Famous Dave’s Bread Pudding is a classic Southern dessert that’s rich, comforting, and full of warm flavors. This beloved treat combines soft, custardy bread with a blend of spices and a luscious sauce that keeps us coming back for more. It’s the perfect way to end any meal or satisfy a sweet craving.
We’ve recreated this iconic recipe so you can enjoy the same delicious experience at home. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Southern desserts or just looking for a new favorite, this bread pudding brings together simple ingredients into a truly unforgettable dish. Let’s dive into the steps to make this crowd-pleaser a staple in our kitchens.
Ingredients
To make Famous Dave’s Bread Pudding just like the original, we need to gather a combination of basic yet flavorful ingredients. These components come together to create the perfect balance of texture and taste in this beloved Southern dessert. Let’s break down the ingredients into their key categories for easy preparation.
Bread Ingredients
The bread is the foundation of our famous bread pudding. Choosing the right type and quantity of bread ensures the pudding holds its shape while absorbing the custard and spices.
- 6 cups cubed day-old French bread or Texas toast (about 1-inch cubes)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (to lightly toss the bread cubes)
- Optional: ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries (for a natural sweetness boost)
Custard Ingredients
Our rich and creamy custard is what makes Famous Dave’s bread pudding stand out. It’s infused with flavorful spices and eggs to give structure and moisture.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Whole milk | 2 cups | Preferably whole for creaminess |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | Adds richness |
| Large eggs | 4 | Room temperature |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | For sweetness |
| Brown sugar | ½ cup | Adds caramel notes |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tablespoon | Pure vanilla preferred |
| Ground cinnamon | 2 teaspoons | For warm spiced flavor |
| Ground nutmeg | ¼ teaspoon | Adds depth to spice mix |
Additional Mix-Ins and Toppings
These extras complement the base ingredients and elevate the dish to the level of the iconic Famous Dave’s Bread Pudding experience.
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (for crunch)
- 2 tablespoons bourbon or rum (optional, for boozy depth)
- Caramel sauce or bourbon sauce for drizzling (served warm)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional garnish)
By preparing these ingredients in advance, we set ourselves up for a smooth baking experience and a deliciously authentic bread pudding that captures the essence of Famous Dave’s signature dessert.
Equipment Needed
To make our Famous Dave’s Bread Pudding recipe successfully, having the right equipment is crucial. This ensures precise measurement, proper mixing, and even baking, which delivers the perfect texture and flavor we expect from this classic Southern dessert.
Below is a detailed list of essential tools along with their purposes:
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 9×13-inch baking dish | Holds the bread pudding during baking for even cooking and ideal portion size |
| Mixing bowls (medium & large) | Used to combine custard ingredients and bread cubes separately |
| Whisk | Helps blend eggs, sugars, and spices smoothly for a creamy custard |
| Measuring cups & spoons | Measures liquids, sugars, and spices accurately |
| Rubber spatula | Scrapes bowls clean while folding bread into custard mixture |
| Kitchen scale (optional) | Ensures precise weight measurements for consistent results |
| Cooling rack | Allows the baked pudding to cool evenly without sogginess |
| Aluminum foil | Covers the dish during baking to prevent over-browning |
| Oven thermometer (optional) | Verifies accurate baking temperature for perfect custard set |
Additional Tools for Serving and Finishing Touches
- Serving spatula: For cleanly slicing and transferring pudding.
- Small saucepan (if making caramel sauce from scratch).
- Sifter: To dust powdered sugar evenly on finished pudding.
Pro tip: Using a glass or ceramic baking dish helps monitor browning during baking and adds to the presentation quality of our Famous Dave’s Bread Pudding.
Equipped with these tools, we can confidently proceed to craft this rich and comforting Southern dessert to our exact standards.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To enjoy Famous Dave’s Bread Pudding with ease and convenience, preparing the dish ahead of time is an excellent strategy. Follow these steps to ensure your bread pudding maintains its rich texture and robust flavors when served later.
Step 1: Assemble the Bread Pudding Mixture
- Combine cubed day-old French bread or Texas toast with the custard mixture as instructed.
