Three white ramekins filled with cooked bread pudding topped with whiskey sauce with a stainless steel spoon in front and a white and brown towel behind all on a wooden surface (with logo overlay)

How to Make Easy Bread Pudding in the Slow Cooker

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Use your slow cooker to make sweet Bread Pudding, a delicious, easy dessert for your next holiday gathering!

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Bread Pudding is one of those foods that I’ve had at holiday events, but never thought of making myself. I know it’s a classic dessert in some homes during this time of the year, but it wasn’t with my family. 

Every year since Tyler started preschool, we go to the Breakfast with Santa event at the church, and this year is no different. And every year, they have the best bread pudding as one of the many options. 

Bread pudding is made in many different countries. Each of them has its own unique variation to the dish. Stale bread is the base of bread pudding. Then the bread is topped with milk and eggs. Soak the bread in the liquid and mix with any other ingredients and bake. 

Well, most of the time it’s baked. For this recipe, I decided to use the slow cooker. It made it quick and easy and was ready in a few hours. Plus, it didn’t take up space in the oven which can be scarce if making this with your holiday meal. 

I decided to make mine simple for the first time, and it was delicious! We used the regular base of eggs and milk, then added in a bit of sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract, similar to French toast. I didn’t want to try too much at first since I had never made bread pudding before. Next time I want to try a few more add-ins to change the flavor for the whole family to enjoy it. 

We made it again as a dessert for our Friendsgiving meal. I used almond milk so it was safe for my dairy-allergy friend. Justin found a recipe for a delicious whiskey sauce that was also dairy-free to go on top. I still like the maple syrup, but the sauce was good, too.

Serving Suggestions & Tips

  • Use leftover bread to make bread pudding. It’s ok if it’s a few days old since fresh bread retains moisture. You can use any type of bread, but the kind of bread for this recipe is day-old bread.
  • Garnish with maple syrup, custard mixture, mini chocolate chips, caramel sauce, bourbon sauce, fresh fruit, powdered sugar, vanilla ice cream, or golden raisins. 
  • Since this is made in a slow cooker, the bread won’t turn golden brown, but you could put it in oven-proof serving dishes and broil for a few minutes until the bread cubes turn brown.
  • Make chocolate bread pudding by mixing in some chocolate chips and drizzle with chocolate syrup.  
  • These are simple ingredients, but it’s a lot of eggs and milk so make sure you have enough before starting this homemade bread pudding recipe. 

Why Make Bread Pudding in a Crock Pot

Using a crock pot for bread pudding makes the process simple and hands-off. Instead of monitoring the oven, the slow cooker gently steams the custard mixture, creating a creamy texture with a perfectly set middle. It’s an excellent option when you don’t want to heat up your kitchen or when you need an easy dessert for family gatherings and holidays.

Best Bread to Use for Crock Pot Bread Pudding

Choosing the right bread makes a big difference in the final texture of your dessert. Day-old or slightly stale bread works best because it soaks up the custard without turning soggy. Brioche, challah, French bread, or even leftover sandwich bread can all be used. If you want a richer flavor, try croissants or a cinnamon swirl loaf for added sweetness.

Variations and Flavor Add-Ins

Bread pudding is a versatile dessert, and the crock pot version is no different. Mix in chocolate chips, raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts before cooking. For a seasonal twist, add pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice in the fall, or try diced apples and cinnamon for a cozy winter treat. Swapping the vanilla extract for almond or rum extract can also change up the flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Crock pot bread pudding is delicious on its own, but adding a topping takes it to the next level. Serve warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, or a simple powdered sugar glaze. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream makes it an indulgent dessert. For a breakfast-style version, try topping it with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar.

How to Store and Reheat Bread Pudding

Leftover bread pudding should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for 30–45 seconds, or warm larger portions in the oven at 325°F until heated through. If the pudding seems dry after storing, add a splash of milk or cream before reheating to bring back its creamy texture.

Can You Freeze Crock Pot Bread Pudding?

Yes, this dessert freezes surprisingly well. Once cooled completely, wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the microwave or oven. Freezing makes it easy to enjoy a comforting homemade dessert whenever the craving hits.

