Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
There’s something undeniably comforting about Grandma’s old-fashioned bread pudding with vanilla sauce. It’s warm, rich, softly custardy in the center, and lightly crisp on top — the kind of dessert that instantly brings back childhood memories of cozy kitchens and handwritten recipe cards.
This classic bread pudding recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a nostalgic masterpiece. Day-old bread soaks in a sweet, spiced custard before baking into golden perfection. Then comes the magic: a silky, buttery vanilla sauce poured generously over each serving.
If you’re looking for the ultimate homemade comfort dessert, this is it.
Why This Is the Best Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding
What makes this grandma bread pudding recipe so special?
- Uses simple, affordable ingredients
- Perfectly soft custard texture
- Warm cinnamon and nutmeg spice
- Rich homemade vanilla sauce
- Easy to prepare and forgiving for beginners
It’s the kind of dessert that tastes even better the next day.
The History Behind Bread Pudding
Bread pudding dates back centuries and was originally created as a way to use stale bread rather than waste it. Often called “poor man’s pudding,” it became beloved for its comforting texture and versatility.
Today, bread pudding is a staple comfort dessert across many cultures, but nothing beats the simplicity of an easy classic bread pudding baked the old-fashioned way.
Ingredients
Bread Pudding
- 6 cups day-old bread, cubed (French bread or brioche works beautifully)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup raisins (optional)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Vanilla Sauce
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Spread cubed bread evenly in the dish. Sprinkle raisins if using.
Step 2: Make the Custard
- In a large bowl, whisk milk, cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
- Pour custard evenly over bread cubes.
- Press gently to ensure all bread absorbs the mixture.
- Let sit for 10–15 minutes to soak.
Step 3: Bake
- Drizzle melted butter over the top.
- Bake 40–45 minutes until golden brown and set in the center.
Step 4: Prepare Vanilla Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
- Stir in sugar and cream.
- Simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve bread pudding warm with generous drizzle of vanilla sauce.
Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease baking dish.
- Whisk milk, cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and spices.
- Pour mixture over bread and soak 10–15 minutes.
- Bake 40–45 minutes until golden and set.
- Prepare vanilla sauce by simmering butter, sugar, and cream; stir in vanilla.
- Serve warm with vanilla sauce.
Notes
Tips for Perfect Bread Pudding
Use Day-Old Bread
Stale bread absorbs custard better without becoming mushy.
Don’t Skip the Soaking Time
Letting the bread sit ensures a fully custardy interior.
Customize Your Bread
Brioche makes it rich. French bread makes it classic. Challah adds sweetness.
Add Texture
Chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch.
Delicious Variations
Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding
Add ½ cup chocolate chips before baking.
Bourbon Vanilla Sauce
Add 1 tablespoon bourbon to the sauce for depth.
Apple Cinnamon Version
Fold in diced apples and extra cinnamon.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with extra vanilla sauce
- Top with whipped cream
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Pair with coffee or tea
- Perfect holiday dessert centerpiece
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Up to 4 days in airtight container
Freezer: Up to 2 months
Reheat: Warm in oven at 300°F or microwave individual portions
Why This Recipe Feels Like Home
The aroma of cinnamon, vanilla, and baked custard creates a sense of warmth that few desserts can match. Every spoonful is soft, sweet, and soothing — just like grandma used to make.
This homemade comfort dessert isn’t fancy or complicated. It’s simple, heartfelt, and timeless.
Final Thoughts
Grandma’s old-fashioned bread pudding with vanilla sauce is more than just a dessert — it’s a tradition. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or making it for a quiet evening treat, it delivers pure comfort in every bite.
Once you try this easy classic bread pudding, it may just become your new family favorite.
