Summer Peach Bread Delight

Transforming ordinary day-old bread into an extraordinary dessert is the magic of this incredible Peach Bread Pudding recipe. Infused with a luscious, rich custard and bursting with the sweet, succulent flavor of fresh peaches, this baked delight is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Best served warm, perhaps crowned with a scoop of No-Churn Vanilla Ice Cream or a drizzle of homemade caramel, it’s a comforting treat that captures the essence of homemade goodness.

This Peach Bread Pudding recipe is not only incredibly easy to prepare but also serves as the most delicious and resourceful way to give stale bread a second life. Far from being a compromise, using slightly firm, day-old bread is actually beneficial, as its drier texture allows it to soak up the rich, sweet custard mixture perfectly, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. Baked to golden perfection, it stands out as one of the simplest yet most satisfying oven-baked desserts and a highlight among peach desserts. If your family loves the sweet taste of peaches, you might also enjoy our classic Peach Pie Recipe or a comforting slice of Peach Bread.

For those who appreciate the convenience of a slow cooker, our Crock Pot Peach Dump Cake offers a similarly effortless and delightful peach experience.

If you’re a devoted fan of bread pudding in its many forms, be sure to explore other delectable variations like our indulgent Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding, the tropical zest of Pineapple Bread Pudding, the timeless comfort of a Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe, and the autumnal spice of Pumpkin Bread Pudding. Each offers a unique twist on this beloved dessert, proving just how versatile and satisfying bread pudding can be.

Why You’ll Love This Peach Bread Pudding Recipe

There are countless reasons why this Peach Bread Pudding consistently earns rave reviews and becomes a household favorite. First and foremost, its sheer ease of preparation makes it an ideal dessert for busy weeknights, special brunches, or even a delightful breakfast treat. It’s the ultimate comfort food, offering warmth and a hug in every bite.

Beyond its simplicity, this recipe is a brilliant culinary solution for using up bread that might otherwise go to waste. Instead of discarding slightly stale loaves, you can transform them into something truly spectacular. The bread cubes readily absorb the rich, spiced custard, resulting in a wonderfully moist interior and a delightfully crisp, golden-brown top.

The star of the show, of course, is the peach flavor. Whether you opt for fresh, perfectly ripe summer peaches or use frozen or canned alternatives, their sweet, slightly tangy essence brightens the rich pudding, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. The aroma alone as it bakes will fill your kitchen with an inviting, cozy fragrance that promises a delicious experience.

It’s versatile enough for any occasion. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream for a decadent dessert, or enjoy it as a hearty and satisfying breakfast or brunch item. Its rich, custard-like texture and fruity notes make it perfect for any time of day. If you don’t happen to have stale bread on hand, many local grocery stores often offer day-old bread at a reduced price, making this recipe not only delicious but also budget-friendly.

Essential Ingredients for Peach Bread Pudding

Crafting the perfect Peach Bread Pudding begins with a selection of simple, high-quality ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Day-Old Bread, cut into 1-inch cubes. The type of bread matters! While sandwich bread is perfectly fine, don’t hesitate to experiment with richer options like brioche, challah, or even croissants for an extra decadent pudding. Stale bread is crucial as it absorbs the custard without becoming mushy. If your bread is too fresh, simply toast the cubes lightly in the oven to dry them out slightly.
• Large Eggs. These are the backbone of our rich custard, providing structure and contributing to the creamy texture of the pudding.
• Whole Milk. For the richest and most luxurious custard, whole milk is highly recommended. Its fat content yields a wonderfully creamy consistency. However, you can use reduced-fat milk if you prefer a lighter version, though the texture might be slightly less decadent.
• Heavy Whipping Cream. This ingredient elevates the custard to an unparalleled level of richness and velvety smoothness. It’s truly essential for that indulgent bread pudding experience.
• Granulated Sugar. Provides the perfect amount of sweetness, balancing the tang of the peaches and the richness of the custard.
• Pure Vanilla Extract. Always opt for pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. It adds a warm, aromatic depth that complements both the peaches and the spices.
• Ground Cinnamon and Ground Nutmeg. These classic warming spices are indispensable for bread pudding. They infuse the dessert with a cozy, inviting aroma and a subtly spiced flavor that pairs beautifully with peaches. Feel free to adjust the amounts to suit your personal taste.
• Fresh Peaches. Peeled and cut into generous chunks. Fresh, ripe peaches are ideal for their vibrant flavor and juicy texture. Choose peaches that are fragrant and yield slightly to gentle pressure.

Find the complete list of ingredients, precise measurements, and a printable recipe card at the bottom of this page.

Delicious Variations & Customizations

While the classic Peach Bread Pudding is undeniably perfect, its versatility means there are endless ways to customize it to your liking or to suit what you have on hand. Here are some delightful variations to inspire you:

