If you love nostalgic, heartwarming desserts, this classic old-fashioned bread pudding is the ultimate treat. Soft, custardy, warmly spiced, and irresistibly comforting, it’s the kind of recipe that brings back memories of grandma’s kitchen—simple ingredients, delicious aroma, and pure homemade love.
Whether you serve it warm from the oven or drizzled with silky vanilla sauce, this is the dessert that turns any ordinary day into something special.
🍞 Ingredients for the Bread Pudding
- 6 cups stale bread, cut into cubes (French or white bread works best)
- 4 cups warm milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup raisins or dried fruit (optional)
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
👩🍳 How to Make Classic Bread Pudding
1. Prepare the Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prep the Bread
Place the cubed stale bread into a large mixing bowl.
3. Make the Custard
Warm the milk until just warm—not boiling.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then whisk in sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Combine
Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture while stirring constantly so the eggs don’t scramble.
5. Soak the Bread
Pour this custard mixture over the bread cubes and gently press the bread down so it absorbs the liquid.
Let it rest for 10–15 minutes.
6. Add Mix-Ins
If using raisins or dried fruit, gently fold them in.
7. Add Butter & Bake
Drizzle the melted butter over the mixture and give it a light stir.
Pour everything into the prepared baking dish and bake for 45–50 minutes, until golden brown and set.
Let it cool slightly before serving.
🍨 Ingredients for Homemade Vanilla Sauce
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
👩🍳 How to Make Vanilla Sauce
1. Heat the Base
In a saucepan, heat milk and cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
2. Mix Sugar & Thickener
In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar and cornstarch.
3. Temper the Eggs
In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks.
Slowly pour a little hot milk mixture into the yolks while whisking—this prevents curdling.
4. Combine & Thicken
Pour the tempered yolks back into the saucepan.
Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, for 5–7 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Do not let it boil.
5. Finish
Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
Serve warm over freshly baked bread pudding.
✨ Tips for the Perfect Bread Pudding
- Use stale bread—it absorbs more custard and creates the perfect texture.
- Fresh bread? Toast it in the oven for 10–15 minutes.
- Add-ins like walnuts, pecans, or dried fruit take it to the next level.
- For extra indulgence, top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Let it rest before cutting—this helps it set properly.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Dessert
This old-fashioned bread pudding is the perfect blend of soft, warm, spiced custard and golden, slightly crisp edges. Paired with the silky vanilla sauce, it becomes the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug—simple, rustic, and deeply satisfying.
Perfect for holidays, cozy evenings, or anytime you want a taste of nostalgic homemade comfort.
