Campfire S’mores Bread Pudding is a fun, cozy twist on the classic s’mores, bringing together the flavors of toasted marshmallows, melty chocolate, and graham crackers with the warmth of freshly baked bread pudding. This indulgent dessert captures the essence of summer campfires, but you can enjoy it any time of year. With layers of soft, custard-soaked bread, gooey marshmallows, and a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs, it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Why You’ll Love Campfire S’mores Bread Pudding
Here’s why this dessert will quickly become a favorite:
Cozy and Indulgent
The warm, custardy bread pudding topped with gooey marshmallows and chocolate is the perfect combination of comfort and indulgence.
No Campfire Required
This dessert brings the flavor of s’mores into your kitchen without needing a campfire. You’ll have all the campfire fun with none of the hassle.
Easy to Make
Bread pudding is simple to prepare, and this version is no exception. With just a few ingredients and a little time in the oven, you can have a delicious dessert ready to serve.
Customizable
Add in your favorite extras like peanut butter, nuts, or even swirls of caramel for a unique spin on this dessert.
Perfect for Sharing
This is a great dessert to serve at gatherings, holidays, or cozy nights in. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to disappear quickly.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this delicious Campfire S’mores Bread Pudding:
Day-Old Bread
The key to a great bread pudding is using day-old bread. French bread or brioche works wonderfully for this recipe, as it soaks up the custard beautifully.
Eggs
Eggs help bind the pudding together and give it that rich, creamy texture.
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream adds richness to the custard, making it smooth and indulgent.
Milk
Milk balances out the heavy cream and helps create the perfect custard consistency.
Granulated Sugar
Sugar sweetens the custard mixture and helps caramelize the bread while baking.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla enhances the flavor of the custard and adds depth to the bread pudding.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
These provide the melty, gooey chocolate layer that makes this dessert feel like a decadent treat.
Mini Marshmallows
Mini marshmallows are a must to recreate the campfire s’mores effect. They puff up as the bread pudding bakes, adding a gooey texture.
Graham Cracker Crumbs
Crushed graham crackers give the bread pudding that classic s’mores crunch and a subtle sweetness.
(Note: Full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card above!)
Instructions
Here’s how to make this delicious Campfire S’mores Bread Pudding:
1. Prepare the Bread
Start by cutting your day-old bread into cubes. If it’s not already a bit dry, you can toast the cubes lightly in the oven to help them absorb the custard better. Set aside.
2. Make the Custard Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
3. Soak the Bread
Add the bread cubes to the custard mixture and gently toss to coat the bread. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes so the bread absorbs the custard.
4. Add the Chocolate and Marshmallows
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and half of the mini marshmallows, making sure they’re evenly distributed through the bread mixture.
5. Assemble the Bread Pudding
Pour the soaked bread mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish. Press it down gently to make sure it’s evenly packed.
6. Bake the Pudding
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread pudding for about 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. You can insert a toothpick to check—if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
7. Add the Final Touches
Once the pudding is baked, sprinkle the remaining mini marshmallows and graham cracker crumbs over the top. Return it to the oven for 5 more minutes, just long enough for the marshmallows to puff up and lightly toast.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Let the bread pudding cool for a few minutes before serving. For extra indulgence, top it with a drizzle of chocolate sauce, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 300
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 6g
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 150mg
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
How to Serve Campfire S’mores Bread Pudding
With Ice Cream
Serve a warm scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream alongside the bread pudding to complement the rich, gooey textures.
With Whipped Cream
Top the bread pudding with a dollop of whipped cream for extra creaminess.
Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce
For extra indulgence, drizzle some warm chocolate sauce over the pudding just before serving.
With Fresh Fruit
Pair the bread pudding with fresh berries, like strawberries or raspberries, to balance the sweetness with some tartness.
Additional Tips
- Use Stale Bread: For the best texture, make sure to use day-old or slightly stale bread. Fresh bread can make the pudding soggy.
- Don’t Overmix: When you’re tossing the bread with the custard, be gentle so you don’t break the bread into too many crumbs.
- Customize It: Add in extras like peanut butter chips, crushed nuts, or caramel swirls to make the bread pudding even more indulgent.
- Serve Warm: For the best experience, serve the bread pudding warm, as the chocolate will still be gooey, and the marshmallows will be soft.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use any type of bread?
A1: While day-old French bread or brioche works best, you can use any type of bread you have on hand. Just make sure it’s a sturdy bread that can soak up the custard without falling apart.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can prepare the bread pudding ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve!
Q3: Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini ones?
A3: Yes, regular marshmallows will work just fine. Cut them into smaller pieces if you prefer more evenly distributed marshmallow pockets.
Q4: Can I freeze leftovers?
A4: Yes, this bread pudding freezes well! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Reheat it in the oven before serving.
Q5: Can I use non-dairy milk?
A5: Yes! You can substitute the milk and heavy cream with non-dairy alternatives like almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Q6: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A6: To make this bread pudding gluten-free, use gluten-free bread in place of regular bread.
Q7: Can I add other mix-ins to the pudding?
A7: Absolutely! You can add ingredients like chopped nuts, peanut butter chips, or even a swirl of caramel for extra flavor.
Q8: What can I use instead of eggs?
A8: To make this recipe egg-free, you can use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) or an egg replacer.
Q9: How do I know when the bread pudding is done?
A9: The bread pudding is done when the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Q10: Can I use chocolate chunks instead of chips?
A10: Yes, chocolate chunks will work just as well as chips. They may melt a bit more, giving you larger pockets of melted chocolate.
Conclusion
Campfire S’mores Bread Pudding is a sweet, indulgent dessert that brings the classic flavors of s’mores into a cozy, comforting dish. Whether you’re enjoying it with family, friends, or just a quiet night at home, this dessert is sure to impress and satisfy. With its gooey marshmallows, melty chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers, it’s the ultimate treat for any occasion! Enjoy every bite!
PrintCampfire S’mores Bread Pudding
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 Serving 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and indulgent dessert that combines the flavors of classic s’mores with a warm, comforting bread pudding. Perfect for summer campfires or cozy family gatherings!
Ingredients
- 4 hot dog buns, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- ¾ cup milk
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup miniature marshmallows
- ¾ cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
- 5 graham cracker squares, crushed
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons miniature marshmallows (or more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons miniature semisweet chocolate chips (or more to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Dish: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 2-quart square baking dish.
- Dry Out Hot Dog Buns: Spread the hot dog bun pieces out onto a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven until dry and crisp, about 7 to 8 minutes. Allow to cool completely.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, beat together the sweetened condensed milk, ¾ cup milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and nutmeg.
- Assemble Bread Pudding: Spread the dried hot dog bun pieces evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour the milk mixture over the buns. Scatter 1 cup marshmallows and ¾ cup chocolate chips over the mixture. Let the mixture rest until the bread is slightly soaked, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle the crushed graham crackers over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, about 35 minutes.
- Prepare Topping: In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together 2 tablespoons milk, 2 tablespoons marshmallows, and 2 tablespoons chocolate chips until melted and completely incorporated.
- Finish and Cool: Pour the marshmallow mixture over the baked bread pudding. Allow to cool for 20 to 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
For an extra indulgent treat, you can add more chocolate chips and marshmallows on top before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 75mg