Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting dessert that feels like a warm hug from the past, you’ll absolutely adore Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe. This classic dish turns simple day-old bread into a luscious, custardy delight, perfectly spiced and drenched in a rich vanilla sauce that’s pure magic. Every bite offers that nostalgic, homey flavor that transports you back to cozy family gatherings, making it a timeless favorite that’s as easy to make as it is to savor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, you only need a handful of straightforward ingredients, but each plays an essential role in creating the perfect texture and deep, comforting flavor. From the creamy richness of whole milk and heavy cream to the warm spices and sweet vanilla, these ingredients come together beautifully to elevate simple bread into an unforgettable dessert.

• 6 cups cubed day-old bread: Using white or brioche bread works best to soak up the custard while keeping a tender texture.
• 2 cups whole milk: Adds creaminess and moisture, helping the pudding stay soft.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Boosts the richness and decadent mouthfeel of the custard base.
• 3 large eggs: The binding agent that holds everything together with a silky custard texture.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the pudding just enough without overpowering the other flavors.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the dish with a warm, fragrant aroma that complements the creamy custard perfectly.
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a subtle spiced note that feels cozy and homey.
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: A little warmth and complexity that rounds out the spice palette.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet and savory nuances in the pudding.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Adds a touch of richness and helps create a golden-brown crust on top.

How to Make Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to ensure your pudding doesn’t stick and comes out perfectly formed after baking.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard Base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This mixture creates the creamy custard that will soak into your bread cubes and give the pudding its signature soft yet structured texture.

Step 3: Combine Bread and Custard

Fold the cubed day-old bread and melted butter into the custard mixture gently. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes so the bread can absorb all those delicious flavors without turning soggy, setting the stage for that perfect, custardy bite.

Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure consistent baking. This helps the top get that irresistible golden crust while the center remains tender and moist.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and a knife inserted into the middle comes out clean. This is the moment when the custard sets just right, melding the bread and spices into an unforgettable harmony.

Step 6: Prepare the Vanilla Sauce

While the pudding is baking, get your vanilla sauce ready. This luscious sauce is what truly sets Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe apart, offering a smooth, sweet finish that ties every bite together with creamy warmth.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the bread pudding cool slightly once out of the oven, then drizzle generously with the vanilla sauce. Serving it warm lets the sauce seep into the pudding, creating an irresistible dessert experience.

How to Serve Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few fresh berries adds a lovely pop of color and a hint of freshness that complements the rich, spiced pudding beautifully. You could also dot the top with a small pat of butter for an extra indulgent touch.

Side Dishes

While the pudding shines on its own, pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream takes this dessert to mouthwatering heights, adding contrast in temperature and texture.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual portions in small ramekins for a charming touch or layer the pudding and sauce in clear glasses as a rustic parfait. You can even add toasted nuts or caramel drizzle for added crunch and flavor variation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover bread pudding keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just cover the dish tightly to preserve moisture and freshness, so you can enjoy every last bite later.

Freezing

You can freeze the bread pudding for up to 2 months by wrapping it securely with plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze without the vanilla sauce, which is best prepared fresh for optimal flavor and texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F for about 15 minutes until warmed through or use a microwave for quick heating. Add fresh vanilla sauce just before serving to keep that wonderful creaminess intact.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! While white or brioche breads are ideal for their texture and ability to soak up custard, you can experiment with challah or even whole wheat bread to add different flavors and densities to the pudding.

Is it necessary to use day-old bread?

Yes, day-old bread works best because it’s slightly dried out, allowing it to soak up the custard mixture without becoming mushy. Fresh bread tends to be too soft and can result in a soggy pudding.

Can this recipe be made dairy-free?

Definitely! Substitute whole milk and heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or your favorite plant-based alternatives. The texture might vary slightly, but the pudding will still be delicious and creamy.

How do I make the vanilla sauce that goes with this pudding?

The vanilla sauce is typically made by gently heating cream, sugar, and vanilla until thickened into a smooth, pourable sauce. It’s easier than you’d think and adds that signature richness to this classic dessert.

Can I prepare the pudding ahead of time?

You can assemble the bread pudding the night before, refrigerate it overnight, and bake it the next day. This allows the bread to soak up even more custard, which can enhance the flavors wonderfully.

Final Thoughts

Once you try Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe, it will quickly become a cherished staple in your dessert repertoire. It’s comfort food at its finest—simple ingredients transformed into a dish filled with warmth, nostalgia, and love. Give it a go, and I promise it will bring a smile to your face and a cozy glow to your kitchen.

Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding is a warm, comforting dessert made with cubed day-old bread soaked in a rich custard of milk, cream, eggs, and spices, then baked to golden perfection. Served with a luscious homemade vanilla sauce, this classic treat balances creamy texture with sweet, aromatic spices, making it a nostalgic favorite for any occasion.

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Ingredients

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Bread Pudding

• 6 cups cubed day-old bread (preferably white or brioche)
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 large eggs
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

Vanilla Sauce

• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Combine Bread & Custard: Gently fold the cubed day-old bread and melted unsalted butter into the custard mixture. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes so the bread absorbs the custard for a moist, flavorful pudding.
4. Prepare for Baking: Pour the soaked bread mixture evenly into the greased baking dish, spreading it out to ensure uniform baking.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating it is fully cooked.
6. Make Vanilla Sauce: While the pudding bakes, combine milk, heavy cream, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat, then stir in vanilla extract and butter until smooth.
7. Serve: Allow the bread pudding to cool slightly after baking. Serve warm drizzled with the creamy homemade vanilla sauce for a delightful finishing touch.

Notes

• Use day-old bread for the best texture as it absorbs the custard without becoming too soggy.
• Brioche or white bread works best for a tender, rich pudding.
• Letting the bread soak for 10-15 minutes is crucial for a moist dessert.
• The vanilla sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.
• For added texture, consider mixing in raisins or chopped nuts before baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American