There’s something timeless about old-fashioned bread pudding. It’s the kind of dessert that reminds you of cozy Sunday dinners at Grandma’s house—warm, comforting, and made with love. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: leftover bread, a few pantry staples, and a little oven magic turn into a soft, custardy treat with a golden top.
If you’ve never made bread pudding before, don’t worry—this recipe is incredibly beginner-friendly. With easy steps and everyday ingredients, you’ll have a classic homemade dessert that feels like a hug in every bite.
Recipe Info:
| Category | Prep Time | Cook Time | Servings | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dessert | 15 mins | 45 mins | 8 | ~280 |
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 6 cups day-old bread, cubed (French bread or brioche work best)
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup raisins (optional)
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Prepare the bread: Place cubed bread into the baking dish. If the bread is fresh, lightly toast it first for better texture.
- Mix the custard base: In a large bowl, whisk together milk, cream, sugars, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.
- Combine bread and custard: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread. Gently press the bread cubes down so they soak up the liquid.
- Add extras: Sprinkle raisins (if using) evenly across the top. Drizzle melted butter over everything for added richness.
- Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. A knife inserted should come out mostly clean.
- Cool slightly: Let the pudding rest for 10 minutes before serving warm.
Helpful Notes & Tips
- Best bread: Day-old or slightly stale bread gives the best texture—sturdy, not mushy.
- Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Warm individual portions in the microwave before serving.
- Extra flavor: Add a pinch of cloves or cardamom for a spiced twist.
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate Bread Pudding – Stir in ½ cup chocolate chips before baking.
- Fruit & Nut Mix – Swap raisins for dried cranberries or chopped walnuts.
- Dairy-Light Version – Use whole milk only, skipping the cream, for a lighter custard.
Serving Suggestions
- Drizzle with warm vanilla sauce or caramel sauce.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent touch.
- Dust with powdered sugar and top with fresh berries for a light finish.
Conclusion
This Easy Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding is proof that the simplest recipes can bring the most joy. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a cozy weeknight dessert, or just to use up leftover bread, it’s guaranteed to warm hearts (and tummies). Serve it fresh, share it with loved ones, and enjoy every comforting bite.