White Chocolate Bread Pudding Recipe – So Rich, So Easy!

This White Chocolate Bread Pudding is rich, buttery, and laced with a luscious white chocolate sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort dessert—easy to make and perfect for any gathering.

Introduction – A Warm, Sweet Treat You’ll Fall in Love With

Is there anything more comforting than warm, homemade bread pudding? Add white chocolate into the mix and you’ve got yourself a dessert that’s not just cozy—it’s next-level indulgent. This white chocolate bread pudding recipe is my personal go-to when I want something that feels fancy but comes together easily in one dish. Whether you’re prepping for a weekend dinner, a holiday gathering, or just treating yourself on a rainy day, this dessert checks all the boxes.

And don’t worry—this isn’t one of those complicated, 12-step recipes that leaves you with a sink full of dishes. Nope. It’s rich, creamy, slightly crisp on the top, melt-in-your-mouth soft inside, and dripping in luscious white chocolate sauce for bread pudding. Sound good? Yeah, I thought so.

Let’s get into it, because once you try this, there’s no going back to plain ol’ bread pudding.

Why You’ll Love This White Chocolate Bread Pudding Recipe

Let’s be honest—there are a lot of bread pudding recipes out there. So what makes this one special? It’s the combination of simplicity and decadence. This isn’t just a dessert—it’s a statement. Here’s why this recipe earns a permanent spot in your kitchen playbook:

Rich and Creamy Texture with White Chocolate Goodness

The custard in this recipe is thick, luxurious, and baked to golden perfection. When you pour white chocolate into the mix, it adds a smooth, buttery sweetness that regular chocolate just can’t match. It’s like a cozy blanket for your taste buds.

Uses Leftover Bread – No Waste, Just Wow

Got day-old bread sitting around? This is the perfect way to bring it back to life. Whether it’s challah, brioche, or even French bread, using slightly stale bread actually helps the pudding absorb all the flavor-rich custard. What was once yesterday’s leftovers now becomes today’s showstopper.

Easy to Make, Perfect for Beginners

If you can cut bread and whisk eggs, you can make this. Seriously. There’s no special technique, no culinary degree required. It’s one of those dishes that feels impressive but is secretly foolproof.

A Show-Stopping Dessert for Holidays or Casual Nights

This dessert wears two hats. It’s fancy enough to serve at Thanksgiving with a generous pour of bread pudding with vanilla sauce, but it’s also the kind of thing you can whip up for a Tuesday night movie marathon.

So yeah—if you’re looking for a warm, gooey, crowd-pleasing treat, this white chocolate bread pudding is it.

Ingredients You’ll Need (Simple and Delicious)

Don’t worry, this isn’t one of those “35-ingredient” recipes. Everything here is probably already in your kitchen—or easy to find at your local store.

Let’s break down the essentials:

What You Need for the White Chocolate Sauce for Bread Pudding

This dreamy sauce is what sends the whole thing over the edge. Here’s what you’ll need:

Want to switch it up? You can also serve this dish with a bread pudding with vanilla sauce or even a caramel drizzle if you’re feeling adventurous. More on that in the sauce section later!

Optional Add-Ins to Customize Your Recipe

Feel like experimenting? Try adding:

• Toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch
• Dried cranberries or cherries for a tart kick
• A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warmer spice profile
• A splash of orange zest if you’re in a citrusy mood

The base recipe is versatile enough that you can totally make it your own.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need any fancy gadgets here—just your trusty kitchen basics.

Optional but helpful:

• Oven thermometer (to make sure you’re really baking at 350°F)
• Rubber spatula (for scraping out every last drop of that glorious sauce)

That’s all you need to get going—simple setup, maximum results.

How to Make White Chocolate Bread Pudding Step by Step

This white chocolate bread pudding recipe isn’t just easy—it’s pretty fun to make. You’ll be layering flavors, creating a creamy custard, and ending with a bake that fills your whole home with a sweet, cozy aroma.

Here’s how it all comes together:

Step 1 – Prep the Bread

Take your day-old bread (brioche, challah, or French bread works great), and cut it into 1-inch cubes. You want about 6 packed cups.

