Cuban Bread Pudding Recipe That Melts in Your Mouth

Cuban bread pudding is a delightful twist on the classic dessert, infusing the rich, buttery texture of Cuban bread with a creamy, custard-like filling that will have you savoring every bite. This recipe brings together the nostalgic flavors of Cuba, combining sweet spices, vanilla, and a touch of citrus zest to create a comforting and indulgent treat perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a holiday dessert, or simply to enjoy as a cozy weekend treat, this Cuban bread pudding will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Unlike traditional bread puddings that use plain white bread or brioche, Cuban bread adds a unique texture and flavor thanks to its crusty exterior and soft, airy crumb. This pudding is incredibly easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and yields a luscious dessert that’s both hearty and elegant.

Get ready to impress your guests and treat yourself to a slice of Caribbean-inspired comfort food!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cuban bread pudding recipe is a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess with a subtle hint of citrus and spice. The use of authentic Cuban bread gives it a distinctive texture that sets it apart from typical bread puddings.

It’s also incredibly versatile and easy to customize with your favorite add-ins like raisins, nuts, or chocolate chips.

It’s a fantastic way to use up day-old bread, reducing waste while creating a memorable dessert. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that fits into any meal plan, from casual family dinners to special celebrations.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf Cuban bread (about 12 ounces), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, for greasing the baking dish
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Zester or microplane
• Oven

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 9×13 inch baking dish with melted butter to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the bread: Cut the Cuban bread into 1-inch cubes. Spread them evenly in the greased baking dish. If using raisins, sprinkle them over the bread cubes for a sweet burst of flavor.
3. Make the custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and orange zest. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
4. Soak the bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Press down gently with a spatula or your hands to ensure the bread absorbs the custard well. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes to soak thoroughly.
5. Bake the pudding: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool slightly: Remove the bread pudding from the oven and allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes. This will help it set and make it easier to serve.
7. Serve: Dust with powdered sugar if desired, and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

For extra richness, substitute half of the whole milk with evaporated milk.

Try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch.

For a tropical twist, fold in diced pineapple or shredded coconut.

Make it vegan: Check out our vegan cheese scone recipe for inspiration on dairy-free baking!

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Cuban bread pudding pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a citrusy complement, serve alongside fresh orange segments or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

It also makes a fantastic brunch dessert when served with coffee or a bold Cuban espresso. For a festive touch, sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes or chopped toasted almonds.

If you’re interested in exploring more delicious recipes with a Caribbean or vegan twist, check out our Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious or try the Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious.

Conclusion

This Cuban bread pudding recipe is a celebration of comfort, flavor, and tradition. Its creamy custard base, combined with the unique texture of Cuban bread and aromatic spices, makes every bite a warm, satisfying experience.

It’s perfect for using up leftover bread and transforming it into a show-stopping dessert that your family and friends will rave about.

Whether you’re new to Cuban cuisine or looking to add a soulful dessert to your repertoire, this bread pudding is approachable and rewarding. Don’t forget to experiment with the suggested variations to make it your own.

For more delicious and easy-to-follow recipes, explore our collection featuring everything from Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping to hearty Apple Barn Pigeon Forge TN Vegetable Soup Recipe Guide.

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Cuban Bread Pudding”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A rich and creamy bread pudding made with Cuban bread, eggs, milk, and spices. Perfect for a comforting dessert with a hint of cinnamon and vanilla.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT50M”, “totalTime”: “PT1H5M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“6 cups Cuban bread, cubed”, “4 large eggs”, “2 cups whole milk”, “1 cup heavy cream”, “3/4 cup granulated sugar”, “1 teaspoon vanilla extract”, “1 teaspoon ground cinnamon”, “1/4 teaspoon salt”, “1/2 cup raisins (optional)”, “2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 350\u00b0F (175\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish with butter.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt together.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add bread cubes and raisins to the mixture, stirring to coat evenly.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Let the mixture soak for 10 minutes to absorb liquids.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and drizzle melted butter on top.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden and a knife comes out clean.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Let cool slightly before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “350 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “9 g”, “fatContent”: “12 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “50 g”}}