Name: Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-482945H59M41S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups day-old bread (such as French bread or white bread), cut into cubes; 2 cups whole milk; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup raisins or currants (optional); 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp salt

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug, Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is exactly what you need. This dessert is a timeless classic, combining rich, custardy bread pudding with a sweet, velvety vanilla sauce that takes it to a whole new level of indulgence. Think of it as the ultimate comfort food—warm, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet.

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. You don’t need anything fancy—just a few staple ingredients and a little love. The bread soaks up the custard and bakes into a golden, slightly crispy top with a soft, dreamy interior. Then, the vanilla sauce pours over the top, adding a silky smooth finish that makes every bite feel like pure bliss.

Why You’ll Love Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Comforting and Cozy: This dessert feels like home. It’s the kind of treat you make on a cold evening when you want something sweet, rich, and satisfying.

Made with Pantry Staples: You probably already have everything you need to make this dish. It’s simple, yet the result is so much more than the sum of its parts.

Perfect for Leftover Bread: It’s the perfect way to use up any leftover bread you have lying around. Stale bread works best because it soaks up the custard and bakes up beautifully.

Indulgent Yet Simple: The recipe is straightforward, but the flavors are deep and indulgent. The vanilla sauce makes it extra special, and it’s so easy to whip up.

Impress Your Guests: This bread pudding is the kind of dessert that looks and tastes like it took hours to make, even though it’s a breeze to prepare. Your guests will be impressed—and asking for the recipe!

Ingredients

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to create this decadent bread pudding and the velvety vanilla sauce.

For the Bread Pudding

The bread pudding is made with simple ingredients, but it’s the combination of bread, eggs, milk, and a touch of sugar and spices that creates a comforting, flavorful base.

For the Vanilla Sauce

The vanilla sauce is the real magic. Made with butter, sugar, milk, and vanilla, it adds that perfect sweet, creamy touch to the bread pudding.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Time to bake this irresistible dessert! It’s easier than you think, and soon you’ll have a warm, comforting treat to enjoy.

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish (a 9×9-inch pan works great) and set it aside.

Prepare the Bread

Cut your bread into cubes. If you’re using stale bread, that’s perfect! The drier the bread, the better it will soak up the custard. If you’re using fresh bread, let the cubes sit out for a bit to dry out.

Make the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This is the custard that will soak into the bread, so whisk it until everything is fully combined and smooth.

Assemble the Bread Pudding

Add the bread cubes to the custard mixture and gently stir to combine. Let the bread soak in the custard for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard. Then, pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Bake the Bread Pudding

Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when it’s done.

Make the Vanilla Sauce

While the bread pudding is baking, it’s time to make the vanilla sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sugar and milk, stirring until everything is combined and the sugar dissolves. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and then remove from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract. The sauce will be creamy and silky.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the bread pudding is done baking, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle the vanilla sauce generously over the warm bread pudding, and serve it while it’s still cozy and fresh from the oven.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional info for a serving of this decadent dessert:

Servings: 8

Calories per serving: 330
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g

Cholesterol: 95mg
Sodium: 180mg
Total Carbohydrates: 41g

Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 26g
Protein: 6g

(Note: nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Bread pudding is rich enough to be served on its own, but here are some ideas to make it even more special:

Serve with Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream adds an extra layer of richness and creaminess.

Add Fresh Fruit: Sliced bananas, berries, or roasted apples pair beautifully with the bread pudding. The fruit adds a fresh contrast to the warm, sweet dessert.

Drizzle with Caramel Sauce: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle some homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the top of the bread pudding, alongside the vanilla sauce.

Serve for Special Occasions: Bread pudding is an excellent choice for family gatherings, holiday meals, or any time you want to impress your guests with a comforting, homemade dessert.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to help you get the most out of your bread pudding:

Use Stale Bread: The best bread pudding comes from stale bread because it soaks up the custard beautifully. If you’re using fresh bread, let the bread cubes sit out for a few hours to dry out before using them.

Don’t Skip the Vanilla Sauce: The vanilla sauce is what really elevates this dessert. It’s so easy to make, but it adds a silky smooth, rich flavor that makes the bread pudding feel extra special.

Let the Bread Soak: Be sure to let the bread soak in the custard mixture for at least 10 minutes. This allows it to absorb all that flavor and ensures a custard-like texture once baked.

Storage: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or oven. It’s just as delicious the next day!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of bread?
A1: Yes! While white bread is traditional, you can use other types of bread like challah, brioche, or even whole wheat for a different twist.

Q2: Can I make this bread pudding ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prepare the bread pudding the night before, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Just bake it the next day when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: Can I make this recipe without eggs?
A3: Yes, you can use an egg substitute such as flax eggs or a store-bought egg replacer to make the bread pudding egg-free.

Q4: How do I make the bread pudding spicier?
A4: If you enjoy a bit of spice, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the custard mixture for a warm, spicy kick.

Q5: Can I freeze this bread pudding?
A5: Yes! You can freeze the bread pudding before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.

Q6: Can I skip the vanilla sauce?
A6: While the vanilla sauce is a key part of this recipe, you can serve the bread pudding without it if you prefer. It will still be delicious!

Q7: How do I know when the bread pudding is done?
A7: The bread pudding is done when the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Q8: Can I make this gluten-free?
A8: Yes! Simply use a gluten-free bread, and you can enjoy this dessert just as much as the original.

Q9: Can I add raisins or nuts?
A9: Absolutely! Add raisins, currants, or chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) to the bread pudding for extra texture and flavor.

Q10: How long will this bread pudding last?
A10: It should last about 2-3 days in the fridge. Just reheat it in the microwave or oven before serving.

Conclusion

Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is the perfect dessert to make when you want something comforting, sweet, and absolutely satisfying. It’s simple enough for a casual evening, yet indulgent enough to serve at a special occasion. This classic dessert is sure to bring warmth and smiles to your table—every bite is a little taste of nostalgia. Enjoy!

Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce