Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Raisins and Vanilla Sauce

Bread pudding is one of those timeless desserts that turns simple ingredients into something wonderfully warm and comforting. Soft bread is soaked in a rich vanilla-cinnamon custard, dotted with sweet raisins, and baked until the center is tender while the top becomes beautifully golden. Served warm with creamy vanilla sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it makes a wonderful homemade dessert for family dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

For the Bread Pudding

8 cups day-old bread, cut into cubes
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
4 large eggs
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup raisins

For the Vanilla Sauce

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup whole milk
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

For serving: vanilla ice cream, optional

Preparation

1. Prepare the Bread

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Place the bread cubes in a large bowl. Day-old bread works especially well because it absorbs the custard without becoming overly soft.

2. Make the Custard

In another large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Whisk until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has mostly dissolved.

3. Soak the Bread

Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes. Add the raisins and gently toss everything together until the bread is evenly coated.

Allow the mixture to rest for about 15–20 minutes so the bread can absorb the creamy custard.

4. Bake the Bread Pudding

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

Bake for approximately 40–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp while the center remains soft and custardy. A knife inserted near the center should come out mostly clean.

Let the pudding rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

5. Prepare the Vanilla Sauce

While the pudding rests, combine the cream, milk, sugar, butter, cornstarch, and salt in a small saucepan.

Cook over medium-low heat, whisking frequently, until the sauce begins to thicken. Remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

The sauce should be smooth, creamy, and pourable.

6. Serve

Spoon the warm bread pudding into individual bowls or dessert plates. Drizzle generously with the homemade vanilla sauce and, if desired, place a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

For an extra touch, sprinkle a little cinnamon over the ice cream just before serving.

Conclusion

Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Raisins and Vanilla Sauce is a comforting dessert with everything you want in a classic homemade treat: golden edges, a soft custard-soaked center, warm cinnamon, sweet raisins, and plenty of creamy vanilla flavor.

It’s especially delicious served fresh from the oven while still warm, with the vanilla sauce soaking into every bite and the ice cream slowly melting over the top. Simple ingredients, traditional flavors, and an irresistibly cozy finish make this bread pudding a dessert worth making again and again.