4-Ingredient Poor Man’s Peanut Butter Bread Pudding

Transform leftover bread and a few everyday ingredients into a warm, comforting dessert with this easy peanut butter bread pudding. Creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and milk combine to create a rich custard that soaks into every piece of bread, producing a soft, gooey center and a lightly golden top.

This budget-friendly recipe is perfect for using up stale bread while creating a sweet treat the whole family can enjoy. Serve it warm on its own or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-special dessert.

Ingredients

• 6 cups stale bread, torn into pieces or cut into cubes
• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven and baking dish.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish or a small casserole dish.

2. Make the peanut butter mixture.

Add the milk, peanut butter, and brown sugar to a saucepan. Warm over low heat, stirring continuously until the peanut butter melts and the mixture becomes smooth and well blended. Avoid bringing it to a boil.

3. Soak the bread.

Place the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the bread and allow it to sit for about 5 minutes so the pieces can absorb the liquid.

4. Transfer to the baking dish.

Gently stir the soaked bread, pressing down lightly to ensure the pieces are evenly coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.

5. Bake until set.

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden, the edges are set, and the center is soft but no longer liquid.

6. Let it rest and serve.

Remove the pudding from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This gives it time to firm up while keeping the inside tender and moist.

Serve warm in individual bowls, with a splash of milk, a drizzle of melted peanut butter, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A cup of coffee or black tea makes a lovely accompaniment to this simple, old-fashioned dessert.