Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe: Grandma’s Secret

Grandmas old-fashioned bread pudding with vanilla sauce redefines ordinary ingredients into something magical and nostalgic.

Soft, custardy textures mingle with warm spices that awaken memories of cozy kitchens and loving embraces.

Humble ingredients come together in a dance of sweet simplicity that transcends generations.

Rich, comforting flavors speak to the soul of home cooking, inviting warmth and connection with every bite.

Generations of family recipes whisper through this classic dessert, bridging past and present with delicious tradition.

Modest yet magnificent, this pudding represents more than just a sweet treat—it’s a culinary heirloom passed down through love.

How to Make Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding from Scratch

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Ingredients

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Gather your ingredients and a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Combine Bread and Raisins

• White bread, cubed
• Raisins

Place bread cubes and raisins in the large mixing bowl, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.

Step 3: Create Milk Mixture

• Milk
• Butter

In a saucepan, gently heat milk and butter until butter melts completely. Pour the warm mixture over bread cubes and let soak for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Mix Flavor Enhancers

• Sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Nutmeg

Add sugar, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and nutmeg to the soaked bread. Stir thoroughly to blend all ingredients evenly.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Grease a 1 ½ quart casserole dish. Transfer the bread mixture into the prepared dish.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes. Look for a golden brown top and a firm center. Test doneness by inserting a knife – if it comes out clean, the pudding is ready.

Step 7: Craft Delicious Caramel Sauce

• Butter
• Sugars

In a saucepan, combine equal parts butter and sugars. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously for 5-8 minutes until the mixture thickens and begins to boil.

Sweet Tips for Rich, Cozy Bread Pudding

• Select Soft Bread: Choose day-old white bread for maximum absorption and rich, creamy texture.
• Master Soaking Technique: Allow bread cubes to soak thoroughly in milk mixture, ensuring every piece becomes deliciously saturated.
• Control Moisture Balance: Avoid over-soaking bread to prevent mushy pudding; aim for a custardy yet structured consistency.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Experiment with additional spices like cinnamon or add chocolate chips for a personalized twist.
• Achieve Perfect Baking: Watch pudding closely during final 10 minutes to prevent over-browning and maintain a golden, tender surface.

How to Save and Reheat This Comfort Classic

• Store Leftovers in an Airtight Container: Place cooled bread pudding in a sealed container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain moisture and prevent contamination. Refrigerate promptly after serving, keeping the dessert fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze for Extended Storage: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Frozen bread pudding can last up to 2 months without losing its delicious texture and flavor.
• Reheat with Gentle Care: Warm refrigerated bread pudding in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Add a splash of milk or cream before reheating to restore moisture and prevent dryness.

Great Pairings for Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

• Pair with Warm Spiced Cider: Complement the bread pudding's rich, comforting flavors with a hot spiced apple cider. The warm, cinnamon-infused drink echoes the nutmeg in the dessert, creating a cozy flavor harmony.
• Match with Smooth Vanilla Bourbon: Elevate the dessert's vanilla notes by serving a small glass of smooth vanilla bourbon. Its sweet, woody undertones perfectly enhance the creamy pudding and caramel sauce.
• Serve alongside Freshly Whipped Cream: Top the warm bread pudding with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. Its airy, delicate texture provides a cool contrast to the dense, warm pudding, creating a delightful sensory experience.
• Complement with Toasted Almond Garnish: Sprinkle some toasted, chopped almonds over the pudding for an added crunch. The nutty flavor and crisp texture beautifully balance the soft, custardy dessert.

Ways to Refresh a Classic Bread Pudding Recipe

• Chocolate Chip Delight: Replace raisins with chocolate chips for a rich, decadent version that adds sweet, melty pockets throughout the pudding.
• Nutty Crunch Variation: Fold in chopped pecans or almonds before baking to introduce a delightful textural contrast and enhance the traditional bread pudding flavor.
• Cinnamon Apple Edition: Dice fresh apples and mix them with ground cinnamon into the bread mixture, creating a warm, autumnal spin on the classic recipe that brings comforting orchard-inspired notes.
• Tropical Coconut Remix: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the top before baking and swap vanilla sauce with a light coconut cream drizzle for an island-inspired transformation of the traditional dessert.

