Golden Corral’s bread pudding holds a special place in the hearts of buffet lovers everywhere. That warm, custardy dessert with its perfect balance of sweetness and comfort has left countless diners wondering: “How can I make this at home?” The good news is that you absolutely can recreate this beloved dessert in your kitchen.
This recipe captures the essence of Golden Corral’s famous bread pudding, complete with its signature creamy texture and rich vanilla flavour. Whether you’re planning a family dinner or simply craving that nostalgic taste, this homemade version delivers all the comfort and satisfaction of the original. Plus, making it yourself means you can customise it to your heart’s content and enjoy it fresh from the oven whenever the craving strikes.
What Makes Golden Corral Bread Pudding Special
Golden Corral’s bread pudding stands out from other versions because of its incredibly moist texture and balanced sweetness. The secret lies in the perfect ratio of bread to custard base, creating a dessert that’s neither too dense nor too soggy. The vanilla-forward flavour profile makes it appealing to all ages, while the golden-brown top provides a delightful textural contrast.
The restaurant uses day-old bread, which is crucial to the recipe’s success. Fresh bread would become too mushy when soaked in the custard mixture, but slightly stale bread maintains just enough structure to create that perfect tender-yet-substantial bite that makes this dessert so memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the bread pudding base, gather these essential ingredients:
Bread and Base:
- 8 cups day-old white bread, cubed (French bread or brioche work wonderfully)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 tablespoon bourbon or rum (for adult versions)
Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, making this recipe both accessible and budget-friendly. The combination of whole milk and heavy cream creates the rich, luxurious texture that makes Golden Corral’s version so special.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing Your Bread
Start by cutting your day-old bread into 1-inch cubes. If your bread is too fresh, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and let them sit out for a few hours, or toast them lightly in a 250°F oven for 10-15 minutes until they feel slightly dry to the touch.
Place the bread cubes in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, distributing them evenly. If you’re using raisins or nuts, sprinkle them over the bread now, mixing gently to distribute throughout.
Creating the Custard Base
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs until well beaten. Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, whisking until the mixture is smooth and the sugars begin to dissolve. This step is crucial for achieving the right sweetness level and preventing a grainy texture.
Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling. Stir in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until everything is well combined. The mixture should be smooth and fragrant.
Assembling and Baking
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, making sure every piece gets coated. Use a fork or spoon to gently press the bread down into the liquid, ensuring good absorption. Let the mixture sit for 15-20 minutes, allowing the bread to absorb the custard fully.
Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the bread pudding. This creates that beautiful golden crust that Golden Corral is known for.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the bread pudding for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the centre comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs. The centre should be set but still slightly jiggly.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Temperature Matters: Let your milk and cream come to room temperature before mixing with the eggs. This prevents the eggs from cooking when you combine the ingredients.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Allowing the bread to soak in the custard for 15-20 minutes before baking ensures even absorption and prevents dry spots in your finished dessert.
Check for Doneness: The bread pudding is ready when the top is golden and the centre barely jiggles when you shake the pan gently. Overbaking will result in a tough, rubbery texture.
Serving Temperature: While bread pudding can be served warm, at room temperature, or even cold, it’s at its absolute best when served warm, about 10-15 minutes after coming out of the oven.
Variations and Customisations
The beauty of bread pudding lies in its versatility. Once you’ve mastered the basic Golden Corral-style recipe, try these delicious variations:
Chocolate Chip Version: Fold in 3/4 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips with the bread cubes for a kid-friendly twist.
Apple Cinnamon: Add 1 cup of diced apples and increase the cinnamon to 1 teaspoon for a fall-inspired version.
Banana Foster Style: Include sliced bananas and a tablespoon of rum, plus a drizzle of caramel sauce before serving.
Savoury Option: Reduce the sugar to 2 tablespoons, omit the cinnamon, and add herbs, cheese, and vegetables for a breakfast or brunch bread pudding.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover bread pudding keeps well in the refrigerator for up to five days when covered tightly. For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or warm larger portions in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
You can also freeze bread pudding for up to three months. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminium foil, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Making It Your Masterpiece
Creating Golden Corral’s bread pudding at home gives you the freedom to adjust sweetness levels, experiment with different breads, and add your favourite mix-ins. The key is maintaining that perfect balance of custard to bread that makes the original so irresistible.
Start with this base recipe, then let your creativity guide you toward your signature version. Whether you serve it as a weeknight dessert or the grand finale to a dinner party, this homemade bread pudding will have everyone asking for seconds and the recipe. The best part? You’ll never have to wait in a buffet line to enjoy it again.
