If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that wraps you up in cozy memories and warm comfort, look no further than Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding Recipe. This time-tested favorite brings together simple ingredients like day-old bread, rich cream, fragrant spices, and just the right touch of sweetness to create a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the past. Its golden, tender custard-soaked bread cubes, baked to perfection, create a luscious blend of textures and flavors that make it a beloved classic for family gatherings and quiet nights alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward yet essential ingredients is the first step to creating magic in your kitchen. Each item plays its role in crafting the perfect balance of creaminess, sweetness, and spice that defines Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding Recipe.
- 6 cups day-old bread (cubed): Using slightly stale bread ensures it soaks up the custard without turning mushy; white or French bread gives the best texture.
- 2 cups whole milk: Provides the creamy base that keeps the pudding moist and tender.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Adds richness and a silky mouthfeel, elevating the custard.
- 3 large eggs: These bind the custard and bread together, giving structure to the pudding.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dish perfectly, balancing the spices and bread’s neutral flavor.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds a subtle molasses note and deepens the sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings warmth and aromatic depth that makes the pudding irresistibly inviting.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A classic spice that adds comforting warmth throughout.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Lends a hint of sweet earthiness for a beautifully complex flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional): Offer bursts of chewy sweetness if you enjoy a little texture contrast.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into small pieces): Dotting the top before baking ensures a golden, slightly crispy finish.
How to Make Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Bread and Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This sets the stage for your pudding to rise and bake evenly without sticking. Next, place those cubed day-old bread pieces right into the dish, spreading them out gently. If you’re including raisins, sprinkle them over the bread now, letting little pockets of sweetness be woven throughout.
Step 2: Whisk Your Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until the mixture is delightfully smooth and evenly combined. This rich custard is the heartbeat of the pudding, infusing every bread cube with flavor and moisture.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Pour your custard mixture slowly and evenly over the bread cubes. Press down gently with a spatula or your hands to help the bread absorb all those rich, fragrant flavors. Let it sit undisturbed for 10 to 15 minutes—this soaking time is crucial to creating the pudding’s signature custardy texture.
Step 4: Add Butter and Bake
Dot the surface generously with small pieces of unsalted butter. These buttery nuggets will melt and create a beautifully golden, slightly crisp top as the pudding bakes. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the pudding is set and the top has turned a lovely caramelized brown. Test doneness by inserting a knife or toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, allow the pudding to cool just a bit. You can serve it warm, at room temperature, or even chilled—each way offers a slightly different but equally comforting experience of this classic dessert.
How to Serve Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your bread pudding with a swirl of vanilla sauce or a drizzle of rich caramel for extra indulgence. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side adds a cool contrast that melts into the warm pudding, creating an irresistible texture and flavor pairing.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs beautifully with fresh fruit such as berries or a lightly spiced apple compote, which bring brightness that balances the sweet custard. For a more festive touch, consider serving it alongside a cup of bold coffee or fragrant chai tea.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar or cinnamon. You can also serve individual portions in ramekins for a personalized touch that makes guests feel extra special. Adding toasted nuts or a sprinkle of shredded coconut on top adds texture and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers of this beloved dish, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly covered, the pudding stays fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, giving you plenty of opportunities to savor its comforting charm again.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of the bread pudding wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or in freezer-safe containers. This way, you’ll have a ready-to-go dessert that only needs to thaw and reheat, preserving much of the pudding’s lovely texture and flavor for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, place a portion in the oven at 325°F (160°C) covered loosely with foil for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Microwaving works too for a quick fix, but be careful not to overheat to keep the texture soft and creamy rather than rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While white or French bread is best for texture, you can experiment with brioche or challah for a richer flavor. Just ensure the bread is a day or two old so it absorbs the custard properly without becoming too soggy.
Is it necessary to soak the bread before baking?
Yes, soaking allows the bread to absorb the custard mixture fully, which is key to achieving that signature creamy but firm texture. Skipping this step can result in dry or uneven pudding.
Can I omit the raisins?
Definitely. Raisins are optional and add a chewy sweetness, but the pudding is delicious on its own with just the spiced custard-soaked bread. You might even try other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped apricots for variation.
How long will the pudding keep once made?
Stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container, Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding Recipe will remain fresh for up to 3 days. It’s a great make-ahead dessert!
What are some tasty toppings for this bread pudding?
Classic toppings include vanilla sauce, caramel drizzle, or a scoop of ice cream. Whipped cream and toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts also bring wonderful texture and flavor contrasts.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so heartwarming about Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding Recipe that makes it a cherished staple in many kitchens. With its cozy spices, rich custard, and nostalgic charm, it’s a dessert that invites you to slow down and savor every bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply treating yourself, this classic is always a winning choice worth making time and time again.
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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 comforting classic dessert made with day-old bread soaked in a rich custard mixture of milk, cream, eggs, and warm spices. This easy-to-make, nostalgic dish is perfect for using up leftover bread and delivers a moist, flavorful treat topped with buttery goodness. Serve warm, chilled, or at room temperature, and enhance with vanilla sauce, caramel, or ice cream for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups day-old bread, cubed (white or French bread works best)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 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
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Arrange bread and raisins: Place the cubed day-old bread evenly in the baking dish. If using, sprinkle the raisins over the bread to distribute them.
- Mix custard: In a large bowl, thoroughly whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Soak the bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid. Let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes for best results.
- Add butter and bake: Dot the top of the soaked bread with the small pieces of unsalted butter. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the bread pudding is set, golden brown on top, and a knife inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the pudding cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm, at room temperature, or chilled. Serve with optional toppings like vanilla sauce, caramel, or ice cream for added indulgence.
Notes
- Use leftover day-old bread for best texture—fresh bread tends to be too soft and won’t absorb the custard properly.
- Raisins are optional but add a delightful sweetness and texture contrast.
- This bread pudding can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated; gently reheat before serving.
- Add a drizzle of vanilla sauce, caramel sauce, or a scoop of your favorite ice cream to elevate the dessert.
- If you prefer a nuttier flavor, consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
