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Moon Pie Bread Pudding: A Southern Twist on a Classic

I’ll never forget the first time I saw a Moon Pie. It was at a dusty roadside diner somewhere in rural Tennessee, and the sight of that perfectly round, marshmallow-filled chocolate sandwich nestled under a glass dome felt like discovering a hidden treasure. Paired with an RC Cola, it was the taste of pure Southern comfort, and it instantly transported me back to simpler times. Now, taking that iconic flavor and transforming it into a warm, decadent bread pudding? It’s a nostalgic dream come true.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12
Yield: 2 9×13 inch pans
Dietary Type: Comfort Food

Ingredients

10 double stack Moon Pies (any flavor) or 15 regular Moon Pies, diced
1 loaf French bread, small diced
15 eggs
32 ounces whole milk
½ cup sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ cup butter

Equipment Needed

2 9×13 inch baking dishes
Large mixing bowls
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Water bath (a larger pan to hold the baking dishes)
Toothpick

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Prepare a water bath by placing a large roasting pan on the oven rack. You’ll be adding hot water to it later.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 15 eggs, 32 ounces of whole milk, ½ cup of sugar, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground cloves, ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of baking powder. Ensure the mixture is well combined and the sugar is dissolved.
In a separate, equally large mixing bowl, combine the diced French bread and diced Moon Pies. Gently toss them together, distributing the Moon Pies evenly throughout the bread. Feel free to use your favorite Moon Pie flavor – chocolate, vanilla, or even banana will work beautifully!
Pour the liquid egg mixture over the bread and Moon Pie mixture. Use a spatula or large spoon to gently fold everything together. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep the bread pieces intact and avoid turning the mixture into a mush. The mixture should be well-saturated.
Grease two 9×13 inch baking dishes with butter. This will prevent the bread pudding from sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.
Divide the bread pudding mixture evenly between the two prepared baking dishes. Spread it out evenly in each dish.
Cover the baking dishes with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour and a half. This allows the bread to fully absorb the liquid, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful bread pudding. The longer it sits, the better the texture will be.
After refrigeration, remove the plastic wrap. Cube the ¼ cup of butter into small pieces and distribute them evenly over the top of each dish. This will create a golden-brown, buttery crust.
Carefully place the baking dishes into the water bath in the preheated oven. Pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the baking dishes. The water bath helps to ensure even cooking and prevents the bread pudding from drying out.
Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Check for doneness after 40 minutes, as baking times may vary depending on your oven. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
Remove the baking dishes from the water bath and let them cool slightly before serving.
Serve warm with your favorite bread pudding sauce. A traditional bread pudding sauce is a classic choice.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Don’t skip the refrigeration step! This is crucial for achieving the right texture. The bread needs time to soak up the liquid.
Use day-old French bread. Stale bread absorbs the liquid better than fresh bread.
Adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter bread pudding, you can add more sugar to the egg mixture.
Experiment with different Moon Pie flavors. Chocolate, vanilla, banana, and even salted caramel Moon Pies would all be delicious in this bread pudding.
Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the egg mixture for an extra layer of flavor. About 2 tablespoons would be perfect.
For a richer, more decadent bread pudding, substitute heavy cream for some of the milk.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Moon Pie Bread Pudding warm, ideally with a drizzle of warm bread pudding sauce. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the bread pudding with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions. While it can be frozen, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and use within 1-2 months.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	310.6 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	N/A
Total Fat	13.8 g	21%
Saturated Fat	6.1 g	30%
Cholesterol	282.5 mg	94%
Sodium	392.2 mg	16%
Total Carbohydrate	32.2 g	10%
Dietary Fiber	1.2 g	4%
Sugars	13.1 g	N/A
Protein	13.8 g	27%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

Dairy-Free: Substitute almond milk or oat milk for the whole milk. Use a vegan butter substitute.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free French bread and ensure the Moon Pies are gluten-free (some varieties are).
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the egg mixture for a warmer, spicier flavor profile.
Nutty: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the bread pudding mixture for added texture and flavor.
Chocolate Lovers: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the bread pudding after baking.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make this bread pudding ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the bread pudding and refrigerate it overnight before baking. This allows the flavors to meld together even more.

Q: What is a water bath and why is it important?
A: A water bath (bain-marie) is a technique where you bake the dish in a pan of hot water. This helps to regulate the temperature and prevents the bread pudding from drying out or curdling.

Q: Can I use a different type of bread?
A: While French bread is recommended, you can experiment with other types of bread such as brioche or challah. Just be sure to adjust the amount of liquid accordingly, as different breads absorb liquid at different rates.

Q: Can I reduce the amount of sugar?
A: Yes, you can reduce the amount of sugar if you prefer a less sweet bread pudding. However, keep in mind that the Moon Pies also contribute sweetness to the dish.

Q: My bread pudding is browning too quickly. What should I do?
A: If the top of the bread pudding is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.

Final Thoughts

This Moon Pie Bread Pudding is more than just a dessert; it’s a taste of Southern hospitality and a celebration of simple pleasures. Whether you’re looking for a comforting treat to share with family and friends or a unique way to use up those leftover Mardi Gras Moon Pies, this recipe is sure to delight. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and variations to make it your own. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience a bread pudding that’s out of this world!

Moon Pie Bread Pudding Recipe