Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Ohhh this is the hug-in-a-bowl dessert 🥹—soft custard, crisp edges, and that warm vanilla sauce poured like love.

🍞 Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding

with Warm Vanilla Sauce

Bread Pudding

Ingredients

• 4 cups day-old bread, cubed (white, brioche, or challah)

• 2 cups milk

• 2 large eggs

• ¾ cup sugar (white or half white/half brown)

• 2 Tbsp melted butter

• 1 tsp vanilla

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ¼ tsp nutmeg

• ¼ tsp salt

• Optional but very grandma-approved:

  • ½ cup raisins

  • ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter an 8×8 dish.

2. Spread bread evenly in dish; sprinkle raisins/nuts if using.

3. Whisk milk, eggs, sugar, butter, vanilla, spices, and salt.

4. Pour over bread. Press gently so everything soaks.

5. Let sit 10–15 minutes (important!).

6. Bake 40–45 minutes until set in the center and golden on top.

Warm Vanilla Sauce

Ingredients

• ½ cup heavy cream (or milk)

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 2 Tbsp butter

• 1 tsp vanilla

• Pinch salt

Instructions

1. Simmer cream, brown sugar, and butter over low heat, stirring.

2. Cook 5–7 minutes until slightly thick.

3. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla and salt.

💛 How Grandma served it

• Bread pudding warm

• Vanilla sauce hot

• Extra sauce on the side (non-negotiable)

Variations Grandma wouldn’t argue with

• Splash of bourbon or rum in the sauce

• Swap milk for half-and-half for extra richness

• Add apple slices or dates for a Sunday twist

If you want the church-potluck version, no-egg custard style, or slow-cooker method, just say the word 😌