Cinnamon Bagel Bread Pudding is a cozy, indulgent dessert that transforms simple bagels into a rich, decadent treat with a perfect blend of cinnamon, sweetness, and texture. Soft and warm with a delightful custard-like interior and a slightly crispy top, it offers a unique twist on a classic bread pudding. A touch of brown sugar, cinnamon, and raisins (optional) take it to the next level of warmth and flavor.
I first made this bread pudding as a way to use up some leftover cinnamon bagels, and it turned into an instant favorite in my house. The custard base combines eggs, milk, vanilla, and brown sugar, which soak into the bagels, creating a moist, fluffy texture. The crispy, golden top adds a satisfying contrast, with just the right amount of sweetness and spice.
What I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can add nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor. Drizzle it with caramel sauce, dust with powdered sugar, or serve it with a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. Whether you enjoy it as a breakfast delight, a brunch centerpiece, or a decadent dessert, Cinnamon Bagel Bread Pudding is a comforting, flavorful treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Perfect for:
- Family dinners
- Holiday gatherings
- Potlucks
- Brunch spreads
- Cinnamon and bread pudding lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Cinnamon Bagel Bread Pudding will become a household favorite:
- Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday pantry staples and fresh bagels.
- Rich and Custardy: Each bite is soaked in a sweet and creamy custard for ultimate comfort.
- Warm Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg infuse the pudding with cozy, aromatic flavors.
- Crispy Topping: The top layer gets golden and slightly crisp for a delightful texture contrast.
- Versatile Base: Can be customized with raisins, nuts, or chocolate chips.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare ahead of time and bake when ready.
- Great Use of Leftovers: Perfect for repurposing day-old bagels.
- Kid-Friendly: A sweet treat the whole family will enjoy.
- Budget-Friendly: An affordable yet impressive dessert.
- Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Always a hit at gatherings and potlucks.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 7g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 15g
Ingredients
For the Bread Pudding:
- 6 cinnamon bagels, cubed
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup raisins
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- ½ cup chocolate chips
For the Topping:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Ingredient Highlights
- Cinnamon Bagels: Add a subtle spice and chewy texture to the pudding.
- Whole Milk and Cream: Create a rich and velvety custard base.
- Vanilla and Spices: Enhance the flavor with warmth and sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Bread Pudding:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cube Bagels: Cut cinnamon bagels into 1-inch cubes and place them in the prepared dish.
- Mix Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
- Combine: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bagel cubes, ensuring all pieces are soaked. Press down gently with a spatula.
- Optional Add-Ins: Sprinkle raisins, nuts, or chocolate chips between the bagel layers if desired.
Add the Topping:
- Prepare Topping: Mix melted butter with sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle Topping: Drizzle or sprinkle the topping mixture evenly over the bread pudding.
Bake:
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the top is golden and the custard is set.
Serve:
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread pudding to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Cinnamon Bagel Bread Pudding:
- With Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel over the top for extra sweetness.
- A La Mode: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing.
- Topped with Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for a light and airy finish.
- With Maple Syrup: Drizzle maple syrup for a breakfast-inspired twist.
- Paired with Coffee: Enjoy with a cup of freshly brewed coffee for a cozy treat.
- For Brunch: Serve alongside bacon or sausage for a sweet and savory combo.
- With Fresh Fruit: Garnish with fresh berries or sliced bananas for a fruity addition.
- Sprinkled with Powdered Sugar: Dust the top with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
- With a Cinnamon Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar, milk, and cinnamon.
- As a Gift: Package portions in festive wrapping for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Additional Tips
- Stale Bagels Work Best: Use slightly stale bagels as they absorb the custard better and prevent a soggy texture.
- Add Nuts for Crunch: Toss in walnuts or pecans for an added crunch and texture contrast.
- Mix in Dried Fruits: Raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dates can add a delightful sweetness and chewiness.
- Boost the Cinnamon Flavor: Add extra ground cinnamon or even a cinnamon stick to the custard mixture for a stronger cinnamon kick.
- Vanilla Extract Enhances Flavor: A teaspoon of vanilla extract in the custard mixture can enhance the overall taste profile.
- Soak Bagels Briefly: Soak the bagels in the custard mixture just long enough to absorb but not disintegrate.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in dark or white chocolate chips for a decadent twist on your bread pudding.
- Top with a Sugar Crust: Sprinkle a mixture of sugar and cinnamon on top before baking to create a crispy, caramelized crust.
- Serve with a Glaze or Syrup: Drizzle your bread pudding with a vanilla glaze, caramel sauce, or maple syrup for extra decadence.
- Pair with Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: Serve warm bread pudding with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
Recipe Variations
- Apple Cinnamon Bagel Pudding: Add diced apples and a touch of apple pie spice.
- Chocolate Chip Bagel Pudding: Mix in chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
- Pecan Praline Topping: Replace the cinnamon topping with a crunchy pecan praline layer.
- Vegan Option: Substitute plant-based milk, cream, and egg replacers.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free bagels for a celiac-friendly dessert.
- Savory Bread Pudding: Omit the sugar and spices, and add cheese and herbs for a savory version.
- Pumpkin Spice Version: Mix in pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice for fall flavors.
Special Equipment
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish – For baking and serving the bread pudding.
- Mixing Bowls – To combine ingredients before assembling the pudding.
- Whisk – For beating eggs and mixing liquid ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – Accurate measurement tools for ingredients.
- Sharp Knife or Bread Knife – For cutting bagels into pieces.
- Cutting Board – A stable surface to chop and cut bagels.
- Silicone Spatula – For stirring and spreading the bread pudding mixture evenly.
- Pastry Brush – Optional, for brushing butter or glaze on top.
- Oven Mitts – To safely handle the hot baking dish.
- Cooling Rack – For cooling the bread pudding evenly after baking.
FAQ Section
- Can I use other types of bagels?
Yes, plain, raisin, or blueberry bagels work well. - Can this be made ahead?
Absolutely! Assemble it the night before and bake when ready. - How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I freeze this bread pudding?
Yes, freeze baked pudding for up to 2 months and reheat in the oven. - What’s the best way to reheat?
Warm in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through. - Can I make this dessert dairy-free?
Substitute with plant-based milk and cream. - What if I don’t have cinnamon bagels?
Add extra cinnamon to the custard to enhance the flavor. - Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, adjust the sugar amount to your taste. - Is it okay to skip the topping?
Sure, but the topping adds a delightful crunch and extra sweetness. - Can I add alcohol to the recipe?
A splash of rum or bourbon in the custard adds depth to the flavor.
Conclusion
This Cinnamon Bagel Bread Pudding is a cozy, indulgent twist on a classic dessert. Packed with warm cinnamon goodness and made with bagels instead of bread, it offers a delightful texture and a rich, spiced flavor profile. The crispy edges and soft, custardy interior create a perfect balance of textures, making every bite comforting and satisfying.
Drizzle it with a touch of icing glaze, sprinkle with powdered sugar, or top it with fresh whipped cream for an extra decadent touch. It’s a fantastic way to repurpose leftover bagels and turn them into a mouth-watering breakfast, brunch, or dessert treat.
I’d love to see your Cinnamon Bagel Bread Pudding creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me so I can celebrate your delicious twist on this classic dessert. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made it your own—maybe with added raisins, caramel swirls, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for a delightful crunch!