Description
Grandma’s Old Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is the ultimate comfort dessert—warm, creamy, and full of nostalgic flavors. Made with simple pantry ingredients like bread, milk, eggs, and warm spices, this recipe transforms leftover bread into a rich and indulgent treat. The homemade vanilla sauce takes it over the top, adding a sweet, velvety finish that makes each bite irresistible.
Who is this Recipe For?
This recipe is perfect for:
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Home bakers who love classic, old-fashioned desserts.
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Families wanting to use up leftover bread in a delicious way.
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Anyone looking for a cozy dessert that feels like a warm hug.
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Those who enjoy traditional recipes with a touch of homemade sweetness.
Why it’s Great
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Budget-friendly: Uses simple ingredients you likely already have at home.
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Perfectly nostalgic: Tastes just like grandma used to make.
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Comfort food at its best: Warm, soft, and spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg.
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Crowd-pleaser: Ideal for family dinners, holidays, or potlucks.
Ingredients
For the Bread Pudding
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3 ½ cups cubed white bread
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1 ½ cups whole milk
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½ cup evaporated milk
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3 tbsp condensed milk
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2 eggs, at room temperature
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½ cup raisins
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⅓ cup + 3 tbsp butter, at room temperature
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⅓ cup granulated sugar
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½ tsp nutmeg powder
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½ tsp cinnamon powder
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1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Vanilla Sauce
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⅔ cup heavy whipping cream
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⅓ cup butter, at room temperature
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½ cup confectioners’ sugar
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2 tbsp condensed milk
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1 tbsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Make the Bread Pudding
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a large mixing bowl, combine cubed bread and raisins.
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In a saucepan, heat milk and sugar over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, then stir in butter until melted.
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Pour the warm milk mixture over the bread cubes and let it soak for 8–10 minutes.
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In another bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, condensed milk, eggs, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla.
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Gently fold the egg mixture into the soaked bread mixture.
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Transfer into a greased 9×11-inch casserole dish. Dot the top with the remaining 3 tbsp butter.
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Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
Make the Vanilla Sauce
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In a saucepan, combine cream, butter, sugar, and condensed milk.
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Simmer over medium-low heat for about 8 minutes, stirring until thickened.
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Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Serve
Spoon warm bread pudding into bowls and drizzle generously with warm vanilla sauce.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
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Mixing bowls
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Saucepan
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Whisk
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9×11-inch casserole dish
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Oven
Storage
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze bread pudding (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
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Reheating: Warm in the microwave or oven, and always add fresh vanilla sauce before serving.
FAQ
1. Can I use other types of bread?
Yes! Brioche, challah, or French bread work beautifully for a richer pudding.
2. Do I have to use raisins?
Not at all—try dried cranberries, chopped dates, or leave them out.
3. Can I make the vanilla sauce ahead of time?
Yes, but it thickens as it cools. Reheat gently before serving.
4. How do I know when the pudding is done?
It should be golden on top, set in the center, and a knife inserted should come out clean.
Conclusion
Grandma’s Old Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is a timeless dessert that never goes out of style. With its soft custardy texture, warm spices, and sweet creamy sauce, it’s the perfect recipe to bring comfort and joy to your table. Whether you serve it during the holidays or on a cozy evening at home, this classic treat will always leave everyone asking for seconds.