Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe

The Coziest Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe

Comfort arrives through this delectable old fashioned bread pudding with vanilla sauce that whispers memories of grandmother’s kitchen.

Warm aromas drift from golden-brown edges, promising sweet nostalgia and pure indulgence.

Crusty bread transforms into a silky dessert that melts softly on your palate.

Simple ingredients dance together, creating magic in a single baking dish.

Creamy vanilla sauce drizzled generously adds luxurious richness to every tender bite.

Curious souls craving a classic dessert will find pure delight in this timeless recipe.

You deserve a moment of pure, unapologetic deliciousness right now.

How to Store and Warm Bread Pudding the Right Way

  • Store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, preserving its delightful texture and flavor.
  • Warm pudding slices in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with aluminum foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
  • Quickly reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, ensuring the pudding remains soft and warm without becoming rubbery.
  • Gently reheat vanilla sauce separately in a small saucepan or microwave, stirring occasionally to restore its smooth, creamy consistency before serving over warmed pudding.

What Goes Well with Vanilla Bread Pudding

  • Pair Creamy Bourbon with Dessert: Rich, smooth bourbon complements the sweet vanilla sauce and enhances the warm spices in the bread pudding.
  • Create Coffee Harmony: Strong espresso or dark roast coffee balances the dessert's sweetness and highlights its rich, comforting texture.
  • Serve Vanilla Ice Cream Companion: Cold, creamy vanilla ice cream provides a delightful temperature contrast and adds extra indulgence to the warm pudding.
  • Match Caramel Liqueur: Smooth caramel liqueur echoes the dessert's buttery notes and intensifies the overall sweet, warming flavor profile.

New Twists on Bread Pudding with Sauce

  • Gluten-Free Bread Pudding: Replace traditional bread with gluten-free bread or almond flour bread to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegan Bread Pudding: Swap eggs with mashed bananas or flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
  • Low-Sugar Bread Pudding: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and use fresh berries instead of raisins to reduce overall sugar content.
  • Chocolate Lover's Bread Pudding: Add cocoa powder to the egg mixture and sprinkle dark chocolate chips throughout the pudding for a rich, decadent variation.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?

Yes, you can use stale white bread, brioche, or challah. Avoid using fresh, soft bread as it won’t absorb the mixture as well.

  • Is it necessary to use raisins and almonds?

No, these are optional. You can skip them or substitute with other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped pecans according to your preference.

  • How do I prevent the bread pudding from becoming too dry?

Soak the bread thoroughly in milk and ensure you don’t overbake. The egg mixture helps keep the pudding moist, so follow the recipe measurements carefully.

  • Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the bread pudding a day in advance and reheat it before serving. The flavors actually develop and become more rich overnight.

Why Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Feels Classic

  • Family-Friendly Delight: Perfect for gathering loved ones around the table, this bread pudding brings nostalgic warmth and creates memorable moments.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for various occasions, from casual family dinners to elegant gatherings, this dessert adapts to any setting with its rich, comforting flavors.
  • Simple Baking Triumph: Beginner bakers can confidently master this recipe, enjoying the satisfaction of creating a delicious homemade dessert without complex techniques.

Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding

Bread Base:
  • Bread: Soft, day-old bread perfect for soaking.
  • Milk: Whole milk for rich, creamy texture.
Binding Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Fresh eggs to hold the pudding together.
  • Sugar: Sweet granulated sugar for sweetness.
Spices and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Cinnamon: Warm, aromatic ground spice.
  • Vanilla: Pure vanilla extract for classic flavor.
  • Salt: Enhances overall taste.
  • Nutmeg: Fragrant, warm ground spice.
Additional Mix-Ins:
  • Raisins: Sweet, chewy dried fruit.
  • Almonds: Crunchy, nutty texture.
Greasing Ingredients:
  • Butter, Caramel: For greasing the baking pan and adding rich flavor.

How to Make Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to a cozy 360 degrees Fahrenheit, getting ready for a delightful baking adventure.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grab your favorite baking pan and lovingly coat it with a layer of butter or caramel, creating a non-stick surface that’ll make your bread pudding shine.

Step 3: Soak the Bread

Slice your bread into tempting squares and give them a luxurious milk bath, letting them soak up all that creamy goodness.

Step 4: Create the Flavor Base

In a mixing bowl, whip up a magical mixture by combining:
  • Eggs
  • Sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Vanilla
  • Salt
  • Nutmeg

Beat these ingredients until they become a smooth, fragrant blend that promises incredible flavor.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Gently fold the milk-soaked bread into your egg mixture, then sprinkle in some delightful extras:
  • Raisins
  • Almonds

Mix everything together with a tender touch, creating a rich and textured batter.

Step 6: Bake the Pudding

Pour your luscious mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and let the magic happen for about one hour.

Step 7: Check for Doneness

To ensure your bread pudding is perfectly cooked, insert a knife into the center.

If it comes out clean and dry, your dessert is ready to be devoured!

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Let the bread pudding cool slightly, then serve warm with a drizzle of vanilla sauce for the ultimate comfort dessert experience.

Tips for Creamy Bread Pudding and Sauce

  • Use day-old brioche, challah, or French bread for richer, more luxurious texture and deeper flavor profile.
  • Soak bread in milk just until saturated, avoiding soggy consistency by gently pressing excess liquid before mixing with egg mixture.
  • Swap raisins with dried cranberries, chopped dates, or chocolate chips for personalized taste and exciting texture combinations.
  • Place baking pan in water bath to prevent burning edges and create smooth, consistent pudding texture throughout the dish.
  • Replace regular bread with gluten-free bread and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
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Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe

Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe


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4.6 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Grandma’s classic old fashioned bread pudding with vanilla sauce delivers comfort straight from Southern kitchens, where warm memories mingle with sweet traditions. Silky custard-soaked bread transforms into a luxurious dessert you’ll savor with pure, nostalgic delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 slices of sliced bread
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup (200 grams) sugar
  • 1 cup (150 grams) raisins

Spices and Flavorings:

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Nuts:

  • 1/3 cup (40 grams) slivered almonds

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 360 degrees fahrenheit, ensuring a consistent temperature for even baking.
  2. Thoroughly coat the baking dish with a thin layer of butter or caramel, creating a non-stick surface and enhancing flavor.
  3. Slice bread into uniform cubes and completely immerse in milk, allowing the bread to absorb the liquid and become soft.
  4. Whisk eggs vigorously with sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, salt, and nutmeg until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.
  5. Gently fold the spiced egg mixture into the milk-soaked bread, ensuring complete coverage and even distribution.
  6. Carefully incorporate raisins and chopped almonds throughout the pudding mixture, spreading them evenly.
  7. Transfer the prepared pudding mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula for uniform thickness.
  8. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately one hour, monitoring the pudding’s golden-brown surface.
  9. Test the pudding’s doneness by inserting a clean knife into the center; if it emerges clean and dry, the pudding is fully cooked.
  10. Remove from the oven and allow the pudding to cool slightly before serving, which helps it set and enhances its texture.

Notes

  • Toast bread cubes lightly before soaking to enhance the pudding’s texture and prevent sogginess.
  • Soak bread in warm milk for 15-20 minutes to help it absorb flavors more effectively and create a softer consistency.
  • Swap raisins with dried cranberries or chopped dates for varied flavor profiles and dietary preferences.
  • Consider using gluten-free bread or almond flour to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 38 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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