Classic Grandma’s Bread Pudding with Homemade Vanilla Sauce
Make this rich, custardy bread pudding using simple ingredients. This old-fashioned dessert brings comfort and is perfect served warm with a homemade vanilla sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 50 min
- Total Time: 70 min
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 cups stale bread cubes (French or white bread work well)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for sauce)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for sauce)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (for sauce)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for sauce)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Arrange the bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and nutmeg until combined.
- Slowly whisk in the whole milk until the custard mixture is smooth.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to submerge the bread. Let the bread soak for 15 minutes.
- Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the pudding is set and the top is golden brown.
- While the pudding bakes, prepare the vanilla sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and vanilla extract until the sauce is creamy. Heat gently until warm, do not boil.
- Remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Serve the warm bread pudding drizzled generously with the homemade vanilla sauce.
Notes
- Use bread that is slightly stale for the best texture; day-old bread works perfectly.
- You can substitute the vanilla sauce with a caramel sauce for a different flavor profile.
- This recipe is a great option for meal planning, as leftovers store well in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 35
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 55
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 10
- Cholesterol: 110