There’s nothing more comforting than a warm, golden bread pudding fresh from the oven. This classic homemade dessert combines soft bread cubes, plump raisins, warm cinnamon, and a rich vanilla custard that bakes into a perfectly golden, tender pudding.
Served warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of creamy sauce, every bite is soft, sweet, buttery, and incredibly comforting. It’s an easy old-fashioned dessert that turns simple pantry ingredients into something truly special.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Bread Pudding
🍞 Soft and creamy center with golden, toasted edges
🍇 Sweet raisins throughout every bite
🥛 Rich and creamy homemade custard
🍦 Perfect served warm with vanilla ice cream
🏡 Easy, comforting, old-fashioned flavor
⏱️ Simple ingredients and easy preparation
👨👩👧👦 Perfect for family dinners, holidays, and gatherings
🛒 Ingredients
6 cups day-old bread, cut into cubes
1 cup raisins
4 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup melted butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
👩🍳 How to Make Bread Pudding
Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a baking dish.
Add the cubed bread and raisins to the prepared baking dish, spreading them evenly.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth and well combined.
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press the bread down so it can absorb the creamy mixture.
Let the mixture rest for about 10 minutes before baking. This gives the bread time to soak up all that delicious custard.
Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden and the center is set but still soft and moist.
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
🍦 The Best Way to Serve It
Serve the bread pudding warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. For an extra indulgent finish, drizzle it with warm vanilla sauce or caramel sauce.
The contrast between the warm bread pudding and cold, creamy ice cream makes this dessert absolutely irresistible.
💡 Helpful Tips
Use day-old bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better without becoming overly mushy.
Let it soak: Give the bread several minutes to absorb the custard before baking.
Don’t overbake: The center should be set but still soft and moist for the best texture.
Add your favorite extras: Chopped pecans, walnuts, chocolate chips, or a little extra cinnamon can be added for a delicious twist.
🍽️ Storage
Store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To serve again, gently warm individual portions in the microwave or oven. Add a little vanilla sauce or a scoop of ice cream before serving.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make bread pudding ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the pudding ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Allow it to sit at room temperature briefly before baking.
What type of bread works best?
Brioche, French bread, challah, or regular white bread all work beautifully. Day-old bread is especially good because it absorbs the custard without falling apart.
Can I leave out the raisins?
Absolutely. If you’re not a fan of raisins, simply leave them out or replace them with chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
⭐ Final Note
This creamy bread pudding is the kind of simple homemade dessert that brings everyone back for seconds. With its golden edges, soft custardy center, sweet raisins, and creamy vanilla ice cream topping, it’s a delicious way to turn everyday ingredients into a truly comforting treat.
If you try this recipe, save it for later and share it with someone who loves classic homemade desserts! ❤️
Creamy Classic Bread Pudding with Vanilla Ice Cream
