There’s something wonderfully comforting about the warm, sweet aroma of maple mingling with toasted walnuts fresh from the oven. I stumbled upon this Maple Walnut Bread Pudding recipe when I craved a cozy dessert that didn’t rely on the usual custard base. It’s a delightful twist—rich and satisfying, yet surprisingly easy to prepare. Perfect for anyone tired of fast food or seeking that homemade touch, this bread pudding is both rustic and elegant, making it a true crowd-pleaser whether for a family brunch or a casual dinner treat. Let me share how this simple recipe brings a little maple-sweet magic to your kitchen!
Why choose Maple Walnut Bread Pudding?
Comfort and warmth: This recipe blends cozy maple sweetness with crunchy toasted walnuts, making it perfect for homey gatherings. No-custard ease: Skip the fuss of a custard base without sacrificing richness or flavor. Quick to prepare: Minimal ingredients and simple steps save you time. Versatile treat: Ideal for brunch, dessert, or anytime you want a wholesome, satisfying bite. Crowd-pleaser: Rustic yet elegant, it impresses both family and friends effortlessly.
Maple Walnut Bread Pudding Ingredients
For the Bread Pudding
- Stale Bread – Use day-old bread for better texture and absorption of the maple syrup.
- Maple Syrup – The star sweetener that gives this non-custard pudding its warm, rich flavor.
- Chopped Walnuts – Toasted for extra crunch and nuttiness that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Whole Milk – Adds creaminess without the heaviness of traditional custard.
- Eggs – Bind the ingredients together and provide structure without turning custardy.
- Brown Sugar – For a deeper caramel note that complements the maple syrup.
- Vanilla Extract – Intensifies the sweetness and adds aromatic warmth.
- Ground Cinnamon – A cozy spice that pairs beautifully with walnut and maple flavors.
- Salt – Enhances all the flavors and keeps sweetness in check.
For Serving (Optional)
- Whipped Cream – A light, airy topping that adds indulgence without overpowering.
- Extra Maple Syrup – Drizzling more on top boosts the sweet maple charm before serving.
How to Make Maple Walnut Bread Pudding
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures the pudding bakes evenly, giving it a golden-brown, slightly crisp top that welcomes a warm, toasty crunch.
- Toast walnuts: Spread chopped walnuts on a baking sheet and toast for 5 minutes at 350°F, stirring halfway until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Cube bread: Cut day-old bread into 1-inch cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl; stale bread soaks up more of the sweet maple mixture.
- Whisk mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together whole milk, eggs, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and creamy.
- Combine ingredients: Pour the wet mixture over the cubed bread, gently folding until every piece is coated and the toasted walnuts are evenly distributed.
- Soak pudding: Let the bread soak for 10 minutes, allowing the liquid to fully absorb—this yields a moist, tender interior without sogginess.
- Bake pudding: Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish, transfer the soaked bread mixture, then bake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes until the top is firm and golden.
- Rest and serve: Remove from the oven and cool for 5 minutes. Slice into portions, then optionally drizzle extra maple syrup or top with whipped cream.
Optional: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
You can absolutely prepare the Maple Walnut Bread Pudding ahead of time, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or gatherings! To save time, assemble the pudding up to 24 hours in advance. After you mix the cubed stale bread with the maple syrup mixture, cover it tightly and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully while maintaining moisture. When you’re ready to bake, simply let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes and then pop it in the oven as directed. Rest assured, your Maple Walnut Bread Pudding will come out just as delicious, providing a cozy, comforting dessert that your family will love!
How to Store and Freeze Maple Walnut Bread Pudding
Room Temperature: Allow the pudding to cool completely before covering it with foil or plastic wrap; it can stay fresh for up to 2 days at room temperature.
Fridge: Store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick, cozy treat.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm your Maple Walnut Bread Pudding in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until heated through; this helps maintain its wonderful texture.
Expert Tips for Maple Walnut Bread Pudding
- Use stale bread: Day-old bread soaks up the maple mixture perfectly, preventing a soggy pudding while ensuring moist, tender bites.
- Toast walnuts well: Lightly toasting walnuts enhances their crunch and flavor, avoiding a raw, bitter taste that can overpower the pudding.
