Few desserts bring comfort quite like Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding. It’s rich, custardy, and full of heartwarming flavor — a dessert born from simplicity and frugality. Traditionally made with stale bread, milk, eggs, sugar, and spices, it transforms humble ingredients into something truly special.
This version stays true to the classic, featuring tender cubes of bread soaked in a sweet vanilla custard, dotted with juicy raisins, and baked until golden and set. To make it even better, it’s topped with a homemade vanilla cream sauce that melts into every bite.
Perfect for Sunday dinners, holidays, or when you just need a little taste of home, this bread pudding is the ultimate cozy dessert that tastes like a hug from grandma.
Why You’ll Love This Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding
- Timeless comfort dessert — classic flavor that never fades.
- Simple ingredients — uses pantry staples you already have.
- Soft and custardy — creamy inside, golden on top.
- Perfectly spiced — warm nutmeg and vanilla in every bite.
- Rich vanilla sauce — adds a buttery-sweet finish that’s irresistible.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This is the kind of dessert that reminds you how comforting simple food can be. There’s no need for fancy ingredients or special equipment — just bread, milk, eggs, sugar, and love. The vanilla sauce gives it a bakery-quality finish that elevates it from humble to heavenly.
If you’ve never made bread pudding before, this recipe is foolproof. It’s ideal for using up leftover bread, and you can easily customize it with chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Bread Pudding:
- 4 cups (about 8 slices) cubed white bread (day-old or slightly stale works best)
- ½ cup raisins
- 2 cups milk
- ¼ cup butter
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 eggs, slightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Vanilla Cream Sauce:
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
How to Make Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare the bread base
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 1½-quart casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray. Place the cubed bread and raisins into a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Make the milk mixture
In a small saucepan, heat the milk and ¼ cup butter over medium heat until the butter melts (about 4–7 minutes). Do not boil.
Step 3: Soak the bread
Pour the warm milk mixture over the bread and raisins. Gently stir and let it sit for 10 minutes to absorb the liquid.
Step 4: Mix the custard
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and ground nutmeg. Add this mixture to the soaked bread and stir gently to combine.
Step 5: Bake the pudding
Pour everything into the prepared casserole dish and bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted in the middle should come out clean.
Step 6: Make the vanilla cream sauce
While the pudding bakes, melt ½ cup butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly (about 3–5 minutes).
Step 7: Serve and enjoy
Spoon warm bread pudding into bowls and drizzle generously with the warm vanilla sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy every bite!
Tips for the Best Bread Pudding
- Use day-old bread — slightly stale bread soaks up the custard better.
- Try different breads — brioche, challah, or French bread give amazing texture.
- Don’t overbake — bake until just set for a soft, creamy center.
- Add spices — a dash of cinnamon or allspice adds warmth.
- Soak thoroughly — let the bread absorb the milk mixture fully.
- Use whole milk or cream — for a richer custard.
- Toast the bread cubes if your bread is very soft.
- Add mix-ins — chocolate chips, pecans, or coconut for fun variations.
- Make the sauce fresh — it’s best served warm and creamy.
- Serve warm — it’s at its most comforting fresh from the oven.
Variations & Substitutions
- Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding: Use cinnamon swirl bread for extra flavor.
- Bourbon Bread Pudding: Add a splash of bourbon to the sauce for a grown-up twist.
- Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding: Swap raisins for chocolate chips.
- Apple Bread Pudding: Add diced apples and a pinch of cinnamon.
- Nutty Version: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Coconut Bread Pudding: Mix in shredded coconut and top with toasted flakes.
- Caramel Sauce Option: Replace vanilla sauce with caramel for a richer finish.
- No-Raisin Version: Leave them out or substitute with dried cranberries.
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk and vegan butter.
- Mini Portions: Bake in muffin tins for individual servings.
What to Serve With Bread Pudding
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
- Fresh berries for a fruity balance.
- Hot coffee or tea for a cozy finish.
- Caramel drizzle or chocolate syrup for extra sweetness.
- Dusting of powdered sugar for presentation.
Storage & Reheating Tips
To Store:
Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To Reheat:
Warm individual servings in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 300°F until warmed through.
To Freeze:
Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use any type of bread?
Yes! French bread, brioche, or challah work best, but sandwich bread is fine too.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble it a few hours ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Can I leave out the raisins?
Of course — substitute with nuts, chocolate chips, or dried cranberries.
What makes bread pudding creamy?
The milk, eggs, and butter create a custard base that thickens as it bakes.
Can I use skim milk?
You can, but whole milk or cream gives a richer texture.
How do I know when it’s done?
The center should be set and the edges slightly golden — not dry.
Can I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer it a bit longer to reduce or add a touch of cornstarch slurry.
Can I add bourbon or rum?
Yes — 1 tablespoon in the sauce adds wonderful flavor.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use your favorite gluten-free bread and follow the same instructions.
Can I serve it cold?
Yes, it’s delicious cold or warm, but most people love it fresh and warm from the oven.
Final Thoughts
This Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding is the definition of comfort food — warm, creamy, and infused with vanilla and nutmeg. Every bite melts in your mouth, especially when topped with that buttery vanilla cream sauce.
It’s the kind of dessert that brings everyone to the table and fills your kitchen with nostalgic aromas. Whether for Sunday dinner, the holidays, or a cozy night in, this timeless classic will always be a family favorite.