There’s something magical about a dessert that tastes homemade but takes less time than making instant ramen. This bread pudding in a mug is warm, sweet, buttery, and made from simple dorm ingredients—no oven required!
Whether you’ve got leftover sandwich bread, a stale croissant, or just a craving for something cozy during finals week, this mug dessert has your back. All you need is a microwave, a mug, and five minutes.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Bread Pudding in a Mug
When you’re a student, fast + cheap + delicious is the holy trinity.
This recipe nails all three.
Here’s why it’s a favorite:
- Budget-friendly: Uses pantry basics like milk, sugar, and bread.
- Quick fix: Ready in under 5 minutes.
- Minimal dishes: One mug = no cleanup drama.
- Comfort in a cup: Feels like a cozy hug on a stressful study night.
💡 Pro tip: Add chocolate chips or a drizzle of peanut butter for that “made-from-scratch” vibe with zero effort.
🧈 Ingredients You’ll Need
(for one serving)
- 1 slice of bread (white, whole wheat, brioche—whatever you’ve got!)
- 3 tablespoons milk (or almond milk)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (brown sugar works too)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (or margarine)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 egg yolk (optional, but makes it richer)
- Optional toppings: chocolate chips, raisins, caramel drizzle, or whipped cream.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep your mug
Lightly butter the inside of your mug or spray with nonstick spray. This keeps the pudding from sticking.
Step 2: Tear up the bread
Rip your bread into small pieces and drop them into the mug. (Don’t worry if it’s a bit dry—it’ll soak up the custard perfectly!)
Step 3: Mix the wet ingredients
In a small bowl (or right in the mug if you’re lazy—no judgment), whisk together milk, sugar, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and egg yolk.
Step 4: Combine & soak
Pour the mixture over your bread and gently press down with a spoon so every piece gets coated. Let it sit for 1–2 minutes to soak.
Step 5: Microwave
Microwave on medium-high (about 70%) for 1 minute, then check. If the center is still wet, cook in 15-second bursts until set. (Usually takes 1½–2 minutes total.)
Step 6: Cool & enjoy
Let it rest for 1 minute (it’ll be super hot). Top with whipped cream, ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel.
🍯 Bonus: Sprinkle brown sugar on top before microwaving for a caramelized crust!
🍫 Topping Ideas & Variations
| Type | Add-In Ideas |
|---|---|
| Classic | Raisins, cinnamon sugar, drizzle of cream |
| Chocolate Dream | Chocolate chips, Nutella, cocoa powder |
| Breakfast Twist | Banana slices + peanut butter |
| Holiday Vibes | Pumpkin spice, eggnog milk, pecans |
🎓 Student Tips for the Perfect Mug Dessert
- Use day-old bread. It absorbs the custard better.
- Microwave carefully. Every microwave is different—don’t overcook or it’ll turn rubbery.
- Try flavored milk. Vanilla almond milk or chocolate milk = flavor boost.
- Reheat like a pro. Add a splash of milk before microwaving leftovers to keep it moist.
📚 Fun dorm fact: Bread pudding was originally invented to use up stale bread—aka the ultimate student-friendly sustainability hack.
❓ FAQ: Bread Pudding in a Mug
1. Can I make bread pudding in a mug without eggs?
Yes! Just skip the egg yolk and add an extra tablespoon of milk plus a teaspoon of cornstarch for creaminess.
2. What type of bread works best?
Brioche, challah, or even leftover sandwich bread—all great! Avoid super thin or soggy breads.
3. How long does it last?
Eat it fresh, but you can store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Reheat in the microwave for 30 seconds.
4. Can I make it vegan?
Absolutely—swap milk for plant-based milk, butter for coconut oil, and skip the egg.
5. Why is my pudding rubbery?
It was microwaved too long! Next time, stop at 1½ minutes and let it sit covered for a softer texture.
🏁 Conclusion
There you have it — your bread pudding in a mug fix for when the sweet cravings hit at 11 p.m. during exam week. It’s quick, cozy, and uses ingredients you probably already have in your dorm.
So next time you’re debating between cereal and sadness, grab a mug and make this warm, gooey dessert instead.
👉 Try it next with our Easy Apple Crisp in a Mug or 2-Ingredient Protein Mug Cake in the Microwave.
Because honestly? You deserve dessert — no oven, no stress, just pure comfort.
Bread Pudding in a Mug
Ingredients
- 1 slice bread, torn into small pieces
- 3 tablespoons milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (white or brown)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 yolk egg yolk (optional)
- 1 pinch salt
- 1–2 tablespoons optional add-ins: chocolate chips, raisins, or nuts
- toppings: whipped cream or caramel drizzle
Equipment
- Microwave-safe mug 12–14 oz size
- Microwave Cook in short bursts to avoid overcooking
- Fork or whisk For mixing custard
- Spoon For pressing and serving
Method
- Lightly grease a microwave-safe mug with butter or spray.
- Tear the bread into bite-size pieces and fill the mug about 3/4 full.
- In a small bowl or the mug, mix milk, sugar, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, egg yolk (if using), and salt.
- Pour the custard over the bread. Press gently so all pieces soak up the mixture. Let it rest 1–2 minutes.
- Microwave on 70% power for 1 minute. Check and continue in 15-second bursts until set (about 1.5–2 minutes total).
- Let rest 1 minute. Top with whipped cream, caramel, or cinnamon and enjoy warm.