Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
This old-fashioned bread pudding recipe is a comforting classic made with cubed white bread, warm spices, raisins, and a rich custard base. Baked to golden perfection and topped with a silky vanilla sauce, this nostalgic dessert is ideal for cozy nights or holiday gatherings. It’s the perfect way to use stale bread and enjoy a timeless, crowd-pleasing treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–45 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3½ cups white bread, cubed
- 1½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup evaporated milk
- 3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup raisins
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, plus 3 tablespoons for topping
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Vanilla Sauce:
- ⅔ cup heavy whipping cream
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cubed bread and raisins in a large bowl.
- In a saucepan, heat whole milk and sugar until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in ⅓ cup butter. Pour over the bread and let soak for 10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir into the soaked bread mixture.
- Grease a 9×11-inch baking dish, pour in the bread mixture, and dot the top with 3 tablespoons of butter. Bake for 35–45 minutes until golden brown and mostly set.
- Meanwhile, prepare the vanilla sauce. In a saucepan, combine cream, butter, confectioners’ sugar, and sweetened condensed milk. Cook over medium heat for about 8 minutes, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Serve the bread pudding warm with generous amounts of vanilla sauce. Optionally, top with vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Use brioche or challah bread for an extra-rich texture and flavor.
- Swap raisins for dried cranberries, chopped dates, or mini chocolate chips for variety.
- Make it dairy-free by using plant-based milks and vegan butter (note: texture may vary).
- For a savory version, omit the sugar and spices, and add cheese and herbs instead.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6th of pan)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
