bread, combined with the rich, buttery caramel sauce, make it impossible to resist. It’s a dessert that feels special enough for company, yet simple enough to whip up after a busy day.
You’ll find that this recipe works beautifully whenever peaches are in season or anytime you want to bring a little Southern-inspired sweetness to your table. The caramel sauce is the real showstopper, giving just the right amount of decadence without overpowering those juicy peaches. Trust me, once you try this Easy Peach Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce Recipe, it’s going to be a staple you come back to again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples with fresh peaches for a crowd-pleasing dessert.
- Hands-Off Soaking: Letting the bread soak up the custard gives incredible flavor and moist texture effortlessly.
- Rich Caramel Sauce: Homemade caramel ties everything together with silky sweetness and warmth.
- Versatile Serving: Delicious warm out of the oven or reheated, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even brunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The combination of fresh peaches, soft bread, and a cinnamon-sugar touch makes this Easy Peach Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce Recipe so comforting. Shopping for ripe peaches and a good quality vanilla yogurt really elevates the flavors here — don’t skip on those details!
- Bread: I recommend a sturdy white or challah bread that soaks up the custard without falling apart.
- Eggs: They create the rich custard base that holds the pudding together.
- Butter: Melted butter adds that classic buttery richness throughout the pudding.
- Vanilla Yogurt: Adds subtle tang and creaminess—Greek yogurt works too for extra thickness.
- Milk: Helps create a smooth custard for soaking the bread.
- Sugar: You’ll use both granulated and brown sugar for sweetness and depth.
- Fresh Peaches: Peeled, pitted, and diced — fresh is best to keep the texture light and juicy.
- Pecans: Toasted and chopped to add a lovely crunch.
- Cinnamon: Just the right spice to complement peaches and sugar perfectly.
- Caramel Sauce Ingredients: Unsalted butter, heavy cream, and brown sugar combine to create that luscious sauce.
Variations
I love experimenting with this recipe by swapping in different fruits or nuts — it’s all about making it your own. You can make it dairy-free, swap out pecans for walnuts, or even add a splash of bourbon for a grown-up twist.
- Fruit Substitutions: I once tried fresh blueberries with peaches and it added a nice pop of tartness that my family adored.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut yogurt and almond milk to keep it creamy without dairy.
- Nut-Free: Skip the pecans or sprinkle sliced almonds on top for a milder crunch.
- Extra Spice: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger if you want a warm, spiced flavor profile.
How to Make Easy Peach Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This ensures your bread pudding won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze later.
Step 2: Mix the Custard and Bread
In a large bowl, beat the eggs. Then stir in melted butter, vanilla yogurt, and milk until everything is blended. Slowly add 2 cups of sugar, stirring until it dissolves, then gently fold in the diced peaches and cubed bread. Make sure the bread is thoroughly coated—this soak is crucial because it creates that soft, custardy texture we all love.
Step 3: Let the Magic Soak
Allow the mixture to sit for about 30 minutes so the bread can absorb all those lovely flavors. I discovered this step when my pudding turned out too dry the first time, so don’t skip it!
Step 4: Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar and Bake
In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons sugar with cinnamon. Pour your bread mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle this cinnamon sugar evenly on top. Cover loosely with foil that’s been buttered on one side to keep moisture in, then bake for 20 minutes.
Step 5: Add Pecans and Finish Baking
After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top. Return to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and the pudding is set in the center. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s puffed up a little and the edges turn a lovely golden brown.
Step 6: Make the Caramel Sauce
While the pudding bakes, prepare the caramel sauce. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine butter, heavy cream, and brown sugar. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for about 5 minutes until thickened. Stir often so it doesn’t burn—this sauce will coat the bread pudding perfectly.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your bread pudding warm, generously drizzling caramel sauce on top and, if you’re feeling fancy, a scoop of vanilla ice cream. I promise you, this combo is what the dreams of dessert are made of!
Pro Tips for Making Easy Peach Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce Recipe
- Use Slightly Stale Bread: It soaks up the custard better than fresh bread without turning mushy.
