Grandma’s Classic Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe

If there’s one dessert that always brings warmth and nostalgia to the table, it’s Grandma’s Classic Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce. Each oven-kissed, delicately spiced bite transports me to family gatherings, where comfort and sweetness blend in perfect harmony. The magic of this dish is its simplicity: wholesome ingredients and a luscious, homemade vanilla sauce unite to create something truly special. Whether you’re introducing a new generation to this timeless treat or rekindling your own fond memories, this recipe will fill your kitchen with tempting aromas and the kind of joy you can only find in classic family favorites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dessert proves that you don’t need fancy ingredients to create something unforgettable—just a handful of everyday staples come together to form something magical. Each item here plays a vital role, from the tender bread that soaks up custard to the golden raisins and aromatic spices that give the pudding its cozy character.

• White Bread: Use about 4 cups (roughly 8 slices) cut into 1-inch cubes—day-old bread works best for optimal absorption and a hearty texture.
• Large Eggs: Two lightly beaten eggs act as the binding force, giving your pudding richness and structure.
• Milk: Two cups of milk make the custard wonderfully creamy and help soften the bread without turning it mushy.
• Raisins: A quarter cup of plump raisins adds little bursts of sweetness and chewy texture in every bite.
• Butter: A quarter cup of softened butter gets melted with the milk to add luscious flavor throughout.
• Granulated Sugar: Two separate quarter-cup measures sweeten both the pudding and the vanilla sauce, for a balanced, comforting taste.
• Ground Nutmeg: Just a quarter teaspoon offers that unmistakable warm spice associated with traditional bread pudding.
• Brown Sugar: A quarter cup (firmly packed) deepens the caramel notes in your sauce.
• Vanilla Extract: A full tablespoon infuses both pudding and sauce with its signature aroma and flavor.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: A quarter cup adds the final touch of decadence to the vanilla sauce, making it velvety smooth.

How to Make Grandma’s Classic Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Raisins

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a roomy mixing bowl, add the bread cubes and scatter in the raisins. This is the foundation of Grandma’s Classic Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce, so be generous with the mixing to ensure those juicy raisins are evenly distributed.

Step 2: Make the Milk and Butter Mixture

In a medium saucepan, combine the milk and the butter. Heat gently over medium-low until the butter is completely melted, then give it a quick whisk to bring it all together. Pour this warm mixture straight over your bread and raisins. Let everything soak for around 10 minutes—the bread will absorb the flavors and soften up beautifully without losing its bite.

Step 3: Create the Custard Base

Now it’s time for the heart of the pudding. Into your bread mixture, add a quarter cup of granulated sugar, the beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and ground nutmeg. Gently fold everything together until the eggs and sugar are fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix—just enough so all the flavors are mingling.

Step 4: Transfer and Bake

Grease a 1 ½ quart casserole dish and pour in your pudding mixture. Smooth the top with a spatula, making sure everything is evenly spread. Slide your dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. The pudding should have a golden crown and a set, but tender, center. If you’re unsure, slip a knife into the middle—if it comes out clean, you’re golden!

Step 5: Prepare the Vanilla Sauce

While the pudding is baking, start on the crowning glory: the vanilla sauce. In a clean saucepan, combine a quarter cup butter, a quarter cup granulated sugar, and a quarter cup brown sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture melts into a glossy, bubbling sauce—about 5 to 8 minutes. Take it off the heat and whisk in the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract. The result is a rich, silken sauce that takes Grandma’s Classic Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce to legendary heights.

How to Serve Grandma’s Classic Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Garnishes

When it comes to serving, a generous drizzle of warm vanilla sauce is an absolute must. For a little extra flair, sprinkle a dusting of freshly grated nutmeg or a handful of chopped pecans on top. If you want to go the extra mile, a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a stunning—and delicious—presentation.

Side Dishes

This cozy dessert pairs perfectly with a simple, fresh fruit salad or tangy berries—their tartness balances out the pudding’s sweetness beautifully. For holiday feasts, serve alongside a steaming mug of spiced tea or strong black coffee to round out the meal and invite everyone to linger a little longer around the table.

Creative Ways to Present

While the classic casserole dish presentation is timeless, you can get creative by serving Grandma’s Classic Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce in individual ramekins or small mason jars. This not only looks charming but also makes portioning a breeze for parties or potlucks. For special occasions, try layering cubes of pudding and vanilla sauce in parfait glasses for a fancy and fun twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow manage to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), cover the cooled pudding tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The vanilla sauce can be refrigerated in a separate container and will thicken as it cools—just stir or gently reheat before serving.

Freezing

To freeze, make sure the bread pudding is completely cooled. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic, then aluminum foil, and store in a freezer-safe container. The vanilla sauce can also be frozen, but for best texture, freeze separately. Both will keep for up to two months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftover pudding in a 350°F oven covered with foil until warmed through, about 15 minutes. You can also microwave single servings in short bursts until steamy. Warm the vanilla sauce gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring well before pouring it over the pudding for that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely! While traditional white bread creates a classic texture, you can swap in challah, brioche, or even whole wheat for a heartier bite. Just make sure the bread is slightly stale or toasted to soak up all that custard goodness.

Can I make Grandma’s Classic Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the pudding and refrigerate it (uncooked) overnight. The next day, simply bake as instructed. The vanilla sauce can also be made a day in advance—just reheat and stir before serving.

What if I don’t have raisins?

No problem at all. You can leave them out, or substitute with dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even chocolate chips if you want a decadent twist on Grandma’s Classic Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce.

Is it possible to make this dessert dairy-free?

Definitely! Use your favorite non-dairy milk (like almond or oat) and replace the butter with a plant-based alternative. Coconut cream works beautifully in the vanilla sauce for a rich but dairy-free finish.

Can the vanilla sauce be used for other desserts?

Yes! The vanilla sauce is so versatile—try drizzling it over pound cake, apple crisp, waffles, or pancakes. Once you taste its creamy sweetness, you’ll want to put it on everything!

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like a homemade dessert that feels both comforting and special, and Grandma’s Classic Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce fits the bill every single time. I hope you’ll try this recipe soon and let it bring warmth, nostalgia, and a little extra sweetness to your table. Don’t forget to pour on that luscious vanilla sauce—it’s what makes this classic simply unforgettable!

Print