Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Nothing brings back warm, nostalgic memories like a slice of Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce. This classic dessert is the ultimate comfort food, made with simple ingredients like bread, milk, eggs, and sugar. The result? A soft, custardy center with a golden, slightly crisp top, drizzled with a sweet, creamy vanilla sauce.

This timeless recipe has been passed down for generations, proving that the simplest ingredients can create the most heartwarming and delicious desserts. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy holiday treat, this dish is always a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Bread Pudding

✅ Budget-Friendly – Made with pantry staples like bread, milk, eggs, and sugar.
✅ Soft & Custardy – Every bite is rich, creamy, and comforting.
✅ Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for holidays, brunch, or a simple weeknight dessert.
✅ Easy to Customize – Add nuts, fruit, chocolate chips, or spices for a unique twist!
✅ Drizzled with Warm Vanilla Sauce – The sweet, buttery sauce takes it to the next level!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Bread Pudding

4 cups (8 slices) white bread, cubed (day-old or slightly stale bread works best)
½ cup raisins
2 cups milk
3 large eggs
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter, melted

For the Vanilla Sauce

½ cup unsalted butter
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup heavy cream or milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread Mixture

Place the cubed bread in the greased baking dish.
Sprinkle raisins evenly over the bread.

Step 3: Make the Custard

In a medium bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Pour the mixture evenly over the bread and gently press the bread down to soak up the liquid.
Drizzle melted butter over the top for extra richness.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden & Set

Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the pudding is golden brown and set in the middle.
Let it cool slightly before adding the vanilla sauce.

Step 5: Make the Vanilla Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
Stir in sugar and heavy cream, cooking until sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Step 6: Drizzle & Serve!

Pour the warm vanilla sauce over the bread pudding just before serving.
Serve warm and enjoy the rich, creamy, and comforting flavors!

Serving Ideas & Pairings

🍦 With Ice Cream – Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
🍎 With Fruit – Add fresh berries, caramelized apples, or sautéed peaches.
☕ With Coffee or Tea – Perfect alongside a hot cup of coffee or chai tea.
🍯 With Maple Syrup – Drizzle a little maple syrup for extra sweetness.

Tips for the Best Bread Pudding

🔹 Use Slightly Stale Bread – Day-old bread absorbs the custard better, preventing sogginess.
🔹 Let the Bread Soak – Let the bread sit in the custard for 10-15 minutes before baking for extra flavor.
🔹 Don’t Overbake – The center should be soft but set—a toothpick should come out clean.
🔹 Make It Extra Decadent – Add chocolate chips or chopped pecans for more texture.
🔹 Store Leftovers Properly – Refrigerate for up to 3 days and reheat gently before serving.

Fun Variations to Try

🍫 Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding – Add ½ cup chocolate chips for a rich twist.
🥥 Coconut Bread Pudding – Replace half the milk with coconut milk and add shredded coconut.
🍊 Orange Vanilla Bread Pudding – Stir in 1 tablespoon orange zest for a citrusy kick.
🥜 Nutty Caramel Bread Pudding – Add chopped walnuts and a caramel drizzle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Yes! Assemble the pudding and refrigerate it overnight. Bake the next day for fresh, warm pudding.

Can I Freeze Bread Pudding?

Absolutely! Freeze the baked pudding for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven before serving.

What’s the Best Bread to Use?

White bread is classic, but you can also use brioche, challah, French bread, or croissants for an extra rich texture.

Can I Make It Dairy-Free?

Yes! Use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk instead of regular milk, and vegan butter for the sauce.

Final Thoughts

Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is a timeless, comforting dessert that’s both easy to make and absolutely delicious. With its soft, custardy texture, warm cinnamon flavor, and rich vanilla sauce, this dish is guaranteed to bring warmth and nostalgia to your table.

Whether you’re making it for family gatherings, holidays, or just a cozy treat, this homemade classic will always be a crowd favorite.

Try this delicious bread pudding recipe today, and enjoy a sweet taste of tradition!