Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding

Warm Vanilla Comfort in Every Bite

Simple Introduction

There are some desserts that go far beyond taste. They carry memories, emotions, and a sense of comfort that feels almost magical. Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding is one of those timeless recipes—the kind that fills the kitchen with the warm scent of vanilla and baked custard, drawing everyone in before it even reaches the table. This is not a trendy dessert or a modern reinvention. It’s the classic, no-fuss bread pudding that generations have relied on to turn simple pantry ingredients into something deeply satisfying.

At its heart, Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding is about simplicity and warmth. Cubes of bread soak up a rich, gently sweetened custard made with milk, eggs, sugar, butter, and vanilla. As it bakes, the custard transforms into a soft, tender interior with a lightly golden top. Finished with a silky caramel-style sauce, this dessert delivers comfort in every bite—soft, creamy, buttery, and just sweet enough.

This recipe is perfect for chilly evenings, holiday gatherings, Sunday family dinners, or anytime you crave a dessert that feels like home. Whether you remember bread pudding from your childhood or you’re discovering it for the first time, this Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding recipe brings nostalgia, flavor, and warmth together in the most comforting way possible.

---

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 50 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

• Category: Dessert

• Method: Baking

• Cuisine: American

• Yield: 6 servings

---

Ingredients

Bread Pudding

• 4 cups cubed white bread (about 8 slices, cut into 1-inch pieces)

• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

• 2 cups milk

• ¼ cup raisins

• ¼ cup butter, softened

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup brown sugar, firmly packed

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Caramel Sauce

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup heavy whipping cream

• Butter (equal amount to sugar, for sauce base)

---

Why Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding Never Goes Out of Style

Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding has endured for generations because it checks every box of a perfect comfort dessert. It’s affordable, easy to make, forgiving, and incredibly satisfying. Long before fancy desserts and complicated techniques, this pudding was a practical way to use leftover bread—and it just happened to be delicious.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance. It’s sweet but not overpowering, rich without being heavy, and simple without being boring. The vanilla custard brings warmth and depth, the nutmeg adds subtle spice, and the caramel sauce ties everything together with buttery sweetness. Every spoonful feels familiar and comforting, like a hug from the past.

This recipe also adapts beautifully to different occasions. Serve it warm for a cozy family dessert, dress it up with ice cream for guests, or enjoy it plain with coffee for a quiet moment of comfort. No matter how you serve it, Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding always feels right.

---

Ingredients + Tips for Best Results

Bread: The Foundation of Flavor

White bread is traditional for Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding because it absorbs custard evenly without overpowering the flavors. Slightly stale bread is ideal—it soaks up the custard without becoming mushy. If your bread is fresh, simply cube it and let it sit out for a few hours or lightly toast it.

Milk and Eggs: Custard Perfection

Milk and eggs create the custard that gives bread pudding its creamy texture. Whole milk works best, but you can substitute part of it with heavy cream if you want a richer result. The eggs should be lightly beaten to ensure the custard bakes evenly without curdling.

Sugars: Balanced Sweetness

Using both granulated sugar and brown sugar creates depth. Granulated sugar sweetens the custard, while brown sugar adds warmth and a subtle caramel note that enhances the overall flavor.

Vanilla and Nutmeg: Gentle Warmth

Vanilla extract is essential for that classic old-fashioned flavor. Nutmeg adds a hint of spice that complements the custard without overpowering it. You can also add cinnamon if desired, but nutmeg keeps the recipe true to its traditional roots.

Raisins: Classic Add-In

Raisins are optional but traditional. They soften as the pudding bakes, adding sweetness and texture. If raisins aren’t your favorite, you can easily substitute chopped dates, dried cranberries, or even chocolate chips.

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a casserole dish with at least a 1½-quart capacity. This ensures the bread pudding won’t stick and bakes evenly.

2. Prepare the Bread Base

In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread and raisins. Spread them out evenly so the raisins are distributed throughout the pudding.

3. Heat Milk and Butter

In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk and butter until the butter is fully melted. Do not boil—gentle heat is key. Pour the warm mixture over the bread and raisins, then let it soak for 10 minutes. This step allows the bread to absorb the custard base.

4. Mix the Custard

Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and nutmeg to the soaked bread mixture. Stir gently until everything is well combined. Be careful not to overmix—you want the bread to stay intact.

5. Bake

Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Bake uncovered for 40–50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set. A knife inserted into the middle should come out clean.

6. Make the Caramel Sauce

While the bread pudding bakes, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine butter and sugar in equal parts. Stir continuously for 5–8 minutes until the mixture thickens and begins to gently bubble. Remove from heat and carefully stir in the heavy cream.

7. Serve

Spoon the warm caramel sauce generously over the bread pudding just before serving. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.

---

Tips for the Best Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding

• Use slightly stale bread: It absorbs custard better and creates a perfect texture.

• Let the bread soak: This ensures every bite is soft and flavorful.

• Don’t overbake: Bread pudding should be set but still tender in the center.

• Serve warm: This dessert is at its best when fresh from the oven.

• Make it richer: Substitute half the milk with heavy cream for extra indulgence.

---

Variations You Can Try

Cinnamon Bread Pudding

Add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon for extra warmth and spice.

Orange Vanilla Bread Pudding

Stir in 1 teaspoon of orange zest to brighten the custard with citrus notes.

Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding

Replace raisins with chocolate chips for a dessert-like twist kids love.

Nutty Bread Pudding

Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch and richness.

Dairy-Free Option

Use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter to make this recipe suitable for lactose-free diets.

---

Storage and Reheating

Storage

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

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30–45 seconds, or warm the entire dish in a 300°F oven until heated through. Add extra sauce before serving if needed.

---

Serving Suggestions

• Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

• Serve warm with extra caramel sauce

• Sprinkle lightly with powdered sugar for a classic finish

• Pair with coffee or tea for a cozy dessert moment

Print

Nutrition (Approximate per Serving)

• Serving Size: 1 portion

• Calories: 474 kcal

• Sugar: 43 g

• Sodium: 273 mg

• Fat: 25 g

• Saturated Fat: 15 g

• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g

---

Final Thoughts

Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding is more than just a dessert—it’s a tradition, a memory, and a reminder that the simplest recipes are often the most meaningful. This classic dish transforms humble ingredients into something rich, comforting, and deeply satisfying. Every spoonful delivers warmth, vanilla sweetness, and the kind of cozy flavor that instantly feels familiar.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility and heart. It works just as beautifully for a casual weeknight dessert as it does for holiday gatherings. It welcomes substitutions, encourages creativity, and forgives small mistakes—just like the best family recipes always do. Whether you enjoy it plain, topped with caramel sauce, or served with ice cream, this Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding never fails to comfort and delight.