Microwave Bread Pudding Recipe for One

Name: Microwave Bread Pudding
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 8 min
Ingredients: 2 King's Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (cubed); 2 TBSP chocolate chips (I used semi-sweet, but this is your flavor preference); 1 egg; 2 TBSP sugar; 1/3 cup milk; 1/8 tsp cinnamon; 1/4 tsp vanilla; Sprinkle of nutmeg

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This easy Microwave Bread Pudding for one is the perfect treat to make for yourself when you want to cozy up on the couch and watch some terrible reality TV.

With yummy King’s Hawaiian bread rolls and some rich chocolate chunks, this classic dessert is ready in under 10 minutes.

Overhead shot of a Bread and Butter Pudding in a white bowl.

Why this recipe works

If you’re a dessert lover like I am, this single-serving recipe microwave bread pudding is total comfort food and can be made fast so you can start enjoying it sooner.

Like a large pour of wine, this recipe makes a large serving of a decadent dessert that can be made in the microwave and is great when you would prefer to make a small batch of something.

Except for the Hawaiian Rolls which you may or may not have, the ingredients are staples that you probably already have on hand.

Sometimes called Bread and Butter Pudding, the vanilla and cinnamon add tons of flavor and pair perfectly with chocolate chips to make this a delicious dessert you will want to stuff in your face hole.

It’s not really in a mug but who cares. This dish works way better. And you get an extra-large serving so…

These Cinnamon Sugar Walnuts or Baked Bananas with brown sugar and butter are also a great easy treat if you are feeling snacky!

Ingredient notes

Labeled ingredients to make microwave bread pudding with chocolate chips.

While most recipes for bread pudding call for stale bread, I truly don’t think it matters that much. Fresh Hawaiian Rolls works perfectly.

But if you don’t have Hawaiian Rolls, regular bread works fine.

Using chocolate chips keeps things easy but you could use higher-end baking chocolate too.

You can add whatever spices you want. I like cinnamon and nutmeg, but you could use allspice, or cloves even. Whatever spices you like, just add!

The nutmeg is not shown in the image above, as it won’t ruin the dish if not included.

How to make Microwave Bread Pudding

Hawaiian Rolls cut in half and buttered laying on a cutting board.

Cut each Hawaiian Roll in half and butter both sides.

Hawaiian rolls cut into chunks and buttered laying on a cutting board.

Then cut the bread into chunks.

A bowl with milk, sugar, eggs and spices.

Add milk, sugar, egg, vanilla and cinnamon to a medium bowl.

An egg mixture with cinnamon in a bowl with a whisk.

Mix with a whisk (or fork) to blend well.

A white bowl with chunks of Hawaiian Rolls and chocolate chips with a beaten egg in the bowl in the background.

Place the buttered bread cubes and chocolate chips in a microwave-safe ramekin. Mine is 16 ounces but you could probably get away with something smaller. You could also use a really large mug if you had one.

Close up of bread pudding with chocolate chips being made in a white bowl.

I used my fingers to press the bread down into the egg mixture to make sure it was all covered.

A white ramekin with a small container of nutmeg in front of it.

I have no real reason for why I don’t add the nutmeg with the cinnamon earlier, but I really like it right on top. Add it whenever you feel is right.

A white bowl with chunks of Hawaiian Bread, chocolate chips and an egg mixture after being cooked in the microwave for a minute.

Put the bread and butter pudding in the microwave for 1 minute and then check it to see if there is still liquid.

I microwaved it for another 30 seconds, checked it again. I used a fork to pull the bread away from the sides to see if there was any egg liquid at the bottom. I also pried the center open to make sure the bread was not all eggy.

I did one more burst of 30 seconds and it was ready. And oh so good.

The bread can be moist but there shouldn’t be too much liquid anywhere. There, especially, should not be any drooly egg goo left.

Tips and tricks

Try not to overcook the microwave bread pudding. If you think it needs more time, add 15-second intervals and check again.
With this base recipe, you can create all kinds of variations. Swap the chocolate chips for hazelnut spread! Or leave out the chocolate and add in dried fruits and nuts!
It would not be disgusting with a little bourbon added to the custard before cooking.
Have leftover croissants or raisin bread? Those would work too and create another twist of flavor.

Frequently asked questions

Is bread pudding supposed to be served hot or cold?

Normal bread pudding can be eaten hot or cold. But because you cook this in the microwave, I think this one is best served warm! Especially with that melty chocolate!

How long can bread pudding sit out unrefrigerated?

Because there is dairy in the recipe, bread pudding shouldn’t sit out for longer than 2 hours before being put in the refrigerator.

Can you make this ahead?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead and then eat it the next day. In that case, you’d let it cool completely before storing in the fridge. You could then choose to eat it cold or reheat it.

How to store Microwave Bread Pudding?

If you’ve made a batch of microwave bread and butter pudding ahead of time or have some leftover, make sure it is cooled completely before storing in an air-tight container. It should keep for several days.

What is the difference between bread and butter pudding and bread pudding?

They are basically the same except you butter the bread in bread and butter pudding, and bread pudding doesn’t always have it buttered. Other than that, everything is the same.

Single serve microwave chocolate bread pudding recipe on a table next to a cup of coffee and a fork

If you came over from Pinterest, you may recognize this image! This was from my original post in 2014. I used chocolate chunks instead of chips. Both ways are delicious!

A white bowl with a Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding in it.

Now pour yourself a cup of coffee, and then go to town on this super yummy dessert.

Buzzfeed included this in a post for 17 Microwave Desserts so check it out if you need even more quick desserts.