• Canned or Frozen Peaches: No fresh peaches in season? No problem! Canned peaches (drained well) or frozen peaches (thawed and drained to prevent excess moisture) can be excellent substitutes. They still deliver wonderful peach flavor, allowing you to enjoy this dessert year-round.
• Experiment with Different Breads: The type of bread significantly influences the final texture and flavor.
  • Brioche: Offers a rich, buttery flavor and a tender crumb, making for a supremely luxurious pudding.
  • Challah: Similar to brioche, challah bread provides a slightly sweet and eggy base that soaks up the custard beautifully.
  • Croissants: For an exceptionally flaky and buttery pudding, use stale croissants cut into chunks.
  • Sourdough: If you enjoy a slight tang, sourdough bread can add a wonderful depth of flavor to the otherwise sweet pudding.
  • Sturdy White Bread or French Bread: These are excellent choices that provide a neutral base for the peach flavor to shine.
• Add Nuts for Crunch: Introduce a delightful textural contrast by stirring in a handful of your favorite nuts. Toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds would all be fantastic additions, lending a nutty aroma and a satisfying crunch. Lightly toast them before adding for enhanced flavor.
• Indulge with Chocolate: For the ultimate sweet treat, toss in some dark chocolate chunks or semi-sweet chocolate chips with the peaches. The rich chocolate perfectly complements the sweet peaches and creamy custard.
• Spice it Up: Besides cinnamon and nutmeg, consider adding a pinch of cardamom, allspice, or ginger for a more complex spice profile. A touch of orange or lemon zest can also brighten the flavors.
• Boozy Bread Pudding: For an adult twist, add a splash of bourbon, rum, or Grand Marnier to the custard mixture. This enhances the depth of flavor and creates a truly sophisticated dessert.
• Cream Cheese Swirl: For an extra layer of decadence, dollop spoonfuls of softened cream cheese (mixed with a little sugar and vanilla) over the bread mixture before baking, then swirl gently with a knife.

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Peach Bread Pudding

Making this Peach Bread Pudding is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious result:

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish & Bread. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 2-quart casserole dish with a non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal. Evenly spread the cubed day-old bread into the prepared baking dish. Distributing the bread cubes well will help them soak up the custard uniformly.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard Mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the large eggs, whole milk, heavy whipping cream, granulated sugar, pure vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Whisk the ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined and the sugar has dissolved. The mixture should be smooth and uniform, forming the rich custard base for your pudding.

Step 3: Incorporate the Peaches. Gently stir the diced ripe peaches into the prepared custard mixture in the large bowl. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the liquid. This ensures that every spoonful of your bread pudding will have a delightful burst of peach flavor.

Step 4: Soak the Bread. Carefully pour the peach and custard mixture over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula to ensure all the cubes are fully submerged and coated with the mixture. Allow the bread to soak for 10-15 minutes. This soaking time is essential for the bread to absorb the custard, resulting in a moist and tender pudding.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection. Transfer the baking dish to your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the bread pudding is set in the center and the top is beautifully golden brown and slightly puffed. You can test for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out mostly clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly during the last 15-20 minutes of baking, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

Step 6: Cool and Serve. Once baked, remove the bread pudding from the oven and allow it to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. This brief cooling period allows the pudding to set further and makes for easier scooping. Serve warm, topped with creamy Homemade Peach Ice Cream or a generous drizzle of Easy Homemade Caramel Sauce for an unforgettable dessert experience.

Expert Tips for Success

To ensure your Peach Bread Pudding turns out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:

• The Right Bread is Key: As mentioned, day-old or slightly stale bread is best. Fresh bread can absorb too much liquid and become soggy. If your bread is very fresh, cut it into cubes and spread it on a baking sheet. Bake at 200°F (95°C) for 10-15 minutes, flipping once, until dried out but not browned. Let it cool before using.
• Don’t Rush the Soak: The 10-15 minute soaking period is crucial. It allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, leading to a uniformly moist and tender pudding. Gently press down on the bread occasionally to help it soak.
• Even Peach Distribution: Make sure the peach chunks are evenly distributed throughout the bread and custard mixture. This ensures every bite gets a delightful burst of peach flavor.
• Prevent a Dry Top: If your oven runs hot or if the top of the pudding starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will prevent the top from burning while the interior continues to cook and set.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can lead to a dry, rubbery pudding. The pudding is done when it’s golden brown on top and a knife inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. A slight jiggle in the center is okay, as it will continue to set as it cools.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and dairy helps the custard mixture combine more smoothly and ensures even baking.
• Taste the Custard: Before adding the peaches and bread, taste a tiny bit of your custard mixture (don’t worry, it’s just eggs, milk, sugar and spices, not raw meat!). This allows you to adjust the sweetness or spice levels to your preference.

Serving Suggestions

Peach Bread Pudding is wonderfully delicious on its own, but it truly shines when paired with the right accompaniments. Here are some ideas to elevate your serving experience:

• Classic with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a timeless choice. As the warm pudding melts the ice cream, it creates a creamy, dreamy sauce. Peach or cinnamon ice cream would also be exceptional.
• Drizzle with Sauce: A warm caramel sauce, butterscotch sauce, or a simple vanilla crème anglaise takes this dessert to the next level. For an extra peachy kick, consider a homemade peach syrup.
• Fresh Fruit Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh berries (raspberries or blueberries complement peaches beautifully) or a few thin slices of fresh peach can add a vibrant touch and a textural contrast.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream, perhaps infused with a hint of vanilla or a touch of bourbon, provides a light and airy counterpoint to the rich pudding.
• Powdered Sugar: A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant finish and a subtle extra touch of sweetness.
• For Brunch: Serve individual portions alongside a cup of coffee or tea, perhaps with a side of crispy bacon or sausage for a balanced meal.
• With a Drink: A glass of sparkling wine, a sweet dessert wine, or even a spiced cider would pair wonderfully with this comforting dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Irresistible Peach Recipes

If you’re a true peach aficionado, these easy and delightful recipes are sure to tantalize your taste buds:

• Classic Peach Crumble
• Decadent Deep Fried Peach Cobbler
• Effortless Easy Peach Cobbler Recipe
• Quick Homemade Peach Crisp Recipe
• Convenient Air Fryer Peach Cobbler
• Simple Peach Crisp Recipe

We invite you to try this delightful peach bread pudding recipe and share your experience with us! Your feedback is invaluable, so please come back and leave a comment with your thoughts and any creative twists you added. We love hearing from our community!