Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce 🍞✨

A timeless dessert that brings comfort with every warm, custardy bite.

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A Nostalgic Taste of Home 🕰️

There’s something magical about stepping into a kitchen where the air is filled with the scent of vanilla, butter, and nutmeg. That comforting aroma takes you straight back to Grandma’s cozy kitchen — where the oven was always humming, and dessert was never far away.

Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce isn’t just a dessert — it’s a slice of family tradition. This classic recipe has been loved for generations because it transforms the simplest ingredients — leftover bread, milk, eggs, and sugar — into something truly special. It’s the kind of old-fashioned comfort food that never goes out of style, offering warmth, sweetness, and a touch of nostalgia in every spoonful.

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Why Everyone Loves This Recipe ❤️

This bread pudding has stood the test of time because it’s:

• Simple and inexpensive: Made from pantry staples, it’s a perfect way to use leftover bread.
• Rich and comforting: The custard-like interior melts in your mouth, while the top bakes to golden perfection.
• Full of flavor: Warm nutmeg, sweet raisins, and vanilla come together beautifully.
• Topped with a heavenly vanilla sauce: Creamy, buttery, and perfectly sweet — this sauce is what makes Grandma’s recipe unforgettable.

It’s no wonder this dessert is a favorite at Sunday dinners, church potlucks, and family gatherings across America.

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A Bit of History 🕯️

Bread pudding has humble beginnings that stretch back centuries. Originally a way to use up stale bread, it became known as “poor man’s pudding” in the 13th century. Over time, it evolved into a cherished comfort dessert, especially in the American South — where every grandma had her own secret twist.

Grandma’s version often included raisins soaked in milk or rum, a sprinkle of warm spices like nutmeg or cinnamon, and a rich butter-based vanilla sauce poured generously over the top. Each family had its own way of making it — but the love that went into it was always the same.

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Ingredients Breakdown 🥄

Here’s what you’ll need to bring Grandma’s recipe to life:

For the Bread Pudding:

• 4 cups (about 8 slices) cubed white bread – Day-old bread works best because it absorbs the custard without getting mushy.
• 1/2 cup raisins – Adds sweetness and texture. You can substitute with golden raisins or dried cranberries for variety.
• 2 cups milk – Whole milk gives a rich, creamy texture.
• 1/4 cup butter – Adds that signature richness.
• 1/2 cup sugar – Sweetens the pudding just right.
• 2 eggs, slightly beaten – Creates the custard-like consistency.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla – The heart of the flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg – Adds warmth and an old-fashioned touch.

For the Vanilla Sauce:

• 1/2 cup butter – A must for that velvety, rich sauce.
• 1/2 cup sugar – Balances the flavor.
• 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar – Adds depth and caramel notes.
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream – Makes the sauce luscious and smooth.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla – The fragrant finishing touch.

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Step-by-Step Directions 🧑‍🍳

Step 1: Prepare the Bread Mixture

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 1 ½-quart casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread and raisins. Set aside while you prepare the milk mixture.

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Step 2: Warm the Milk and Butter

In a small saucepan, heat 2 cups of milk and ¼ cup of butter over medium heat until the butter melts (about 4–7 minutes).
Do not boil — you just want the mixture warm and steamy. Pour it over the bread and raisins.

Let it sit for about 10 minutes to soak. This step allows the bread to absorb the rich milk mixture and turn soft and custardy.

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Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients

After soaking, stir in the sugar, eggs, vanilla, and nutmeg until evenly combined.
The mixture should be moist but not runny.

Pour everything into your greased baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.

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Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake uncovered for 40–50 minutes, or until the pudding is set in the center and lightly golden brown on top.
You’ll know it’s done when a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.

The aroma at this stage is simply irresistible — buttery, warm, and sweet with a hint of spice.

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Making the Vanilla Sauce 🍯

While your pudding bakes, let’s make the star of the show — that rich, silky vanilla sauce!

In a small saucepan, combine:
1/2 cup butter, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 cup heavy cream.

Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and reaches a gentle boil (about 5–8 minutes).

Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon vanilla extract.

This sauce will thicken as it cools slightly, turning glossy and rich.

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Serving Suggestions 🍽️

To serve, spoon warm bread pudding into dessert bowls and drizzle generously with vanilla sauce.
You can also:

• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream 🍨 on top.
• Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or powdered sugar for decoration.
• Add a few toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch.

It’s best enjoyed warm — but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or oven before serving.

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Tips & Variations 🌟

• For extra flavor: Soak the raisins in a tablespoon of rum or bourbon before adding them to the bread mixture.
• Try different breads: Brioche, challah, or even croissants make this pudding extra luxurious.
• Add cinnamon: A ½ teaspoon of cinnamon complements the nutmeg beautifully.
• Make it holiday-ready: Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg for a festive touch.

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Why This Recipe Works 💡

The balance of custard to bread is perfect — not too soggy, not too dry.
The butter enriches the texture, while the vanilla sauce ties everything together with its smooth, creamy sweetness.

This dessert is a crowd-pleaser because it’s simple yet elegant, rustic yet indulgent. Whether served after Sunday dinner or as a comforting treat on a cold evening, it delivers pure homemade joy.

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The Heart of Homemade Desserts ❤️

What truly makes Grandma’s bread pudding so special isn’t just the flavor — it’s the memory it creates. The act of tearing up bread, warming milk, and stirring slowly while the sauce thickens… it all feels like an embrace from the past.

In a world of fancy desserts and store-bought sweets, this simple pudding reminds us that love, time, and simple ingredients can still make something extraordinary.

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Enjoy this heartwarming classic — the taste of love, memory, and home in every bite! 💛