Southern Peaches and Cream Bread Pudding: An Irresistible Overnight Delight

Do you find yourself drawn to the comforting embrace of a delectable dessert? More specifically, does your heart lean towards fruit-based treats, or perhaps you prefer something chilled versus a warm, oven-fresh creation? Today, we’re indulging in a classic Southern comfort: a rich, tender, and incredibly flavorful Peaches and Cream Bread Pudding. This isn’t just any dessert; it’s a nostalgic journey to sunny Southern kitchens, offering a delightful blend of creamy custard and sweet, ripe peaches.

My husband and I recently embarked on a scenic drive through the enchanting, misty Blue Ridge Mountains, winding our way between North and South Carolina. We had just visited our daughter and her lively four boys, including a set of energetic triplets! It was late summer, and while apples were beginning to ripen, the magnificent peaches in South Carolina were still at their peak, bursting with juicy, sweet deliciousness. The sheer abundance and incredible flavor of these local peaches inspired me to create a dessert that truly showcased their natural sweetness, leading to this unforgettable Peaches and Cream Bread Pudding recipe.

The Enduring Appeal of Bread Pudding

Bread pudding is a universally beloved dessert with roots stretching back centuries, found in countless cuisines worldwide. At its heart, it’s a humble dish designed to make the most of stale or day-old bread, transforming it into something extraordinary. The bread is typically soaked overnight in a rich, creamy egg mixture, often infused with an array of complementary flavors like sugars, honey, various fruits, nuts, warm spices such as cinnamon and vanilla, and sometimes even a hint of citrus zest. After a luxurious overnight soak in the refrigerator, allowing the bread to fully absorb the custardy liquid, the pudding is baked until golden brown and is most enchantingly served warm.

While often cherished for holiday breakfasts and leisurely brunches, savory bread puddings can also serve as hearty main courses. However, sweet variations, like our delightful Peaches and Cream Bread Pudding, are most commonly savored as a decadent dessert. Its ability to combine simple ingredients into a sophisticated and satisfying treat has cemented its place as a comfort food staple across generations.

A Southern Classic: Peaches and Cream

The combination of peaches and cream is a timeless pairing, especially revered in Southern cuisine. Southern peaches, known for their exceptional sweetness and juiciness, lend themselves perfectly to desserts that highlight their natural flavor. When combined with rich, heavy cream, they create a symphony of textures and tastes – the tender, slightly tart fruit against the smooth, sweet, and comforting custard. This Southern Peaches and Cream Bread Pudding captures the essence of this beloved flavor profile, making it an ideal choice for a comforting family meal or a special gathering.

The Magic of an Overnight Soak for Bread Pudding

What sets this particular bread pudding apart and makes it truly special is the overnight soaking process. Allowing the bread to soak for 8-12 hours in the creamy egg mixture is not merely a step; it’s a transformation. This extended period ensures that every piece of bread becomes thoroughly saturated, absorbing the rich custard base to its core. The result is an incredibly tender and moist bread pudding that avoids any dry or tough spots, achieving a uniformly soft and luxurious texture that simply melts in your mouth. Furthermore, the overnight rest allows the flavors of the peaches, cream, and spices to meld and deepen, creating a more complex and harmonious taste profile in the final baked dessert. It’s this patient preparation that elevates a simple bread pudding to an extraordinary culinary experience.

Peaches and Cream Bread Pudding

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
5 from 13 reviews

Author: Roz | La Bella Vita Cucina
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Additional Time: 8-12 hours
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 8-13 hours
Yield: 10 servings 1x
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Ingredients

Units

Scale

2 thin loaves of French bread, sliced 1″ thick
5 – 6 ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced 1/2″ – 1″ thick
8 eggs
2 cups cream
1 cup whole milk
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1/3 cup peach preserves
2 tsps. vanilla extract
2 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. kosher salt / freshly-cracked sea salt
1 tsp. lemon zest
pinch of ground nutmeg

Cream Icing

2 cups heavy cream
1 cup powdered sugar (or more)
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Cook Mode

Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 F degrees.
Spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
Arrange bread slices in the prepared dish, overlapping them slightly to create a sturdy base for your pudding. Then, evenly arrange the fresh peach slices over the bread layer.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, peach preserves, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, kosher salt, and lemon zest until thoroughly combined. This forms the rich custard that will soak into the bread. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the peaches and bread slices in the baking dish. Drizzle the melted butter over the casserole for added richness. Lightly spray one side of a sheet of aluminum foil with cooking spray (this prevents the foil from sticking to the pudding during baking) and place it over the casserole, spray side down, sealing the edges tightly. Refrigerate the casserole overnight for about 8 – 12 hours. This crucial step allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, leading to an incredibly tender and flavorful bread pudding.
Bake the covered bread pudding for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue to bake uncovered for an additional 12-15 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the custard is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out mostly clean. Let the bread pudding stand for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven to allow it to set further and cool slightly before serving.
Prepare the cream icing: In a medium bowl, use a hand-held blender or whisk to mix the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture thickens to a syrup-like consistency. Be careful not to over-beat, as you want it to be pourable, not overly stiff. The goal is a luscious, flowing icing that will beautifully drape over the warm bread pudding.
Garnish your finished Peaches and Cream Bread Pudding with fresh peach slices, bright fresh raspberries, and delicate mint leaves for an appealing presentation and a burst of complementary flavors.
Enjoy every delightful bite! Buon Apetito!

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Peaches and Cream Bread Pudding

Creating a truly exceptional bread pudding involves a few key considerations that can elevate your dessert from good to absolutely glorious. First, the bread itself is crucial. While stale French bread is recommended, a slightly crusty Italian loaf or challah can also work beautifully. The key is for it to be day-old or slightly dried out, as fresh, soft bread might turn too soggy. Slice the bread uniformly to ensure even absorption of the custard.

For the peaches, always opt for ripe, fragrant fruit when in season. If fresh peaches aren’t available, high-quality frozen peach slices can be used; just ensure they are thawed and drained thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the pudding watery. The sweetness of your peaches might vary, so taste them first and adjust the sugar in the custard slightly if needed.

When mixing the custard, ensure the eggs are fully incorporated with the cream, milk, and sugars. A well-whisked custard will yield a smooth, rich texture. The overnight soak, as mentioned, is non-negotiable for the best results. Don’t rush this step; it’s where the magic truly happens, allowing the bread to become a sponge for all those delightful flavors.

During baking, keeping the pudding covered for the initial phase helps prevent the top from browning too quickly and allows the custard to set evenly. Uncovering it towards the end creates that beautiful golden-brown crust we all love. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning. The finished pudding should be jiggly but set in the center. Remember, bread pudding is a forgiving dessert, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations

This Peaches and Cream Bread Pudding is magnificent served warm, straight from the oven, allowing its aromatic steam and comforting flavors to fill your home. The delicate cream icing, drizzled generously over each serving, adds another layer of sweetness and richness. But don’t stop there! For an extra touch of indulgence, consider a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The contrast of the warm pudding with cold, creamy toppings is simply divine. A sprinkle of toasted pecans or almonds can add a delightful crunch, enhancing the texture profile of this already wonderful dessert.

Looking to put your own spin on this classic Southern dessert recipe? While the peach and cream combination is stellar, this bread pudding recipe is quite versatile. In autumn, you could substitute apples or pears for peaches, perhaps adding a touch of maple syrup to the custard. Berries like blueberries or mixed berries would also make a fantastic fruit base. For those who enjoy a hint of adult flavor, a splash of bourbon or rum in the custard or even in the cream icing can add a sophisticated depth. Experiment with different spices too – a touch of cardamom or ginger could complement the peaches beautifully. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or explore new variations, this easy overnight bread pudding promises to be a crowd-pleaser.

This easy overnight Peaches and Cream Bread Pudding is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients, Southern charm, and the joy of shared meals. Prepare it the night before, and wake up to the anticipation of a warm, fragrant, and utterly delicious treat. It’s perfect for a special Sunday brunch, a comforting weeknight dessert, or any occasion that calls for a touch of sweet Southern hospitality. We hope you enjoy making and savoring this delightful creation as much as we do!