Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding – A Classic Comfort Dessert

Name: Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding – A Classic Comfort Dessert
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 6 cups day-old bread, cubed (French bread or similar); 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 3 large eggs; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional); ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup raisins (optional); ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1½ cups whole milk; 1 large egg yolk; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

July 5, 2025

BySophia

Dessert

Difficulty

Prep time

Cooking time

Total time

Servings

Few desserts bring the cozy nostalgia of home quite like Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding. Made with simple ingredients like day-old bread, milk, eggs, sugar, and warm spices, this timeless treat is soft, custardy, and full of comfort. Drizzled with a silky vanilla custard sauce, it’s the kind of dessert that instantly transports you back to family dinners and holiday tables.

This recipe is perfect if you’re looking for an easy bread pudding recipe, want to use up leftover bread in a creative way, or simply crave a comforting, old-fashioned dessert recipe that never goes out of style.

Why You’ll Love Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding

Bread pudding has stood the test of time because it’s simple, satisfying, and incredibly versatile. Every bite is creamy and rich, with just the right amount of sweetness and spice.

You’ll also love it because it’s:

A great way to use day-old bread recipes
Budget-friendly and made with pantry staples
Easy to make yet elegant enough for special occasions
Perfect served warm, cold, or at room temperature

If you’ve been tempted by bread pudding with custard sauce or wanted to try a bread pudding recipe old fashion, this version with vanilla sauce is a must.

Ingredients for Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding

6 cups day-old bread, cubed (French bread or similar)
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup raisins (optional)

For the vanilla custard sauce:
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1½ cups whole milk
1 large egg yolk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Large mixing bowl
Whisk
9×13-inch baking dish
Measuring cups and spoons
Saucepan
Wooden spoon
Strainer (optional)

How to Make Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your baking dish.

Step 2: Soak the Bread

Place the cubed bread in the baking dish. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Pour this custard mixture over the bread, pressing down gently to make sure all the bread is soaked. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes so the bread absorbs the custard.

Step 3: Bake

Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the pudding is set in the center and golden on top. Remove from the oven and cool slightly.

Step 4: Make the Vanilla Custard Sauce

While the pudding bakes, whisk sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan. Slowly whisk in milk and cook over medium heat until thickened. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolk. Slowly whisk some of the hot mixture into the yolk to temper it, then pour it all back into the saucepan. Cook for another 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and a pinch of salt.

Step 5: Serve

Spoon warm bread pudding into bowls and drizzle generously with the vanilla sauce. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Bread Pudding

Use slightly stale bread for best texture — fresh bread can become too mushy. Let the bread soak long enough for a creamy interior. Don’t overbake — it should be just set in the center but still moist.

Flavor Variations

Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch. Swap raisins for dried cranberries or chopped dates. Sprinkle a little brown sugar on top before baking for a caramelized finish.

When to Serve Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding

This comforting dessert is perfect for:

Holiday dinners or Sunday supper
Brunch or breakfast gatherings
Potlucks and family get-togethers
Anytime you need a little taste of home

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t use bread that’s too dry — it still needs to absorb the custard. Avoid overbaking, which can make the pudding dry. Make sure to temper the egg yolk properly when making the sauce to avoid scrambling.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through.

FAQs About Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding

Can I make this in a crockpot? Yes — cook on low for about 2½–3 hours for a soft, slow-cooked version.

Can I make it ahead of time? Yes — assemble, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake just before serving.

Is this similar to Sailor Bailey bread pudding? While variations exist, this classic custard-based pudding is very similar.

What kind of bread works best? French bread, brioche, or challah are excellent choices.

Why This Recipe Works Every Time

The simple custard base paired with hearty bread ensures a creamy interior and golden top. The vanilla sauce adds a luxurious touch that makes this feel truly special — just like Grandma used to make.

Call to Action

If you loved this recipe, save it to your dessert board on Pinterest, share it with family and friends, and subscribe to our blog for more comforting old-fashioned dessert recipes. Leave a comment to tell us how yours turned out!

Save