Calories in Bread Pudding: Nutritional facts for Bread Pudding Types

One hundred grams (3.5 oz) of bread pudding contains 153 calories.

One kilogram (1,000 g) of bread pudding provides 1,530 calories.

One single standard slice of baked bread pudding weighing 150 g (5.3 oz) contains 229 calories.

Bread pudding provides health benefits like sustained energy and minor bone support due to its complex carbohydrates and dairy content. This baked dessert is a household staple globally. A list of the health benefits of bread pudding are shown below.

• Provides Sustained Energy: The complex carbohydrates from the bread deliver steady glucose to the bloodstream. A study by Slavin (2013), "Carbohydrates, Dietary Fiber, and Resistant Starch in White Vegetables: A Comprehensive Review," notes that starchy wheat products provide necessary fuel for metabolic function.
• Supports Bone Density: The milk used in traditional recipes provides calcium and phosphorus.
• Aids Muscle Repair: The protein found in the eggs and milk helps support tissue recovery.
• Supplies Fortified Vitamins: Enriched bread and dairy offer B vitamins and Vitamin D.
• Reduces Food Waste: Utilizing stale bread in the recipe promotes sustainable culinary practices.

Bread pudding has been known to cause unwanted effects like blood sugar spikes and weight gain due to its high refined sugar and fat content. A list of the downsides of bread pudding are shown below.

• Causes Blood Sugar Spikes: The concentration of sucrose and simple carbohydrates causes a release of insulin in the bloodstream.
• Promotes Weight Gain: The combination of butter, cream, and sugar makes the dessert calorie dense.
• Triggers Gluten Allergies: Traditional recipes use wheat bread, which causes severe gastrointestinal distress for individuals with celiac disease.
• Contains Dairy Allergens: The reliance on cow's milk makes the dessert unsuitable for those with strict dairy allergies.

Bread puddings are an acceptable dessert in moderation because they deliver a source of calcium and protein with trace vitamins in a 100 g (3.5 oz) serving. Healthy individuals should consume 125 g (1/2 cup) of bread pudding occasionally to enjoy the dessert without overconsuming sugar. A study by Johnson et al. (2014), "Added sugars and cardiovascular disease risk," confirms that diets high in added sugars from desserts increase the risk of heart disease. They are a heavy treat intended for occasional consumption.

The calories in bread pudding change based on the type of bread used and the addition of fats or sweeteners. Standard Traditional Bread Pudding contains 153 calories per 100 g (3.5 oz). If the dessert is a Croissant Bread Pudding, the energy increases to 210 calories per 100 g (3.5 oz) because croissants contain significantly more butter than standard white bread. Savory Bread Pudding rises to 185 calories per 100 g (3.5 oz) due to the heavy inclusion of cheeses and savory oils. Vegan Bread Pudding drops slightly to 145 calories per 100 g (3.5 oz) when lower calorie plant milks replace whole dairy milk.

The origin of bread pudding traces back to 11th century Europe, where it was created as a frugal method for using stale bread. Early versions were known as "poor man's pudding," prepared simply by soaking hard bread in hot water and squeezing it dry before adding available sweeteners and fats. Over the centuries, the dish evolved into a culinary canvas. In the United Kingdom and the Southern United States, the addition of cream, eggs, and spirits transformed it from a survival food into a highly requested restaurant dessert.