Pumpkin Bread Pudding

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. 2
   Spray casserole dish liberally with nonstick cooking spray.
3. 3
   Cut bread into 1-inch cubes and set aside.
4. 4
   Whisk together eggs, half-and-half, pumpkin, brown sugar, granulated sugar, butter, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until combined. Place bread cubes and raisins (if using) into bowl. Fold with a rubber spatula until all bread is thoroughly coated in milk mixture.
5. 5
   Transfer soaked bread cubes to prepared casserole dish. Cover dish with aluminum foil.
6. 6
   Bake bread pudding, covered, on middle rack of oven for 30 minutes.
7. 7
   Remove foil and continue baking, until golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 15-20 minutes.
8. 8
   Check to see that bread pudding is done. Remove from oven or add time as needed.
9. 9
   If serving warm, allow bread pudding to cool for at least 15 minutes before plating. To serve cold, chill bread pudding in refrigerator for at least two hours. Dust with powdered sugar immediately before serving, if desired.