- Stir in optional ingredients such as raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts if using.
Step 2: Transfer to Baking Dish
- Pour the assembled mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Press gently to embed the bread cubes evenly within the custard.
Step 3: Cover and Refrigerate
- Tightly cover the dish with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This resting time allows the bread to absorb the custard fully, intensifying the flavor and improving the pudding’s texture.
Step 4: Bake When Ready
- Remove the bread pudding from the refrigerator.
- Preheat your oven to the recommended baking temperature (usually 350°F or 175°C).
- Bake the bread pudding covered for the first 30 minutes, then uncover to allow the top to brown beautifully. Total baking time typically ranges from 45 to 55 minutes or until the custard is set and the surface is golden.
Make-Ahead Timing Summary
| Task | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Assemble bread pudding mixture | Up to 24 hours ahead | Ensures custard fully soaks into bread, enhancing flavor and texture |
| Refrigerate covered | Up to 24 hours | Prevents drying out, maintains freshness |
| Baking time after chilling | 45–55 minutes | Begin baking directly from refrigerator; cover first to lock in moisture, then brown top |
Additional Tips for Make-Ahead Success
- Use freshly melted butter in the bread cubes to maintain moisture during refrigeration.
- Avoid over-soaking the bread prior to assembly to prevent a soggy pudding after baking.
- For best results, bring the bread pudding to room temperature for 15–20 minutes before placing it in the oven.
By following these make-ahead instructions, we can serve the iconic, luscious Famous Dave’s Bread Pudding without last-minute stress, ensuring every bite delivers the comforting warmth and rich flavor that fans love.
Instructions
Follow these precise steps to create the famous Famous Dave’s Bread Pudding with its signature rich flavors and comforting texture.
Prep the Bread
- Start with 6 cups of cubed day-old French bread or Texas toast.
- Spread the bread cubes evenly on a baking sheet.
- Lightly toast in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes to dry them out.
- Remove and let cool completely.
- Optionally, toss in ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries for added sweetness and texture.
Prepare the Custard Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the following until smooth:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Whole milk | 2 cups |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Large eggs | 4 |
| Granulated sugar | ¾ cup |
| Brown sugar | ½ cup |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp |
| Ground nutmeg | ½ tsp |
- Make sure the sugars dissolve fully, and the spices blend evenly to create that warm, aromatic custard essential for the bread pudding’s flavor.
Combine Bread and Custard
- Place the toasted bread cubes into a large mixing bowl or directly in the 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Slowly pour the custard mixture over the bread.
- Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the custard into the bread cubes, ensuring every piece is well coated.
- Press down lightly to submerge the bread, allowing it to soak up the custard fully.
- Let the mixture rest for approximately 20 minutes at room temperature before baking. This soak time is key to a tender creamy center.
Add Mix-Ins and Toppings
- For an extra layer of flavor, fold in:
-
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- Optional splash of 2 tbsp bourbon or rum for depth
- Before baking, scatter a few extra nuts on top for a decorative crunchy finish.
- Prepare your caramel sauce or dust with powdered sugar to drizzle after baking, enhancing sweetness and visual appeal.
Bake the Bread Pudding
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) if not already done.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
- Bake for 45 minutes covered.
- Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes to brown the top.
- The bread pudding is done when the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
- Test doneness by inserting a knife into the center – it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Cooling and Serving Suggestions
- Allow the bread pudding to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving to let the custard fully set.
- Serve warm topped with:
- A generous drizzle of warm caramel sauce
- A light dusting of powdered sugar
- Optional scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
Enjoy the rich, comforting, and authentic Famous Dave’s Bread Pudding flavor that keeps guests coming back.
Tips for Perfect Bread Pudding
To achieve the ultimate Famous Dave’s Bread Pudding experience, let’s focus on these key tips that guarantee a rich texture and deeply satisfying flavor.
Use the Right Bread
- Opt for day-old French bread or Texas toast with a firm crust. Fresh bread absorbs too much custard and turns mushy.
- Cube the bread into approximately 1-inch pieces for even soaking and baking.
- Lightly toast the bread cubes before soaking to help maintain some texture and prevent sogginess.