Pro tip: If your bread isn’t quite stale, you can dry it out by placing the cubes on a baking sheet in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. Dry bread absorbs the custard better, leading to a richer pudding.

Step 2 – Make the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

This custard is your flavor base, so make sure it’s smooth and fully combined.

Step 3 – Layer and Pour

Lightly grease a 9×13″ baking dish. Add the bread cubes, then sprinkle the white chocolate chips evenly over the top (or stir them in if you want them throughout).

Now, pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and chocolate. Press down gently with a spoon or spatula to make sure all the bread gets soaked.

Let it sit for about 20 minutes so the bread fully absorbs the custard.

Step 4 – Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover your baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.

Let it cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. This gives it time to settle and makes slicing easier.

Tips for the Best Bread Pudding Every Time

Even though this recipe is pretty much foolproof, a few tricks can take your bread pudding with vanilla sauce (or white chocolate sauce) to the next level.

Don’t Skip the Soak Time

Letting the bread soak before baking gives you that perfect custardy texture. Rushing this step can lead to dry spots.

Use Quality White Chocolate

Not all white chocolate is created equal. Skip the cheap chips if you can. Go for high-quality chunks or baking bars for the creamiest melt.

Keep an Eye While Baking

Ovens vary. Start checking at the 45-minute mark. You want a golden top and a barely-set center. It will continue to firm up as it cools.

Add a Touch of Spice

While not traditional in white chocolate versions, a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can add an extra layer of warmth, especially during the holidays.

White Chocolate Sauce for Bread Pudding – The Finishing Touch

Let’s talk about what really makes this dessert unforgettable: the white chocolate sauce.

This bread pudding sauce recipe is silky, smooth, and sweet enough to complement—but not overpower—the pudding.

white chocolate sauce for bread pudding

In a small saucepan, combine:

• ½ cup white chocolate chips or chunks
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp butter
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

Warm it over low heat, stirring constantly until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Don’t overheat it—white chocolate is delicate and can seize up quickly.

Pour it generously over warm slices of pudding before serving. You can also serve it on the side if you’re feeling fancy.

Want a more classic flavor? Swap this out with a traditional bread pudding sauce recipe like a simple vanilla or rum-free caramel drizzle.

Want to master the perfect drizzle? Check out this simple and elegant Caramelized White Chocolate Ganache that works beautifully over bread pudding.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Sometimes you’re missing an ingredient or just want to try something new. Here are some easy swaps:

Bread Options

• French bread or baguette = firmer texture
• Croissants = buttery and rich
• Gluten-free bread = for dietary needs (just make sure it’s sturdy)

Milk and Cream

• Use half-and-half instead of milk + cream combo
• Dairy-free? Use almond milk and coconut cream

Sweetener Substitutes

• Brown sugar adds a caramel flavor
• Coconut sugar gives a nutty twist
• Maple syrup works but reduce the liquid slightly

Add-ins for Extra Flair

• Chopped pecans or almonds
• Dried cherries or apricots
• Dark chocolate chunks (for a contrast with white chocolate)

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Good news—this dessert stores like a champ and reheats beautifully.

In the Fridge

Let the pudding cool completely. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Reheating Tips

• Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for 30–45 seconds.
• Oven: Reheat covered at 300°F for 15–20 minutes. Add a splash of milk or cream before reheating to keep it moist.
• Stovetop: For the sauce, reheat on low and stir constantly.

Can You Freeze It?

Absolutely! Wrap tightly in plastic and foil or use a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Sure, this white chocolate bread pudding is amazing on its own—but why stop there?

Here are some creative serving ideas:

• Top with berries: Fresh raspberries or strawberries cut through the sweetness.
• Add a scoop of ice cream: Vanilla, butter pecan, or even white chocolate chip ice cream pair perfectly.
• Serve with coffee or tea: A bold espresso or spiced chai balances the richness.
• Holiday twist: Sprinkle with crushed candy canes or a little cinnamon sugar for Christmas flair.

