Absolutely! Here’s your comprehensive guide to one of the most cherished desserts in American and European kitchens: Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce. This classic is a symbol of warmth, thrift, and indulgence — all in one bite. Let’s dive into its history, how to make it, and even how to enjoy it a bit more healthfully.
Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
A Timeless Dessert That Warms the Soul
Introduction and Origin
Bread pudding is one of the oldest comfort desserts in the Western world. Originally born out of necessity to avoid food waste, it became a staple in homes where every scrap of bread had value. Grandma’s version is the ultimate embodiment of simple ingredients transformed into something rich, custardy, and unforgettable.
Dating back to 11th- or 12th-century England and popularized in American kitchens during the 18th and 19th centuries, bread pudding has remained beloved through generations for its homey, resourceful spirit.
Cultural Significance
Bread pudding reflects:
- Frugality and creativity of earlier generations
- Intergenerational traditions, passed from grandparents to grandchildren
- Regional twists, from bourbon-spiked Southern versions to French pain perdu influences
For many, this dessert brings memories of Sunday dinners, family holidays, or cozy snow-day treats — always served warm, often with a generous drizzle of sweet vanilla sauce.
Ingredients and Quantity
(Makes 8 servings)
For the Bread Pudding:
- Day-old bread (French, brioche, or white), cubed: 6 cups
- Whole milk: 2 ½ cups
- Heavy cream: ½ cup
- Large eggs: 4
- Granulated sugar: ¾ cup
- Brown sugar: ¼ cup
- Vanilla extract: 2 tsp
- Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp
- Nutmeg (optional): ¼ tsp
- Raisins (optional): ½ cup
- Unsalted butter, melted: 3 tbsp
For the Vanilla Sauce:
- Whole milk: 1 cup
- Heavy cream: ½ cup
- Granulated sugar: ½ cup
- Egg yolks: 2
- Cornstarch: 1 tbsp (optional for thickening)
- Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste: 1 ½ tsp
- Salt: Pinch
Optional Additions
- Chopped pecans or walnuts: ½ cup for crunch
- Chopped apples or pears: For a fruity twist
- Chocolate chips: Because why not?
- Bourbon or rum: 1–2 tbsp in the sauce or pudding
- Orange zest: For brightness and balance
Tips for Success
- Use stale bread — it absorbs the custard better without getting soggy.
- Let it soak for at least 30 minutes before baking for the best texture.
- Bake in a water bath if you want extra creaminess.
- Use foil to cover halfway through baking to prevent over-browning.
- Don’t overbake — it should be set but still a little soft in the center.
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the Bread Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk milk, cream, eggs, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir in bread cubes and raisins. Let soak for 30 minutes.
3. Bake the Pudding
Pour mixture into the prepared dish. Drizzle melted butter over the top.
Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, until golden and the center is just set. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
4. Make the Vanilla Sauce
While pudding bakes, whisk milk, cream, sugar, and egg yolks in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until it begins to thicken (about 8–10 minutes). Stir in vanilla and a pinch of salt. Add cornstarch if a thicker sauce is preferred.
5. Serve
Spoon warm pudding into bowls and drizzle with warm vanilla sauce.
Description
Soft, warm cubes of soaked bread form a creamy custard interior with slightly crisp edges. Each bite is sweet, spiced with cinnamon, and rich with vanilla aroma. The silky vanilla sauce adds a buttery, sweet drizzle that completes the dish like icing on a cake.
This is comfort food at its finest — warm, nostalgic, and completely satisfying.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving with Vanilla Sauce)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~420 kcal |
| Protein | ~9 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~45 g |
| Sugars | ~27 g |
| Total Fat | ~22 g |
| Saturated Fat | ~12 g |
| Cholesterol | ~145 mg |
| Sodium | ~210 mg |
| Fiber | ~1 g |
Values vary depending on bread and optional ingredients.
Conclusion and Recommendation
Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding is more than a dessert — it’s a taste of home. It’s:
- Budget-friendly
- Perfect for using up leftovers
- Great for family dinners or holidays
- Delicious warm or chilled
Whether you serve it with tea on a winter night or as the finale to a Sunday meal, this dish brings comfort with every bite.
Recommended Pairings:
- Black coffee or Earl Grey tea
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Dusting of powdered sugar
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
To enjoy this dish more mindfully:
- Use low-fat milk or half-and-half in place of cream
- Reduce sugar by ¼ or use honey/maple syrup as a sweetener
- Use whole grain or sprouted bread
- Add fresh fruit (like berries or apples) to reduce the need for sweetness
- Bake individual portions to help with serving size control
It’s all about enjoying traditional indulgence with a modern, mindful touch.
Don’t Lose This Recipe!
Print it, save it, or pass it down. This is the kind of dessert that becomes a family heirloom — just like Grandma intended.