Bread Pudding for Two

All dressed up and nowhere to go—that’s how I usually feel when I see a big, gorgeous cake or pie appear in my social feed. I want to make these recipes, but I don’t have enough people to feed or an occasion to make them. That’s why I love miniature desserts, like bread pudding for two. It’s just the right size for sharing with a friend or devouring yourself (no judgment). Plus, it’s a breeze to make.

While some bread pudding recipes add dried or fresh fruit, nuts or other flavorings, this small-batch bread pudding keeps things simple. Made with just seven ingredients that you likely keep stocked in your kitchen, you can whip up this cozy dessert any night of the week. Simply load the bread cubes into two greased ramekins and then beat together the remaining ingredients. Pour the mixture over the top of the bread cubes and then let the oven do the rest of the work. Waiting for them to bake is the most challenging part.

Bread Pudding for Two Ingredients

• Bread: Making single-serving bread pudding in ramekins is one of our favorite ways to use day-old bread. For best results, choose a sturdy bread that holds its shape when soaked in the egg mixture.
• Eggs: Eggs are crucial in bread pudding recipes. They add richness and a custard-like texture and function as a binding agent.
• Milk: Milk thins the egg-based custard to the perfect consistency, so it absorbs into the bread. If desired, you can prepare this bread pudding for two using any nondairy milk alternative.
• Sugar: Sugar makes the bread pudding taste sweet and browns the bread in the oven, resulting in an attractive golden crust on top.
• Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg lend this easy dessert warmth and a divine aroma.
• Salt: A dash of salt balances the sweetness and richness of this humble, small-batch recipe.

Directions

Step 1: Fill ramekins with bread cubes

Divide the bread between two greased 8-ounce baking dishes. Set aside the dishes aside.

Step 2: Make the custard

In a bowl, beat the eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Pour the mixture over the bread.

Step 3: Bake the bread puddings

Transfer the baking dishes to the oven and bake, uncovered, at 350°F for 40 to 45 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the puddings slightly, then serve them warm.

Editor’s Tip: If your individual bread puddings are browning too fast, tent them with foil while the centers catch up. Remove the foil for the final few minutes to get a crisp top.

Bread Pudding for Two Variations

• Add mix-ins: Once you master the basic formula for making bread pudding in ramekins, let your creativity take over. Before pouring over the egg mixture, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of mini chocolate chips, toasted nuts, raisins, fresh blueberries or even shredded sweetened coconut to the bread cubes.
• Flavor it with extracts: Extracts are a great way to add flavor to pies, cakes, cobblers and more. Beat up to 1 teaspoon of vanilla, almond, orange, coconut or caramel extract into the egg mixture before pouring it over the bread cubes.
• Change the bread: A slightly stale white butter bread is an everyday favorite for making bread pudding in ramekins. However, you can also use brioche, challah, sourdough or French bread with equal success. We also love using breads baked with dried fruit for bread pudding. Italian panettone and a cinnamon raisin swirl bread are other options.

How to Store Bread Pudding for Two

Wrap leftover bread pudding in storage wrap and keep it in the refrigerator for up to four days.

How should you reheat bread pudding?

We recommend reheating small-batch bread pudding in an oven to preserve the texture. Before warming, let it stand for 15 to 30 minutes at room temperature. Reheat the bread pudding, covered with foil to preserve moisture, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°. If you want to revitalize the crispy top of the bread pudding, you can reheat it uncovered for several minutes before serving it.

In a pinch, you may also reheat bread pudding in the microwave. Just make sure your ramekins are microwave-safe.

Bread Pudding for Two Tips

Can you make bread pudding for two in another type of baking pan?

Yes! If you don’t own ramekins, you can prepare single-serving bread pudding using oven-safe coffee mugs (like we do with our chocolate mug cake recipe). Alternatively, you could make a single, larger bread pudding (that’s still totally shareable) by combining all the ingredients in a 6-inch round cake pan. Just note that the bake time may need to be increased slightly if you use a larger pan.

What should you serve with bread pudding for two?

To enjoy this small-batch bread pudding recipe, finish each serving with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of homemade whipped cream. If you’re in the mood for extra indulgence, consider topping your bread pudding with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of homemade salted caramel sauce or some pure maple syrup.