Balance the Custard to Bread Ratio
The custard should just coat the bread cubes, not drown them. A well-balanced soaked bread brings the signature custardy richness without compromising texture.
| Ingredient | Measurement for Bread Pudding |
|---|---|
| Cubed Bread | 6 cups |
| Custard (milk+cream) | About 3 cups |
Warm the Milk and Melt the Butter
- Warm the whole milk and cream before combining with eggs and sugars. This helps dissolve sugar better and mixes easily with the bread.
- Use freshly melted butter for tossing the bread cubes; it adds flavor while creating a slight crisp layer.
Mix Thoroughly but Gently
- Whisk the custard ingredients vigorously to incorporate air and blend flavors.
- When folding the custard into bread cubes, gently mix so all pieces soak evenly without breaking down too much.
Bake with Foil Covering First
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil during the initial 40 minutes of baking to trap steam.
- This helps the pudding cook through evenly and stay moist.
- Remove the foil during the last 10-15 minutes for a golden brown top with slight crispness around edges.
Let It Rest Before Serving
- Allow the bread pudding to cool for 10-15 minutes post-baking.
- This resting time lets the custard set firmly, preventing runniness.
- Serve it warm with caramel sauce, powdered sugar, or vanilla ice cream for a classic finishing touch.
“The magic in Famous Dave’s Bread Pudding lies in the careful layers of texture — creamy custard melding with tender yet firm bread cubes, all crowned by golden caramelized bits.”
Optional Enhancements
- Add bourbon or rum (1-2 tablespoons) to the custard for a warm flavor boost.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts before baking for delightful crunch.
- Incorporate raisins or dried cranberries soaked in warm water or liquor for bursts of sweetness.
By following these tips, we ensure each bite of Famous Dave’s Bread Pudding delivers the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spiced goodness that makes this Southern classic unforgettable.
Conclusion
Famous Dave’s Bread Pudding is more than just a dessert—it’s a comforting experience that brings a taste of Southern hospitality right to our table. With the right ingredients, tools, and a bit of patience, we can recreate this beloved treat in our own kitchens. Whether enjoyed warm with caramel sauce or topped with a scoop of ice cream, it’s a dessert that promises to satisfy and impress every time. Let’s get baking and savor every delicious bite together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Famous Dave’s Bread Pudding?
Famous Dave’s Bread Pudding is a classic Southern dessert made from cubed day-old bread soaked in a spiced custard, then baked until golden and creamy. It often features flavorful additions like raisins, nuts, and a rich caramel sauce.
What type of bread is best for this bread pudding?
Day-old French bread or Texas toast cubed into 1-inch pieces works best. Lightly toasting the bread helps maintain the dish’s texture and prevents sogginess.
Can I prepare the bread pudding ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pudding, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake it when ready to enjoy fresh, flavorful results without last-minute stress.
What spices are used in Famous Dave’s Bread Pudding?
Cinnamon and nutmeg are the primary spices, providing warmth and depth that complement the custard and bread.
Are there any optional mix-ins for this dessert?
Yes, optional ingredients include raisins or dried cranberries, chopped nuts, and bourbon or rum for added flavor and texture.
What equipment do I need to make this bread pudding?
Essential tools include a 9×13-inch baking dish, mixing bowls, a whisk, measuring cups, a rubber spatula, cooling rack, and aluminum foil.
How do I prevent the bread pudding from becoming too soggy?
Lightly toast the bread before soaking and use the right custard-to-bread ratio—about 3 cups of custard for 6 cups of bread. Avoid over-soaking the bread.
What toppings complement Famous Dave’s Bread Pudding?
Popular toppings include caramel sauce, powdered sugar, and vanilla ice cream, all of which enhance its sweetness and creaminess.
Can this bread pudding recipe be modified for dietary restrictions?
You can substitute dairy with plant-based milk and cream, and use gluten-free bread, but it may slightly alter the dessert’s texture and flavor.
Why should I cover the bread pudding with foil during baking?
Covering the dish with foil helps retain moisture for a creamy interior, then removing it toward the end allows the top to become golden and slightly crisp.