Soft on the inside, golden on top, and drizzled with a rich vanilla sauce—this is dessert comfort at its best.

Bread pudding is the kind of dessert that tastes like it came straight from Grandma’s kitchen—simple, sweet, and soul-soothing. This version is soft and custardy in the center, with a golden, lightly crisped top and a warm vanilla sauce that brings it all together. It’s the perfect way to turn stale bread into something extraordinary.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Made with pantry staples
• Great way to use leftover bread
• Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
• Warm, spiced, and nostalgic

Ingredients

For the Bread Pudding:

• 6 cups day-old bread (cubed, any type: brioche, challah, French bread)
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3 eggs
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
• 2 tbsp melted butter

For the Vanilla Sauce:

• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp flour
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

Make the Bread Pudding:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, cream, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla.
3. Fold in bread cubes and raisins (if using). Let soak for 10 minutes.
4. Pour into the prepared baking dish and drizzle melted butter on top.
5. Bake for 40–45 minutes, until golden and set.

Make the Vanilla Sauce:

1. In a small saucepan, combine sugar, flour, and salt.
2. Slowly whisk in milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (5–7 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla.
4. Pour warm sauce over the bread pudding before serving.

Pro Tips & Substitutions

• Use croissants or brioche for extra richness
• Swap raisins for chopped dates, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips
• Add orange zest or bourbon to the sauce for flavor variation
• Serve warm or chilled—both are delicious

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate for up to 4 days
• Reheat in the oven or microwave
• Can be frozen in individual portions and thawed overnight

Serving Suggestions

• Top with whipped cream or ice cream
• Drizzle extra sauce right before serving
• Pair with black coffee or chai for a comforting afternoon treat

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. based on 8 servings)

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Sugars: 28g
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 210mg

Note: Values may vary depending on bread and milk type used.

Did You Try This Recipe?

Share your take on this cozy dessert! Leave a comment or tag @comfortdishesofficial so I can see your beautiful bread pudding creations.