- Don’t overmix: Gently fold ingredients to preserve the bread’s texture and keep the pudding light, avoiding a dense or gummy final result.
- Soak patiently: Let the bread absorb the liquid for at least 10 minutes, ensuring every cube is infused with sweet maple goodness.
- Watch baking time: Remove the pudding once the top is golden and firm; overbaking can dry it out, losing that cozy, soft center.
- Serve warm: Maple Walnut Bread Pudding tastes best slightly warm, with optional whipped cream or syrup to enhance its comforting flavors.
What to Serve with Maple Walnut Bread Pudding?
Looking to elevate your Maple Walnut Bread Pudding experience? Dive into these delightful pairings that enhance its warm and sweet flavors.
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Fresh Berries: Their tartness beautifully balances the sweetness of the bread pudding, adding a burst of freshness to each bite. A mix of raspberries and blueberries will awaken your palate.
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Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The rich creaminess of vanilla ice cream melts delightfully with warm pudding—it’s a classic comfort that adds a luscious touch to every mouthful.
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Candied Pecans: These sweet and crunchy toppings add extra texture and flavor depth. Their buttery crunch contrasts perfectly with the soft bread pudding, creating a delightful experience.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel over the bread pudding intensifies its sweetness and adds a luxurious texture. It’s a match made in dessert heaven, elevating each bite.
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Spiced Whipped Cream: Flavored with cinnamon or nutmeg, spiced whipped cream enhances the pudding’s cozy notes while remaining light and airy.
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Chai Tea: A warm, aromatic cup of chai tea pairs wonderfully. The fragrant spices harmonize beautifully with the flavors of maple and walnut, making for a perfect cozy evening treat.
Maple Walnut Bread Pudding Variations
Feel free to get creative and adapt this recipe with your favorite flavors and dietary needs!
- Nut-Free: Substitute chopped walnuts with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a crunchy twist without nuts.
- Vegan: Use almond milk and flax eggs in place of whole milk and eggs to keep it plant-based while ensuring delicious flavor.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick that enhances the warm spices.
- Fruit-Infused: Incorporate diced apples or pears into the mixture for added sweetness and a delightful fruity texture in each bite.
- Coconut Twist: Mix in shredded coconut for a chewy texture that complements the maple syrup’s sweetness beautifully.
- Chocolate Delight: Fold in chocolate chips for an indulgent touch that will satisfy any sweet tooth craving.
- Savory Touch: Swap out a portion of the brown sugar with cheese like goat cheese or feta for a sweet-savory experience.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or cashew milk as a substitute for whole milk, keeping it rich and creamy without dairy.
Let your imagination run wild and tailor this dish to fit every occasion and palate!
Maple Walnut Bread Pudding Recipe FAQs
What type of bread works best for Maple Walnut Bread Pudding?
Day-old or stale bread is your best bet! It soaks up the maple mixture perfectly without turning mushy, giving you that ideal moist yet textured pudding.
How long can I store leftover bread pudding in the fridge?
You can keep your Maple Walnut Bread Pudding fresh in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Just reheat individual portions gently in the microwave or oven to bring back that comforting warmth.
Can I freeze Maple Walnut Bread Pudding for later?
Absolutely! Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to avoid freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a homemade treat anytime.
My bread pudding came out soggy—what did I do wrong?
It’s most likely from soaking the bread too long or using very fresh bread, which doesn’t absorb as well. I recommend using stale bread and soaking it just 10 minutes to get a tender, not soggy, texture.
Is Maple Walnut Bread Pudding pet-friendly?
While the ingredients are generally safe for humans, this pudding contains nuts and maple syrup, which aren’t recommended for pets—especially dogs. Keep this sweet treat just for your family and friends!
Easy Maple Walnut Bread Pudding: A Cozy, Non-Custard Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Spread chopped walnuts on a baking sheet and toast for 5 minutes at 350°F, stirring halfway.
- Cut day-old bread into 1-inch cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together whole milk, eggs, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
- Pour the wet mixture over the cubed bread, gently folding until coated and walnuts are distributed.
- Let the bread soak for 10 minutes to allow absorption.
- Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish, transfer the mixture, and bake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and cool for 5 minutes before slicing into portions and serving.
