Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce – A Cozy Classic! 🍞✨

If you’re craving a warm, comforting dessert that’s both nostalgic and incredibly delicious, this Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is exactly what you need. It’s soft, custardy, and perfectly spiced, with just the right amount of sweetness. Plus, it’s topped with a rich, creamy vanilla sauce that takes it to the next level!

This recipe is simple, budget-friendly, and a fantastic way to use up day-old bread. Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it’s guaranteed to bring back memories of cozy homemade baking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Classic Comfort Food – A timeless dessert that’s warm, rich, and satisfying.
✔ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and no special equipment required.
✔ Uses Leftover Bread – Perfect for repurposing stale bread into something magical.
✔ Deliciously Spiced – Cinnamon and nutmeg add warm, cozy flavors.
✔ The Vanilla Sauce! – A luscious, buttery topping that makes every bite irresistible.

What Does Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding Taste Like?

This bread pudding is soft and custardy on the inside, slightly crispy on top, and infused with warm vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg flavors. The vanilla sauce adds a smooth, buttery sweetness that melts into the pudding, making every bite pure heaven!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Bread Pudding:

6 cups day-old bread, cubed – French bread, brioche, or challah work best! 🍞
3 cups whole milk – Creates a rich, custardy texture. 🥛
¾ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the pudding perfectly.
3 large eggs, beaten – Helps bind everything together. 🥚
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the warm, comforting flavor.
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and depth.
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg – Brings a touch of cozy spice.
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted – Makes the pudding extra rich.

For the Vanilla Sauce:

½ cup unsalted butter – The base for a rich, velvety sauce.
½ cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness.
½ cup heavy cream – Makes the sauce creamy and indulgent.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Gives it that classic vanilla flavor.

Optional Add-Ins:

½ cup raisins or chopped pecans – For extra texture and sweetness.
½ cup chocolate chips – For a decadent twist.
A splash of bourbon or rum – Adds a warm, boozy depth of flavor.

How to Make Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding

Step 1: Prep the Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Spread the cubed bread evenly in the baking dish.

Step 2: Make the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
Slowly whisk in the melted butter.

Step 3: Soak & Bake

Pour the custard mixture over the bread, making sure all pieces are soaked. Let it sit for 10 minutes to absorb.
If using, sprinkle raisins or nuts evenly on top.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

Step 4: Make the Vanilla Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
Stir in the sugar and heavy cream, whisking constantly until smooth.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Drizzle the warm vanilla sauce over the bread pudding.
Serve warm and enjoy every delicious, cozy bite!

What to Serve with Bread Pudding

🍦 With a scoop of vanilla ice cream – The warm and cold contrast is incredible!
☕ With a cup of coffee or tea – A perfect pairing for breakfast or dessert.
🍎 With caramelized apples – A fruity, fall-inspired addition.
🥃 With a drizzle of bourbon sauce – For a rich, Southern-style twist.

Pro Tips for the Best Bread Pudding

✔ Use stale bread – Fresh bread will get too soggy; day-old bread absorbs the custard better.
✔ Let it soak – Allowing the bread to sit for 10 minutes before baking ensures a perfectly custardy texture.
✔ Don’t overbake – The center should be just set but still slightly soft. Overbaking makes it dry!
✔ Customize it – Add chocolate, nuts, or fruit to make it your own.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Refrigerator:

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer:

Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:

Microwave: Heat individual slices for 30–45 seconds.
Oven: Warm at 325°F for 10–15 minutes for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes! Brioche, challah, sourdough, or even croissants work beautifully.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the pudding the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready!

What if I don’t have heavy cream for the sauce?

Use whole milk instead, but the sauce will be slightly less rich.

Can I make this without eggs?

Yes! Substitute ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or 1 mashed banana for each egg.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use almond milk or coconut milk in the custard and substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.

Final Thoughts on Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding

This Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is the perfect blend of nostalgia, warmth, and comfort. Whether you enjoy it as a cozy dessert, a special brunch dish, or just because you have extra bread lying around, it’s sure to become a new favorite!

Tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to share your photos on Pinterest! 🍞✨🍮