Grandmas Comforting Bread Pudding a Classic Reimagined

Bread Pudding is the PERFECT Comfort Grandmas Easy Recipe

By Cameron BlytheSeptember 12, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Ever find yourself with a load of stale bread? Honestly, it happens to the best of us! Ever wondered what to do with that leftover bread?

Well, fret no more because Bread Pudding is the PERFECT solution! This recipe turns yesterday's carb catastrophe into a dreamy, creamy dessert.

A Wee Bit of Background on the Best Bread Pudding Recipe

Old Fashioned Bread Pudding comes from humble beginnings. This dessert evolved as a way to use up stale bread. The recipe is frugal and delicious.

This recipe isn’t just tasty; it’s a culinary hug from history. This recipe is a brilliant Comfort Food Dessert Recipes that is very simple.

This version takes about 1 hour 35 minutes total, and will fill up about 8 hungry bellies .

Why This Easy Puddings Recipe Rocks

One of the best parts? It's super satisfying. It is also easy to digest!. Plus, it's a fantastic way to reduce food waste.

It tastes very similar to Vanilla Custard Pudding . This Bread Pudding Dessert recipe is the Homemade Bread Pudding from Scratch that's ideal for a Sunday roast with the family or just How to Make Bread Pudding that will make a great pudding.

Ready to transform Stale Bread Recipes Dessert into gold? Let's get to the ingredients!

Ingredients & Equipment

Let's get this bread pudding party started! Honestly, Bread Pudding is the PERFECT comfort food dessert recipe . It's so simple, it's almost embarrassing! Plus, it's a genius way to use up that loaf of bread that's past its prime.

Main Ingredients

Stale Bread: You'll need 6 cups (around 150g ) of cubed stale bread. Day-old bread works. Leave it uncovered overnight if you need it to dry out a bit more.
Eggs: 4 large eggs , lightly beaten.
Dairy: 3 cups ( 720ml ) of whole milk and 1 cup ( 240ml ) of heavy cream. This is where that richness comes from.
Sweet Stuff: ½ cup ( 100g ) of granulated sugar.
Butter: ¼ cup ( 57g ) of melted unsalted butter.
Flavorings: 1 teaspoon ( 5ml ) of vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon ( 2.5ml ) of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ( 1.25ml ) of ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.

Quality indicators? For the vanilla, go for the real deal! It makes a HUGE difference in flavor. I splurged one time, and I will never regret it!

Seasoning Notes

Cinnamon and nutmeg are your essential spice combo here. They give that classic warm, cozy vibe. Want to kick it up a notch? Try a tiny pinch of ground cloves or allspice.

If you are looking for easy puddings , this will become your new favorite.

For vanilla, if you are all out try a touch of almond extract, but use it sparingly. We are going for Old Fashioned Bread Pudding flavors, and that hint of vanilla goes a long way.

Equipment Needed

You really do not need any fancy equipment for this Best Bread Pudding Recipe .

Baking Dish: A 9x13 inch ( 23x33 cm ) baking dish.
Mixing Bowl: A large bowl.
Whisk: A whisk for mixing the custard.
Measuring Tools: Measuring cups and spoons.
Saucepan: If you're feeling fancy and making the optional sauce, you'll need a small saucepan.

Don't have a whisk? A fork will do in a pinch! No fancy baking dish? Use what you've got. The most important part is the homemade bread pudding from scratch taste!

Making Vanilla Custard Pudding doesn't have to be difficult.

So, there you have it! All the gear and ingredients you need to make this classic bread pudding dessert . Let's get baking, shall we? You'll have the aroma of this comfort food dessert recipes filling your house.

You deserve this

Cooking Method: Baking Bread Pudding to Perfection

Alright, so you fancy making some bread pudding, eh? Great choice! Bread Pudding is the PERFECT way to use up that slightly past-its-prime loaf of bread.

Honestly, this Comfort Food Dessert Recipe feels like a proper hug on a chilly day. Let's get cracking!

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First things first: the mise en place , as they say in fancy restaurants. Get your 6 cups of stale bread, cubed , ready to roll.

Roughly half a loaf should do it. Whisk together 4 large eggs, 3 cups of whole milk, 1 cup of heavy cream, ½ cup of granulated sugar, ¼ cup of melted butter, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt in your large bowl.

It is important to measure every ingredient very carefully. That way, it all goes to plan and the end result is exactly as you want it.

Now is also the time to preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) .

For safety, remember not to lick the spoon until after it's baked! (Just kidding… mostly.) Lightly grease your 9x13 inch baking dish . This is important so the Bread Pudding doesn't stick!

step-by-step: Baking Magic

Pop those bread cubes into your greased baking dish.
Pour that lovely custard mixture all over the bread. Make sure it gets into every nook and cranny!
Here’s the kicker: Gently press down on the bread to make sure it’s fully submerged. This is important!.
Let that sit and soak for at least 30 minutes . Even better, pop it in the fridge overnight. This is essential!
Bake in the preheated oven for 45- 55 minutes . You're looking for a golden brown top and a firm set. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
Let it cool for about 10- 15 minutes before diving in. This will give it a chance to set a little more.
Cut bread pudding into squares and serve warm, drizzled with the optional whiskey vanilla sauce or your favorite topping.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Pudding

Stale bread is crucial! It soaks up the custard beautifully. If your bread is too fresh, try drying the bread cubes in a low oven( 200° F/ 95° C) for about 30- 45 minutes, until dried but not browned.
Don't overbake it! You want it set, not dry and rubbery. Start checking it around 45 minutes .
Fancy a boozy kick? A splash of whiskey in the optional sauce is a game changer. If you're not a fan, just use more vanilla extract. Vanilla Custard Pudding is yummy!

Honestly, Old Fashioned Bread Pudding like this never fails to impress. It’s a proper crowd pleaser and a fantastic Homemade Bread Pudding from Scratch .

You’ll feel like Mary Berry, but without the soggy bottoms! Enjoy, my friend!

Recipe Notes: Let's Talk Bread Pudding!

Honestly, this Grandma's Comforting Bread Pudding recipe? Bread Pudding is the PERFECT way to use up that slightly stale loaf sitting on your counter.

A little TLC turns it into pure magic! Here's everything you need to know for total success.

Serving Suggestions: Dress to Impress!

Let's get fancy, shall we? Think beyond just plopping a square on a plate. A scoop of proper Vanilla Custard Pudding , dolloped right on top, is pure heaven.

A drizzle of caramel sauce never hurt anyone either, did it? And for a bit of freshness, scatter some raspberries around.

For drinks, a good cup of tea or coffee works a treat, but a dessert wine wouldn't go amiss either.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Bread Pudding Dessert keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it's in an airtight container, yeah? Pop it in the fridge quick smart.

Freezing? You can, but the texture might change a bit. I'd recommend freezing individual portions. Reheat in the oven at 300° F ( 150° C) for about 15- 20 minutes, or until warmed through.

Don't zap it in the microwave unless you're desperate!

Variations: Make it Your Own, Mate!

Fancy a bit of a twist? Throw in some chocolate chips for a super decadent treat. An Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding ? Oh my gosh! Add a cup of diced apples and up the cinnamon a bit.

If you're dairy-free, use almond milk or soy milk and a dairy-free butter substitute. Easy peasy. Got No stale bread, just dry out bread in a low oven.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside

Okay, let's be real, this isn't exactly health food, is it? But hey, a bit of comfort food never hurt anyone.

You are getting some protein from the eggs and dairy. Watch out for sugar of course.

This Easy Puddings recipe will be your next thing you make. The Best Bread Pudding Recipe is here. How to Make Bread Pudding , you ask? It's pretty simple!

So, there you have it. All the secrets to Old Fashioned Bread Pudding success. Don't be scared to experiment. Get stuck in and have a great time!.

I guarantee you'll love it. Let me know how it goes in the comments, yeah? You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my bread pudding dry? Am I doing something wrong?

Crikey, no one wants a dry bread pudding! It usually happens if it's overbaked. Make sure you're baking it at the right temperature (350°F/175°C) and checking for doneness around the 45-minute mark. Also, ensure the bread is fully submerged in the custard before baking; a good soak is key to a moist outcome.

Can I make bread pudding ahead of time?

Absolutely, you can be a clever clogs and prepare bread pudding in advance! You can assemble the bread and custard and let it soak in the fridge overnight. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be starting cold. This is great for saving time when you're expecting guests.

Or you can bake the whole thing and reheat individual portions in the microwave.

What kind of bread works best? Can I use that dodgy sourdough I've got lying around?

While you could technically use sourdough, breads like challah, brioche, or even day-old French bread are absolutely smashing. Their soft texture and slightly sweet flavour really complements the custard.

But ultimately, the best bread is day old, and slightly stale, because it will absorb the custard mixture without getting mushy.

How long does bread pudding last in the fridge? And can you freeze it?

Bread pudding will keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days, stored in an airtight container perfect for those mid-week comfort food cravings! You can freeze it too, either before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in cling film and then foil, or place in a freezer safe container.

Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Is there a healthier version? All this sounds a bit naughty but Bread Pudding is the PERFECT comfort food!

Indeed, bread pudding is definitely a treat! For a slightly healthier version, you can use whole wheat bread, reduce the amount of sugar, or substitute some of the heavy cream with milk. Using fruit purees like apple sauce can also add sweetness and moisture with less sugar.

Though it is still bread pudding, so moderation is key, innit?

Any fun variations I can try to spice things up?

Oh, you fancy, huh? Get your bake on with options such as adding chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even a dash of bourbon to the custard. For a real treat, try a salted caramel sauce on top. Or, how about an apple and cinnamon version for an autumnal twist? The possibilities are endless!