This Irish Soda Bread Pudding is a warm, comforting, and rich dessert, made by soaking cubed Irish soda bread in a cinnamon-spiced custard and baking it to golden perfection. Topped with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and powdered sugar, this dessert is a perfect way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day or use up leftover soda bread!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Comforting – A creamy custard-soaked bread pudding with a caramelized golden crust.
- Easy to Make – Uses simple ingredients and is ready in just 1 hour.
- Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day – A great way to honor Irish traditions with a delicious dessert.
- Versatile – Customize with raisins, chopped nuts, or whiskey sauce.
- Great for Using Leftover Soda Bread – A smart way to transform day-old bread into a decadent treat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Bread Pudding:
- 4 cups Irish soda bread, cubed
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ cup raisins or chopped dates (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
For Serving:
- Whipped cream
- Caramel or maple syrup
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Directions
Prepare the Bread Pudding:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Add the cubed soda bread and let it soak for 15 minutes.
Add Mix-Ins & Bake:
- Stir in raisins or chopped dates if using.
- Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish.
- Drizzle melted butter over the top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, until golden brown and set in the center.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve warm, topped with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 380 kcal per serving
Variations
- Boozy Version – Add 2 tablespoons of Irish whiskey to the custard mixture.
- Chocolate Twist – Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips for a sweet surprise.
- Nutty Crunch – Add ¼ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for texture.
- Dairy-Free Option – Use almond milk and coconut cream instead of dairy.
- Extra Sweetness – Serve with a drizzle of Irish cream sauce or vanilla ice cream.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze baked bread pudding for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10 minutes or microwave individual portions for 30 seconds.
FAQs
What type of Irish soda bread works best?
Use day-old Irish soda bread—it absorbs the custard better and gives a great texture.
Can I use regular bread instead?
Yes! Brioche, challah, or French bread also work, but soda bread adds authentic Irish flavor.
How do I prevent the pudding from being too dry?
Make sure the bread soaks long enough and don’t overbake—cover loosely with foil if the top browns too quickly.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the pudding and refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh when ready.
What’s the best topping for this dessert?
Classic choices include whipped cream, caramel sauce, maple syrup, or even an Irish whiskey sauce.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! Simply skip the whiskey variation for a family-friendly version.
Can I make mini bread puddings?
Yes! Bake in ramekins for 20-25 minutes for individual servings.
How do I make it extra creamy?
Use all heavy cream instead of milk for a richer custard.
Can I add apples?
Absolutely! Add ½ cup diced apples for a fruity variation.
What drinks pair well with this dessert?
Enjoy it with Irish coffee, hot tea, or a glass of Bailey’s on the rocks.
Conclusion
This Irish Soda Bread Pudding is a warm, creamy, and comforting dessert, perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any time you want a delicious, easy-to-make treat. Whether topped with whipped cream, caramel, or a dusting of powdered sugar, this pudding is sure to become a family favorite. Bake, serve, and enjoy the rich flavors of Ireland!
