Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding Recipe
There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of cinnamon, vanilla, and sweet custard wafting through the house as Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding bakes in the oven. This timeless dessert transforms humble, day-old bread into a golden, custardy masterpiece that tastes like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family gathering or just craving a nostalgic treat, this bread pudding recipe always hits the spot with its rich flavors, pillowy texture, and that irresistible old-fashioned charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays an essential role, from the sturdy bread that soaks up the creamy custard to the fragrant spices that add warmth and depth. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to create this classic comfort dessert at home.
- Day-old bread (6 cups, cubed): Slightly stale bread is best—it soaks up the custard beautifully without turning mushy. French bread, brioche, or challah all work wonders.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Adds richness and ensures the custard is velvety smooth.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): For that extra creamy, decadent texture that makes this pudding truly indulgent.
- Large eggs (3): Eggs bind the pudding together and create that luscious, custard-like consistency.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the custard just right, balancing the flavors.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Brings a subtle caramel note that deepens the overall flavor.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): A must for that classic, comforting aroma and taste.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and a touch of spice that makes the bread pudding sing.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Just a hint for extra depth and a cozy, nostalgic vibe.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet and spicy notes without making it salty.
- Raisins (1/2 cup, optional): For pops of chewy sweetness—feel free to swap with dried cranberries or leave them out.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Drizzling butter on top creates a golden, flavorful crust.
How to Make Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Give your 9×13-inch baking dish a light greasing with butter or nonstick spray—this keeps your pudding from sticking and makes serving a breeze later on. A little prep here ensures your finished bread pudding releases easily and looks picture-perfect.
Step 2: Cube the Bread
Grab your day-old bread and cut it into roughly 1-inch cubes. Place the cubes in a large mixing bowl. The slightly stale texture is key: it allows the bread to soak up all the lovely custard without falling apart, resulting in that perfect, soft-yet-structured bite Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding is famous for.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Custard
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and the spices are evenly distributed. This custard is the heart of the pudding, infusing every bite with creamy, aromatic goodness.
Step 4: Soak the Bread
Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes in your large bowl. Gently toss with a spatula or your hands to ensure all the bread is evenly coated. Then, let the mixture rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This soaking time lets the bread absorb the custard, which creates that signature creamy center when baked.
Step 5: Add Raisins and Transfer to Baking Dish
If you love a little extra sweetness and texture, now’s the time to gently fold in the raisins (or dried cranberries, if you prefer). Pour the entire mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Every bite will have a perfect balance of custard and bread.
Step 6: Drizzle with Butter and Bake
Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the bread mixture. This step creates a golden, slightly crisp crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The pudding is ready when the top is golden and the center is set but still soft. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving—if you can resist!
How to Serve Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, top your warm Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. A sprinkle of cinnamon or powdered sugar can also give it a beautiful, bakery-style finish. Fresh berries or a handful of toasted nuts add color, crunch, and a modern twist.
Side Dishes
This classic bread pudding pairs beautifully with fresh fruit salad, stewed apples, or even a simple cup of coffee or hot tea. If you’re serving it as part of a bigger spread, contrast its richness with something bright and tart, like lemon curd or a splash of citrus compote on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding in individual ramekins for a personal touch at dinner parties. You can also layer it parfait-style in mason jars with whipped cream and berries for a picnic-ready treat. For a nostalgic brunch, serve it alongside bacon and eggs to make it the star of a cozy, retro-inspired meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover bread pudding keeps surprisingly well! Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making each slice even more delicious the next day. Just make sure to let it cool completely before covering and chilling.
Freezing
If you want to make Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding ahead of time or save a portion for later, you absolutely can freeze it. Wrap individual slices or the whole (cooled) pudding tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or place larger portions in a 325°F oven, covered with foil, until warmed through. Add a splash of milk or cream before reheating if you want to revive its ultra-creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use any type Dessert
Absolutely! While French bread, brioche, or challah are classic choices, you can use any sturdy, slightly stale bread you have on hand. Avoid soft sandwich bread, as it can become too mushy when soaked.
Do I have to include raisins?
Not at all. If you’re not a fan of raisins, feel free to leave them out or try swapping them for dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even mini chocolate chips for a fun twist.
How will I know when the bread pudding is done baking?
The top should be golden brown and slightly crisp, while the center will be set but still soft. If you gently press the center, it should spring back. You can also insert a knife into the center; it should come out mostly clean with just a little custard clinging to it.
Can I make Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite non-dairy milk (like almond, oat, or coconut milk) and use coconut cream or a similar substitute for the heavy cream. The result will be a bit different in flavor and texture, but still delicious.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftovers are delicious warm or cold. For a cozy treat, reheat a slice and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous drizzle of caramel sauce. It’s just as good for breakfast as it is for dessert!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been craving a dessert that feels like a warm embrace from the past, you’ll fall in love with Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding. It’s simple, satisfying, and packed with old-timey flavor that never goes out of style. So gather your ingredients, invite some friends or family, and let this beloved classic work its sweet magic in your kitchen!
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Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding is a classic, comforting dessert made with day-old bread soaked in a rich custard of milk, cream, eggs, and spices, then baked until golden and set. This nostalgic recipe offers a warm, creamy texture with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, perfect for a cozy family gathering or holiday treat.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 6 cups day-old bread, cubed (about 1-inch pieces)
Custard:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Extras:
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Bread and Custard: Place the cubed day-old bread into a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes. Gently toss until all the bread is evenly coated. Let the mixture sit for 10–15 minutes, allowing the bread to absorb the custard fully.
- Add Raisins: If desired, stir in the raisins evenly throughout the soaked bread mixture.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the bread and custard mixture into the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm, optionally topped with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Day-old or slightly stale bread absorbs the custard best for ideal texture.
- French bread, brioche, or challah are excellent bread choices for this recipe.
- For variety, add chopped pecans or swap raisins for dried cranberries to change the flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
