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Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

This classic bread pudding is soft, custardy, and gently spiced, just like Grandma used to make. Made with simple pantry ingredients and finished with a warm, buttery vanilla sauce, it’s a comforting dessert perfect for holidays, family dinners, or cozy nights at home.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 360
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Bread Pudding
  • 4 cups day-old bread cubed
  • 2 cups milk
  • 3 large eggs
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Vanilla Sauce
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup heavy cream or milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method
 

Bread Pudding
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
  2. Spread bread cubes evenly in the dish.
  3. In a bowl, whisk milk, eggs, sugar, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  4. Pour mixture over bread and gently press down. Let soak for 10 minutes.
  5. Bake for 40 minutes, until lightly golden and set in the center.
Vanilla Sauce
  1. Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat.
  2. Stir in brown sugar and cream. Cook gently until smooth and slightly thickened.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

Notes

  • Day-old bread works best for soaking without turning mushy.
  • Brioche or challah add extra richness if available.
  • Serve warm with plenty of vanilla sauce.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.