What Makes Grandma’s Bread Pudding So Loved

• Savor Nostalgic Comfort: This bread pudding wraps you in warm memories of grandma's kitchen, delivering a classic dessert that feels like a heartfelt hug from the past.
• Indulge in Creamy Luxury: The rich combination of soaked bread, milk, and butter creates a velvety smooth texture that melts in your mouth with every decadent spoonful.
• Quick and Easy Dessert Magic: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe transforms basic pantry staples into an impressive dessert that looks and tastes like you've spent hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Sweet Treat: Perfect for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or a cozy weekend dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth without requiring professional baking skills.

Ingredients That Bring This Vintage Dessert to Life

Main Ingredients:

• White Bread: Soft base that absorbs flavors and creates creamy pudding texture. Day-old bread works best for better absorption.
• Raisins: Sweet dried fruit that adds natural sweetness and chewy texture to the pudding.

• Milk: Provides moisture and rich creaminess to the pudding. Whole milk recommended for best results.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create smooth, silky texture. Use unsalted butter for better flavor control.

• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create golden caramelization. Granulated white sugar works perfectly.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps set the pudding and creates custard-like consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, classic flavor depth. Pure vanilla extract offers the best taste.
• Nutmeg: Adds warm, subtle spice that complements the sweet pudding. Freshly grated nutmeg has more intense flavor.

• Butter: Creates rich, smooth base for caramel sauce.
• Sugars: Combines to create deep, caramelized sauce flavor. Mix of different sugars adds complexity.

Grandmas Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Grandmas Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding whispers comfort from generations past, blending simple ingredients into a nostalgic dessert. Warm vanilla sauce cascades over custardy bread, inviting memories of family kitchens where love simmered alongside sweet traditions.

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Ingredients

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Bread and Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups (960 milliliters) cubed white bread (approximately 8 slices, cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) milk
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) heavy whipping cream

Sweeteners and Sugars:

• ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50 grams) brown sugar (firmly packed)
• ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar

Flavor Enhancers and Additions:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) butter (softened)
• ¼ cup (40 grams) raisins
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 1.5-quart (1.4 liter) casserole dish with butter.
2. Tear white bread into small, uniform cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl along with the raisins, ensuring even distribution.
3. In a medium saucepan, gently warm the milk and butter over low heat until the butter melts completely, creating a rich, smooth liquid.
4. Pour the warm milk and butter mixture over the bread cubes, allowing the bread to absorb the liquid and soften for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even soaking.
5. Whisk the sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and ground nutmeg in a separate bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and well-blended.
6. Fold the egg mixture into the soaked bread, gently combining all ingredients until the bread is evenly coated and the mixture looks uniform.
7. Carefully transfer the bread pudding mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly to ensure consistent baking.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and a firm, set center. Test doneness by inserting a knife – it should come out clean.
9. For the vanilla sauce, combine butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a separate saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble.
10. Remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving with the warm vanilla sauce drizzled on top.

Notes

• Vintage family recipe passed down through generations, capturing the essence of homemade comfort food.
• Transforming simple ingredients like day-old bread into a decadent dessert that warms hearts and evokes childhood memories.
• Perfectly balanced sweetness comes from raisins and vanilla, creating a rich, nostalgic flavor profile that feels like a warm hug.
• Surprisingly versatile dessert that works for holiday gatherings, weeknight treats, or unexpected sweet cravings.
• Quick and easy preparation makes this pudding an ideal last-minute dessert for busy home cooks who want something deliciously satisfying.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 474 kcal
• Sugar: 43 g
• Sodium: 273 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 112 mg