Bread Pudding Step by Step

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf French bread
  • 8 eggs
  • 4 cups milk
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Preparation

Cut the French bread load into cubes, about 1-2 inches square.

Bamboo cutting board with chopped pieces of bread piled on top with a slow cooker in the back all on a wooden surface

Put the bread in the slow cooker. 

Slow cooker filled with chunks of bread on a wooden surface

In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs. Add in the milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla.

Stainless steel bowl with egg and milk mixture next to a slow cooker full of bread chunks all on a wooden surface

Pour the vanilla sauce mixture over the bread. Mix everything up to make sure that all of the bread has liquid on it. 

Chunks of bread covered with egg and milk mixture in a slow cooker on a wooden surface

Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for about 2.5-3 hours or on low heat for 4-6 hours. Take the lid off for about 20 minutes to cool. The bread pudding will also deflate during that time. Serve warm. 

Three white ramekins filled with cooked bread pudding topped with whiskey sauce with a stainless steel spoon in front and a white and brown towel behind all on a wooden surface (vertical)

Bread Pudding Leftovers

Storage: Let the bread pudding come to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for 1-2 days. 

Reheating: The best way to reheat bread pudding is in a baking dish in a 350°F oven for about 5-10 minutes. Or, place in a small saucepan over medium heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the bread pudding is dry, mix in a little bit of melted butter, heavy cream, milk, or maple syrup. 

Recipe

Originally Published On: December 22, 2018

Last Updated On: October 30, 2025

Three white ramekins filled with cooked bread pudding topped with whiskey sauce with a stainless steel spoon in front and a white and brown towel behind all on a wooden surface

Bread Pudding in the Slow Cooker

Use your slow cooker to make sweet Bread Pudding, a delicious, easy dessert for your next holiday gathering!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 5 minutes
Course:
Dessert
Cuisine:
American
Keyword:
bread
|
slow cooker
Dietary Needs:
Nut-Free
Cooking Method:
Slow-Cooker
Servings: 6 cups
5 from 8 votes

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf French bread
  • 8 eggs
  • 4 cups milk
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Recommended Equipment

Instructions

  • Cut the bread into cubes about 1-2 inches square and put in the slow cooker
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs
  • Add the milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract and whisk until combined
  • Pour the egg mixture over the bread in the slow cooker
  • Carefully stir just until all of the bread has liquid on it
  • Cover and cook on high for about 2.5-3 hours
  • Remove the cover and let cool for about 20 minutes before serving
  • Serve warm garnished with powdered sugar or maple syrup if desired
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Nutrition Facts
Bread Pudding in the Slow Cooker
Amount Per Serving (0.5 cup)
Calories 232 Calories from Fat 54
% Daily Value*
Fat 6g9%
Saturated Fat 3g15%
Cholesterol 117mg39%
Sodium 248mg10%
Potassium 191mg5%
Carbohydrates 34g11%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 16g18%
Protein 10g20%
Vitamin A 290IU6%
Calcium 125mg13%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutrition content will vary based on brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes, and more.

37 thoughts on “How to Make Easy Bread Pudding in the Slow Cooker”

    1. Stephanie

      I’ve never heard of bread and butter pudding. I’ll have to give that a search and see what it is. We didn’t have bread pudding much growing up, but my husband had mentioned a few times that he really likes it so I decided to give it a try.

      Reply
  4. Marjie Mare

    5 stars
    I love bread pudding, it’s used to be my mom’s favorite dessert to make for us. Until now, my mother swears no dessert is better than bread pudding.

    Reply
  6. Elizabeth O

    5 stars
    Bread pudding was one of the popular desserts in my schools years and I loved eating it with custard. I haven’t had it in many years…

    Reply
    1. Stephanie

      I tend to make this as a dessert, but a friend suggested adding raisins to it so it’s closer to a breakfast item. I haven’t tried it yet but I bet it’s delicious!

      Reply
  17. Courtney

    Slow cooker recipes are my favorite! Especially this time of year! I just bought a new fancy crockpot, so I might just have to give this recipe a try!

    Reply

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