Nordstrom’s bread pudding has become legendary among dessert lovers, and I’m excited to share my version of this decadent treat. Rich, custardy, and perfectly spiced, this bread pudding is sure to become a family favorite.

The secret to achieving that signature texture lies in the quality of the bread and the careful balance of wet and dry ingredients. I use a combination of challah and brioche for maximum flavor and tenderness.

To ensure a golden-brown crust and a creamy interior, I bake the pudding at 350°F for exactly 35-40 minutes. The result is a perfectly cooked dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent.

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an unforgettable dessert experience. Let’s get started on making this Nordstrom-inspired bread pudding!

Ingredients for nordstrom bread pudding

Here’s everything you need to create this rich and decadent Nordstrom-inspired bread pudding recipe.

[recipe_ingredient_scaler]

You can find challah and brioche bread at most bakeries or specialty grocery stores like Whole Foods. For the best flavor, use high-quality vanilla extract from Penzeys Spices or other reputable brands. If you're using older bread, you may need to adjust the amount of liquid slightly to achieve the right consistency. Look for unsalted butter at Costco or Trader Joe's for better pricing on bulk purchases.

Don't have brioche? Substitute with additional challah or even croissants for a different texture. If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, increase to 1 teaspoon or more to taste. You can replace some of the granulated sugar with other sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, but reduce the amount by about 25% due to their stronger flavors. For a boozy twist, add 2-3 tablespoons of bourbon or dark rum to the custard mixture.

Store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or until warm. You can also freeze bread pudding for up to 2 months—wrap tightly in plastic wrap then foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Nordstrom Bread Pudding

Let’s create this decadent dessert together, following these detailed steps for perfect results every time.

🔥 Step 1: Prepare the Bread Mixture

Start by cubing the 4 cups of Challah Bread and 2 cups of Brioche Bread into 1-inch pieces. I prefer using day-old bread as it absorbs the custard better without becoming too soggy. Place the cubed bread in a large mixing bowl and set aside.

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of Granulated Sugar and 0.5 cup of Brown Sugar. The combination of white and brown sugar adds depth to our bread pudding. Sprinkle this sugar mixture evenly over the bread cubes and toss gently until the bread is well coated. This step ensures the bread pudding isn’t too sweet in some spots and too bland in others.

👨‍🍳 Step 2: Make the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together 4 whole Large Eggs, 1.5 cups of Heavy Cream, and 0.5 cup of Whole Milk. I always use room temperature eggs for a smoother custard. Add 1 tsp of Vanilla Extract, 0.5 tsp of Ground Cinnamon, 0.25 tsp of Ground Nutmeg, and 0.25 tsp of Salt. Whisk until fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.

Pour the melted 4 tbsp of Unsalted Butter into the custard mixture and whisk until fully combined. The melted butter adds richness and helps create a golden-brown crust on top of the bread pudding. Make sure the butter is not too hot, as it could scramble the eggs.

🥘 Step 3: Combine Bread and Custard

Pour the custard mixture over the bread mixture and toss until all the bread is evenly coated. I like to use my hands for this step, gently pressing the bread into the custard to ensure everything is saturated. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bread has absorbed most of the custard.

Transfer the bread mixture to a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish. I use a generous amount of butter to grease the dish, ensuring the bread pudding doesn’t stick. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking. This resting period allows the bread to absorb the custard fully.

🔥 Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread pudding for 45-50 minutes, or until it’s golden brown on top and set in the center. You’ll know it’s done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, and the top is nicely caramelized. If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.

Remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. This cooling period allows the custard to set slightly, making it easier to serve. Serve warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Are you ready to indulge in a rich and decadent dessert? Look no further than the legendary Nordstrom bread pudding recipe! 😋 This heavenly treat is a masterclass in comfort food, with a medley of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more.

The Magic Ingredients 🔮

The Nordstrom bread pudding recipe is all about using high-quality ingredients to create a truly unforgettable dessert. You’ll need:

• 4 cups of stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes ( Challah or brioche work beautifully)
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Tips for the Perfect Bread Pudding 💡

To take your bread pudding to the next level, be sure to:

• Use stale bread – it’s essential for absorbing the rich custard
• Don’t overmix the batter – you want it to be smooth, not tough
• Bake until golden brown – a perfectly toasted crust is key

With these simple tips and ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to creating a show-stopping Nordstrom bread pudding that’s sure to impress friends and family alike. So go ahead, get baking, and indulge in the sweet, sweet joy of this decadent dessert! 🍰

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Nordstrom Bread Pudding

These expert tips will help you achieve the perfect Nordstrom bread pudding every time, with a rich custard and a golden-brown crust.

Bread Selection: Using a combination of Challah and Brioche Bread gives the best texture and flavor. Day-old bread works best as it absorbs the custard without becoming too soggy. If using fresh bread, try toasting it lightly first to improve texture.

Custard Preparation: Whisk eggs thoroughly and use room temperature eggs for a smoother custard. Melt the 4 tbsp of Unsalted Butter and let it cool slightly before adding to the custard mixture to prevent scrambling the eggs.

Baking Technique: Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning while the center finishes cooking. The bread pudding is done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

Serving Suggestions: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with caramel sauce. For an extra indulgent touch, try adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving. The contrast between warm pudding and cold ice cream is irresistible!