Irresistible Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding: A Timeless Classic Dessert

There’s something incredibly comforting about the smell of Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding baking in the oven. This classic dessert, often made with day-old bread, is a true staple in many households and is passed down through generations. With its rich, custard-like texture, sweet and warm flavors, and decadent vanilla sauce, bread pudding is the ultimate comfort food that can be enjoyed at any time of year.

Whether you’re looking for a way to use up leftover bread or simply want to create a dessert that’s both nostalgic and indulgent, Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding is a must-try recipe. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and brings that heartwarming feeling of a homemade treat from the past.

Looking for another twist on bread pudding? Try our Crockpot Bread Pudding for an even easier method!

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What Makes Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding So Special?

Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding is special for several reasons:

• Comforting and Familiar: Bread pudding has a nostalgic charm that brings back memories of family gatherings and cozy dinners. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you feel at home, no matter where you are.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with basic pantry staples like bread, eggs, milk, and sugar, bread pudding is an affordable dessert that can be made with what you have on hand.
• Rich and Custardy: The custard-like filling made from eggs and milk gives bread pudding its signature texture. When combined with chunks of bread, the result is a soft, moist dessert that’s full of flavor.
• Versatile: Bread pudding can be served warm or cold, and you can customize it by adding your favorite ingredients like raisins, chocolate chips, or nuts for added flavor and texture.

The addition of a vanilla sauce or custard sauce poured over the top makes this dessert even more indulgent and comforting. It’s a perfect treat for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or any time you want a warm, satisfying dessert.

Ingredients for Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding

You don’t need anything fancy to make Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding—just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen:

For the Bread Pudding:

• 6 cups cubed day-old bread (white, brioche, or challah work well)
• 2 cups whole milk (or use half-and-half for extra richness)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional, or substitute with other dried fruit like cranberries or currants)
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

For the Vanilla Sauce (Optional, but Highly Recommended):

• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)

These ingredients come together to make a sweet, satisfying dessert that everyone will love.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding

Making Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding is straightforward and only takes about 10 minutes of prep time, followed by some time in the oven. Here’s how to make it:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent the pudding from sticking.

Step 2: Cube the Bread

Cut the day-old bread into cubes, about 1-inch in size. If your bread is really stale, you can tear it into chunks by hand for a more rustic texture. The cubes will absorb the custard mixture and turn into a soft, flavorful base.

Step 3: Make the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until everything is well combined and the mixture is smooth. This will form the custard base that makes bread pudding so rich and comforting.

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Step 4: Assemble the Bread Pudding

Place the cubed bread into the prepared baking dish. Pour the custard mixture over the bread, pressing the bread down gently so that all the cubes soak up the liquid. If you’re adding raisins or other dried fruits, sprinkle them evenly over the bread before pouring in the custard.

Step 5: Bake the Bread Pudding

Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the bread pudding. This helps to create a golden, crispy top while keeping the inside moist and tender. Bake the pudding in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center—if it comes out clean, the pudding is ready.

Step 6: Make the Vanilla Sauce (Optional)

While the bread pudding is baking, you can prepare the vanilla sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the milk, butter, sugar, and cornstarch. Heat the mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes). Once thickened, stir in the vanilla extract and remove from heat. Serve this rich sauce over the warm bread pudding for an extra indulgent touch.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the bread pudding is done, let it cool slightly before serving. Spoon a generous portion onto each plate and drizzle with the vanilla sauce. Enjoy warm, or let it cool and serve later as a cold treat.

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How to Make Bread Pudding with Custard Sauce

If you’d like to add an extra layer of flavor and richness to your bread pudding, serving it with a custard sauce is a must. The custard sauce is simple to make and adds a creamy, silky finish that complements the bread pudding perfectly.

To Make the Custard Sauce:

1. In a small saucepan, combine milk, butter, and sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and a bit of milk to form a slurry. Pour this into the milk mixture while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
3. Continue to cook the mixture, whisking until it thickens to a custard-like consistency (about 5-7 minutes). Stir in the vanilla extract and remove from heat.
4. Serve this luscious custard sauce over each portion of bread pudding for the ultimate dessert experience.

Tips for the Best Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding

• Use day-old bread: Fresh bread can become soggy in the custard. Day-old bread (or even slightly stale bread) works best because it absorbs the liquid without falling apart.
• Let it soak: After pouring the custard over the bread, let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to give the bread time to soak up the custard. This results in a more flavorful and moist bread pudding.
• Add extra flavor: For added richness, you can fold in a few tablespoons of rum or bourbon into the custard for a boozy twist, or sprinkle some nutmeg or allspice for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Top with a crunchy topping: For a bit of texture, sprinkle brown sugar or crushed nuts (like walnuts or pecans) on top before baking to create a crispy, caramelized crust.

How to Customize Your Bread Pudding

This old-fashioned bread pudding recipe is versatile and can be easily customized based on your preferences. Here are some ideas:

• Add chocolate: For a richer dessert, add chocolate chips or chunks of your favorite chocolate to the bread pudding mixture.
• Fruits and nuts: Add chopped apples, pears, or bananas to the pudding for a fruity twist. You can also mix in raisins, cranberries, or chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture.
• Use different breads: While traditional white bread works great, you can use brioche, challah, or cinnamon bread for different textures and flavors.
• Try different sauces: Instead of vanilla sauce, serve your bread pudding with caramel sauce, whipped cream, or even a scoop of ice cream for extra indulgence.

Serving Suggestions for Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding

• Topped with ice cream: Serve this bread pudding with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• With fresh berries: Fresh strawberries, blueberries, or a berry compote complement the sweet, custardy bread pudding perfectly.
• As a breakfast: Why not enjoy it for breakfast too? Bread pudding makes a great morning treat, served with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Bread Pudding

Storage:
Store any leftover Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating:
Reheat the bread pudding in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through. Top with fresh vanilla sauce before serving.

Why Grandma’s Bread Pudding is the Ultimate Comfort Dessert

There’s no dessert quite like Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding. It’s warm, comforting, and reminds us of family gatherings and simpler times. With its moist texture, sweet flavor, and indulgent custard sauce, this dessert is the epitome of comfort food and is perfect for any occasion.

Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy family dinner, bread pudding is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and bring everyone together.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Bread Pudding

• Using fresh bread: Fresh bread can become too mushy. Be sure to use day-old bread for the best texture.
• Overbaking: Keep an eye on your bread pudding while it bakes. Overbaking can result in a dry dessert. The pudding should be soft and moist.
• Skipping the soaking time: Letting the bread soak in the custard is key to ensuring the best texture. Don’t skip this step!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Bread Pudding and Old-Fashioned Desserts

Can I make this bread pudding ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the bread pudding the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Simply bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Can I freeze bread pudding?
Yes, you can freeze bread pudding! Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes.

Can I use different types of bread?
Absolutely! Brioche, challah, or cinnamon raisin bread will all give you different flavors and textures for your bread pudding.

Conclusion + Call to Action

Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding is the ultimate comfort food, combining simple ingredients to create a decadent dessert. With its rich, custard-like texture and sweet vanilla sauce, it’s a perfect dessert for any occasion.

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