You can also drizzle with extra bread pudding sauce recipe variations like chocolate ganache or lemon glaze if you’re feeling fancy.

FAQs About White Chocolate Bread Pudding

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the whole dish, cover, and refrigerate it overnight. Just pop it in the oven the next day for easy prep.

Q: What kind of bread is best?
Brioche is a top choice because it’s soft, buttery, and soaks up custard like a dream. Challah, croissants, and French bread are all great alternatives.

Q: Is this dessert overly sweet?
Nope! Even though it uses white chocolate, the balance of cream, eggs, and salt keeps it from being cloying. Want less sweetness? Reduce the sugar slightly or use a more bitter add-in like dark chocolate chips.

Q: Can I make this without eggs?
Yes, though the texture will change. Try using a flax egg substitute (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water = 1 egg) or a store-bought egg replacer.

Q: What’s the difference between white chocolate sauce and vanilla sauce?
White chocolate sauce is richer and made from melted white chocolate and cream. Vanilla sauce, on the other hand, is usually made with milk, sugar, and vanilla and is more custard-like in flavor.

Nutritional Information

Let’s talk numbers. While this isn’t a “light” dessert by any means, knowing what’s in your portion helps you enjoy it mindfully. Here’s the estimated breakdown per serving (assuming 10 servings total):

These values will vary depending on the type of bread, cream, and chocolate used.

Want to lighten it up?

Try these swaps:

• Use low-fat milk instead of whole milk or cream
• Reduce sugar by 1/4 cup
• Choose a leaner bread like multigrain or sourdough
• Replace white chocolate with a smaller amount of dark chocolate for richness with fewer added sugars

Remember, balance is key. This is a treat worth savoring!

More Recipes You’ll Love

Banana Bread with Two Bananas

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Matcha White Chocolate Cheesecake

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

There you have it—a white chocolate bread pudding recipe that’s rich, easy, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re whipping it up for a family dinner, holiday dessert table, or just a weekend indulgence, this pudding has that “wow” factor you’ve been looking for.

From the velvety custard-soaked bread to the drizzle of white chocolate sauce for bread pudding, every bite feels like a warm hug on a plate. And the best part? It’s totally customizable. You can make it your own with fun add-ins or turn it into a show-stopping dessert with just a little creativity.

So why not try it this weekend? Share it with your friends, surprise your guests, or keep it all to yourself—we won’t judge!

If you loved this post, here’s what to do next:

👉 Bookmark this page for next time you’re craving something sweet
👉 Share this recipe with someone who needs a little comfort food in their life
👉 Leave a comment below and let us know how yours turned out!
👉 Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for more tried-and-true recipes

Thanks for visiting Renewed Recipes—where comfort food gets a fresh twist. Now go grab that whisk and let’s bake something unforgettable.

White Chocolate Bread Pudding Recipe

This White Chocolate Bread Pudding is rich, buttery, and laced with a luscious white chocolate sauce. It's the ultimate comfort dessert—easy to make and perfect for any gathering.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 10

Calories 390 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Bread Pudding

• 6 cups cubed brioche or challah bread day-old preferred
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• 4 large eggs
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp salt
• 6 oz white chocolate chopped

For the White Chocolate Sauce

• 4 oz white chocolate chopped
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

 

Step 1 – Prepare the Bread

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter or spray.
• Place cubed brioche in the dish in an even layer.

Step 2 – Make the Custard

• In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, milk, cream, vanilla, and salt.
• Stir in the chopped white chocolate.
• Pour mixture evenly over the bread. Press bread down gently to soak.

Step 3 – Bake the Pudding

• Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes while the oven finishes heating.
• Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes or until golden brown and set in the center.

Step 4 – Make the Sauce

• While pudding bakes, melt 4 oz white chocolate with cream, butter, and vanilla over low heat.
• Stir until smooth and glossy.

Step 5 – Serve

• Remove pudding from oven and let cool 5–10 minutes.
• Drizzle with warm white chocolate sauce before serving.

Notes

Tip: Add raspberries, white chocolate chips, or a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor. You can also serve this bread pudding with vanilla ice cream or a light vanilla sauce.