Can You Freeze Bread Pudding?

Bread pudding is a delicious, creamy dessert made from stale bread, eggs, milk, sugar, spices, and other ingredients. It’s a great way to use up leftover bread and create a comforting treat.

But can you freeze bread pudding to enjoy later? The short answer is yes; you can freeze bread pudding. Read on to learn how to properly freeze bread pudding to maintain its texture and flavor.

Why Freeze Bread Pudding?

There are several reasons you may want to make bread pudding ahead of time and freeze it:

Make Ahead for Entertaining

Freezing bread pudding is a great way to make dessert ahead of time when you are hosting a dinner party or having guests over. You can prepare the bread pudding, let it cool completely, then wrap it and freeze it. When ready to serve, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently before dinner.

Meal Prep for the Week

Making a batch of bread pudding on the weekend allows you to portion it out and freeze it for easy desserts throughout the week. Just grab a serving from the freezer to enjoy after dinner any night.

Use Up Stale bread.

When you have a loaf of stale bread that needs using up, bread pudding is a perfect recipe. You can make a big batch, freeze portions, and continue using up stale bread over the next few weeks.

Stock Up on a Favorite

Once you find a delicious bread pudding recipe your family loves, it makes sense to double it and freeze the extras to have on hand whenever you want a comforting dessert.

How to Freeze Bread Pudding

Freezing bread pudding is simple, but there are some tips to follow for best results:

Cool Completely First

It is important that the bread pudding be cooled completely before freezing. If you freeze bread pudding when it is still warm, it can change the texture and create condensation in the package. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for 2–3 hours or overnight.

Package Well

Make sure to package the bread pudding well for freezing. Use containers, plastic freezer bags that seal tightly, or freezer wrap to prevent freezer burn. Portion into serving sizes so you can defrost only what you need.

Defrost in the fridge

Always defrost frozen bread pudding overnight in the refrigerator. Do not thaw at room temperature or in the microwave. Defrosting slowly in the fridge preserves texture and prevents condensation.

Reheat Gently

Reheat defrosted bread pudding in a low oven at 300°F until heated through, 10–15 minutes. Microwaving can make the bread pudding rubbery. Reheating gently preserves the creamy texture.

Use Within 3 months.

For the best quality and taste, consume your frozen bread pudding within 3 months. The texture tends to deteriorate if frozen for longer. Label packages with the date before freezing.

The Best Way to Freeze Different Types of Bread Pudding

There are many delicious varieties of bread pudding out there! Here are freezing tips for some popular types:

Traditional Bread Pudding

Traditional bread pudding made with milk, eggs, vanilla, raisins, and spices like cinnamon freezes well. Make sure the pudding is cooled completely before freezing. Reheat individual servings straight from the freezer at 300°F for 15–20 minutes.

Chocolate Bread Pudding

For chocolate bread pudding, cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in a 300°F oven until warmed through, 15–20 minutes.

Fruit Bread Pudding

Fruit bread puddings with fresh berries or chopped apples should be frozen before the added fruits become too juicy. Allow to cool completely before freezing, then reheat individual servings at 300°F from their frozen state.

Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce

For bread pudding with whiskey sauce, freeze the pudding and sauce separately. Thaw the pudding overnight in the fridge before reheating per the recipe instructions. Thaw sauce in the fridge before reheating slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Savory Bread Pudding

Savory bread puddings, like ones with spinach and feta or bacon and cheddar, also freeze well. Cool completely before freezing, then reheat individual portions straight from the freezer at 300°F until heated through.

Tips for Making Freezable Bread Pudding

Follow these tips when making bread pudding intended for the freezer:

• Grease the pan well to prevent it from sticking when thawed.
• Allow the pudding to cool completely, then chill in the fridge before freezing.
• Double-wrap the pan with plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Use tried-and-true recipes formulated for freezing.
• Underbake slightly before freezing to allow for additional oven time when reheating.
• Portion into single servings so you can thaw only what you need.
• Avoid overfilling containers, which can negatively impact texture.
• Label each container with its contents and date before freezing.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Bread Pudding

Besides freezing, bread pudding leftovers can also be stored and reheated with these guidelines:

Storage

• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking.
• Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Do not store at room temperature.

Reheating

• Reheat refrigerated leftovers in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwaving makes the texture rubbery.
• Stir periodically while reheating to evenly distribute heat.
• Do not reheat more than once.

Serving

• Garnish bread pudding with powdered sugar, cinnamon, or fruit before serving.
• Drizzle with whiskey sauce, caramel sauce, or cream for added richness.
• Enjoy bread pudding leftovers for breakfast, served with coffee or tea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about freezing bread pudding:

How long does bread pudding last in the freezer?

Properly frozen, bread pudding will maintain its best quality for 2–3 months in the freezer. Label the container with the date to track freshness.

Can you freeze unbaked bread pudding?

It is best to fully bake the bread pudding first, then let it cool completely before freezing. Unbaked pudding may overproof and change texture when thawed.

What kind of container is best for freezing?

Use rigid, airtight containers like plastic freezer containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Glass dishes are prone to cracking. Don’t overfill containers, which can lead to texture changes.

Should you thaw before reheating?

Yes, always thaw frozen bread pudding overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture. Microwaving or reheating frozen food causes a rubbery, uneven texture.

Can you freeze bread pudding with custard?

Yes, bread pudding made with a custard base can be frozen. Cool completely before freezing, then thaw in the fridge and reheat gently in a 300°F oven until warm throughout.

Can I freeze bread pudding with cream?

Bread pudding made with cream or cream cheese should be frozen in single servings only. The high-fat dairy does not freeze well in large quantities. Thaw in the fridge before gently reheating.

What happens if you freeze warm bread pudding?

Freezing warm bread pudding can lead to condensation, weeping liquid, and undesirable changes in texture. Always cool bread pudding completely before freezing for the best results.

Can frozen bread pudding be reheated in the slow cooker?

Yes, frozen bread pudding can be thawed overnight in the fridge, then reheated on low in a slow cooker with the lid off, stirring occasionally, until fully heated through.

Conclusion

Bread pudding freezes beautifully when properly prepared and packaged. Allowing it to fully cool and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating helps maintain the creamy, comforting texture.

With an array of bread pudding recipes to try, take advantage of freezing to stock up on this satisfying dessert. Just remember to label and use within 2–3 months for perfect results every time.