- Peach Peeling Made Easy: I always score an X on the bottom of peaches and blanch them for 30 seconds in boiling water; the skins slide right off!
- Watch Your Caramel: Keep stirring and don’t rush the simmer—it thickens quickly and can burn.
- Don’t Skip the Soak Time: Letting the bread sit in the custard for 30 minutes is a game changer for moist, flavorful pudding.
How to Serve Easy Peach Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle a bit of extra chopped pecans on top for crunch and sometimes add a fresh mint leaf for color. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream brings everything together beautifully—don’t skip it if you want that melt-in-your-mouth feeling!
Side Dishes
This bread pudding pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of coffee or a lightly brewed black tea. For brunch, I like serving it alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I bake individual portions in ramekins and drizzle the caramel sauce right before serving. A sprinkle of edible flowers adds a whimsical touch that always impresses guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover bread pudding covered tightly in the fridge for up to 4 days. It actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have melded together. Just make sure to keep the caramel sauce separate and drizzle when serving.
Freezing
This pudding freezes well when wrapped tightly in foil and stored in an airtight container. I like to freeze individual slices so I can grab a quick dessert on busy nights—and it reheats wonderfully!
Reheating
To reheat, I warm portions in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 15 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaves if you can, as the texture changes slightly. Then just add a fresh drizzle of caramel and you’re good to go.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen peaches for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before adding so you don’t add extra liquid to the bread pudding, which can make it soggy. You might also want to reduce the milk slightly to compensate.
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What type of bread works best?
I prefer using a sturdy white bread or challah because it holds up well soaking the custard without falling apart. Avoid super soft sandwich breads—they tend to get too mushy.
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Can I make the caramel sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to loosen it before serving.
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe isn’t gluten-free as it relies on bread, but you can easily substitute gluten-free bread to accommodate dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
Making this Easy Peach Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce Recipe always feels like a little celebration in my kitchen. It’s that kind of warm, inviting dessert that everyone will ask you to make again, and it’s so forgiving to prepare. Give it a try—you’ll love how effortlessly it combines simple ingredients into something extraordinary, perfect for sharing with friends or just treating yourself on a chilly evening.
PrintEasy Peach Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Peach Bread Pudding is a warm, comforting dessert featuring soft bread cubes soaked in a rich custard with fresh peaches, baked to golden perfection and topped with crunchy pecans. Served with a luscious homemade caramel sauce, it’s the perfect sweet treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For Bread Pudding
- 8 cups bread, cubed
- 3 eggs
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 cup vanilla yogurt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and diced
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons sugar (for cinnamon sugar topping)
For Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, beat the 3 eggs, then stir in the melted butter, vanilla yogurt, and milk. Gradually add 2 cups sugar while stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add Bread and Peaches: Gently fold in the diced peaches and cubed bread into the custard mixture, ensuring the bread is well coated. Let the mixture soak for 30 minutes so the bread absorbs the liquid fully.
- Make Cinnamon Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon for a sweet, spiced topping.
- Assemble and Bake First Stage: Pour the soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly over the top. Cover loosely with buttered aluminum foil to keep moisture in and bake for 20 minutes.
- Add Pecans and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and sprinkle chopped pecans over the bread pudding. Continue baking uncovered for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Make Caramel Sauce: While the bread pudding bakes, combine the unsalted butter, heavy cream, and brown sugar in a heavy saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve: Once baked, spoon the warm caramel sauce over individual servings of the bread pudding. For extra indulgence, top with vanilla ice cream if desired.
Notes
- For best results, use slightly stale bread so it soaks up the custard better.
- Make sure to peel and pit the peaches for a smoother texture.
- You can substitute vanilla yogurt with plain yogurt plus 1 tsp vanilla extract if needed.
- Chilling the caramel sauce before serving will thicken it more.
- This dessert is best served warm and fresh out of the oven but can be refrigerated and reheated gently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/16 of recipe)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 33 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg