Introduction

There’s something truly comforting about a warm dish of classic bread pudding fresh from the oven. It’s the kind of dessert that instantly brings back memories of cozy family dinners, holiday gatherings, or quiet evenings at home. The aroma of cinnamon, vanilla, and gently baked custard fills the kitchen with a warmth that feels both nostalgic and welcoming.

This recipe takes that timeless dessert and elevates it with a silky homemade vanilla custard sauce. Each bite is creamy, soft, and beautifully spiced—just enough sweetness to feel indulgent without being overwhelming. It’s the perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something memorable.

Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly comfort food dessert, a way to use leftover bread, or an easy make-ahead dish for gatherings, this bread pudding fits effortlessly into any meal plan. Pair it with your favorite slow cooker dinner, serve it warm on a cold night, or bring it to celebrations where classic desserts are always appreciated.

 

What You Need

Bread Pudding Ingredients

• Day-old bread, cubed – 6 cups
• Whole milk – 2 cups
• Heavy cream – 1 cup
• Large eggs – 4
• Granulated sugar – ¾ cup
• Vanilla extract – 1 tbsp
• Ground cinnamon – ½ tsp
• Ground nutmeg – ¼ tsp
• Salt – ¼ tsp
• Raisins (optional) – ½ cup
• Unsalted butter, melted – 2 tbsp

Vanilla Custard Sauce

• Heavy cream – 1 cup
• Milk – ½ cup
• Sugar – ¼ cup
• Vanilla extract – 1 tbsp

 

How to Make Classic Bread Pudding with Vanilla Custard

1. Preheat Oven

Heat oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Make the Custard Base

Whisk together eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.

3. Add the Dairy

Pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking until the custard is fully combined.

4. Assemble the Pudding

Spread the cubed bread in the baking dish. Add raisins if using.

5. Pour the Custard

Evenly pour custard over the bread, pressing slightly so every piece soaks it up.

6. Add Butter

Drizzle melted butter on top.

7. Rest

Let everything sit for 15 minutes to absorb.

8. Bake

Bake 45–50 minutes, until golden and the custard is set.

9. Prepare Vanilla Custard Sauce

Heat cream, milk, and sugar until steaming and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

10. Serve

Serve the bread pudding warm with plenty of vanilla custard sauce.

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic comfort dessert made from pantry staples
• Rich, creamy custard with warm spices
• Perfect for family gatherings or weeknight treats
• Budget-friendly and low-waste—uses leftover bread
• Pairs beautifully with easy dinner recipes or slow cooker meals

Tips for Success

• Day-old bread absorbs custard better—fresh bread will get mushy.
• Use thick, sturdy bread like French bread, challah, or brioche.
• Press the bread gently after pouring the custard so every piece soaks evenly.
• Do not boil the custard sauce—gentle heat keeps it smooth and silky.
• Add raisins, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts for extra texture.

 

Variations

• Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding – Add ½ cup chocolate chips.
• Caramel Pecan – Mix in chopped pecans and drizzle caramel before serving.
• Apple Cinnamon – Add sautéed apples and extra cinnamon.
• Bourbon Vanilla – Add a splash of bourbon to the custard (for adults only).

Substitutions

• No heavy cream? Use half-and-half.
• No raisins? Swap with dried cranberries or leave out.
• No whole milk? 2% works fine.
• Gluten-free? Use gluten-free bread—it absorbs beautifully.

 

FAQs

1. Can I assemble this ahead of time?
   Yes! Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate.
2. Can I freeze bread pudding?
   Yes. Freeze after baking, then reheat in the oven.
3. What’s the best bread to use?
   Brioche, challah, or French bread for the richest texture.
4. Can I skip the custard sauce?
   You can, but it adds amazing flavor and moisture.
5. Why is my pudding soggy?
   Too much liquid or bread that’s too soft. Use thicker bread cubes.
6. Can I reduce the sugar?
   Yes, decrease by 2–3 tablespoons if you prefer less sweetness.
7. Can I add fruit?
   Absolutely—apples, berries, or bananas work well.
8. How do I know it’s done?
   The center should be set and no longer overly jiggly.
9. Can I reheat leftovers?
   Warm in the oven at 300°F or microwave gently.
10. Is this good for brunch?
    Yes! Perfect for brunch buffets and holiday mornings.

 

Health Benefits

• Uses simple, wholesome ingredients
• Contains protein from eggs
• Offers calcium from milk and cream
• Great way to reduce food waste

How to Serve

• Warm, with custard sauce
• With a scoop of vanilla ice cream
• With fresh berries for brightness
• After a cozy slow cooker dinner
• As a holiday dessert centerpiece

Make Ahead & Storage

Make Ahead

• Assemble and chill overnight. Bake when ready.

Storage

• Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.

Reheat

• Warm individual servings in the microwave or reheat the full dish in a low oven.

 

Conclusion

Classic Bread Pudding with Vanilla Custard is one of those timeless desserts that feels like a warm hug at the end of any meal. It turns simple, everyday ingredients into something rich, cozy, and unforgettable. Every bite delivers soft custard-soaked bread, gentle spices, and a silky vanilla sauce that brings the whole dish together.

Whether you’re serving it after a family-friendly comfort food dinner, adding it to a holiday table, or making it just because you’re craving something nostalgic, this recipe never disappoints. It’s easy, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser—proof that the simplest recipes are often the ones we love most.