Grandmas Classic Bread Pudding Made Easy

Easy Homemade Bread Pudding Recipe Grandmas Secret

By Marcus O’NeillSeptember 27, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Fancy a proper bit of comfort food , yeah? You know those days when only something warm and comforting will do? That’s when this Homemade Bread Pudding Recipe - comes in clutch.

Seriously, have you ever tried Classic Bread Pudding ?

This Custard Bread Pudding recipe is all about using up what you've got. It's British Bread Pudding at its finest.

It's flipping amazing especially with that creamy custard and hint of spice. It is very flexible, it just works!

A Trip Down Memory Lane with Bread Pudding

Bread Pudding Recipe is one of those dishes that takes you back, innit? Traditionally, it's a way to use up Leftover Bread , and Stale Bread .

Think of it as the ultimate kitchen hack. It's a simple, yet satisfying dish. It also proves that the simplest things are often the best.

This Easy Bread Pudding Recipe is super easy. It takes about 20 minutes to prep, plus 30 minutes for soaking and 45- 55 minutes to bake.

This recipe makes about 8 servings. It is perfect for the family or a small gathering.

Why You'll Bloody Love This Recipe

Honestly, this Homemade Dessert Recipes is proper good for the soul. It is warm, comforting, and tastes like a hug.

The rich custard and bread combo is just...chef's kiss. It's a great source of calcium. And you can make it for a cozy night in or a potluck, it fits right in.

I love how versatile it is. You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or whatever you fancy. Also, what makes this recipe special is how forgiving it is.

You can adapt it.

So, get ready to transform that stale bread into something spectacular.

Now, let's get into the ingredients.

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Homemade Bread Pudding Recipe - Ever!

Alright, so you're ready to dive into this glorious Bread Pudding Recipe . Fantastic! Before we start, let's get our ducks in a row, shall we? Making Classic Bread Pudding shouldn't be a chore, so keeping things organised is key.

Main Ingredients: No Fancy Stuff!

Here’s what you’ll need. Don't panic, it's mostly stuff you probably already have lurking in your cupboards. Remember, using Stale Bread is essential!

Stale Bread: 8 cups (about 200g ), cubed. Use brioche, challah, or even just crusty French bread. Think rough 1 inch ( 2.5 cm ) cubes.
Eggs: 4 large ones. Free range if you're feeling fancy!
Whole Milk: 3 cups ( 720 ml ). Full fat is best for that richness.
Heavy Cream: 1 cup ( 240 ml ). Double cream works a treat too.
Granulated Sugar: ¾ cup ( 150g ).
Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons , melted.
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon .
Ground Cinnamon: ½ teaspoon .
Ground Nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon .
Salt: Just a pinch.
Raisins: ½ cup (around 85g ). Optional, but very British!

For the bread, day old is best. I tried it once with fresh bread. Honestly? It was a soggy disaster! You need that stale bread to soak up all that lovely custard.

Seasoning: The Magic Touch

It's more than just sweet! It is a great Comfort Food Dessert , you know? Here are the seasoning notes:

Cinnamon and nutmeg are a classic combo. But don't be afraid to experiment! A little allspice or cardamom is lovely.
Vanilla extract adds a beautiful aroma. If you have vanilla bean paste, even better.
For a bit of extra oomph, try adding a tablespoon of your favorite liquor to the custard. Brandy or dark rum works wonders!
No nutmeg? Ground cloves will do in a pinch. Cinnamon is essential though!

Equipment: Keep it Simple!

Here’s what you’ll need. No need for anything too fancy.

9x13 inch baking dish ( 23x33 cm ). If you don’t have one that size, just use whatever you have.
Large mixing bowl .
Whisk . A fork will do if you're in a bind.
Measuring cups and spoons .
Small saucepan (if you’re making a custard sauce to serve with the Custard Bread Pudding ).

That's it! No need to stress about having fancy equipment to make this Easy Bread Pudding Recipe . Let's get started on this Homemade Dessert Recipe! .

Soon, you'll be tucking into the Warm Desserts ever.

Cooking Method: Baking Your Way to Bread Pudding Bliss

Honestly, is there anything more comforting than a Bread Pudding Recipe ? It’s like a warm hug from your grandma, especially on a cold day.

My grandma used to make it every Sunday using Leftover Bread , and the smell would fill the entire house! Let’s dive into how to bake your very own masterpiece.

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission

Essential mise en place : Get all your ingredients measured and ready. Chop that Stale Bread into 1 inch (2.5 cm) cubes. I normally use brioche, the buttery sweetness is just amazing!

Time saving organization tips : Whisk your wet ingredients while the bread soaks. Honestly, that saves a few minutes, you know?

Safety reminders : The oven is hot, hot, hot ! Use oven mitts, yeah? Don't be a hero!

step-by-step Baking Bonanza

Prep the bread: Pop those bread cubes into your 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
Whisk the custard: In a large bowl, mix the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, butter, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt.
Soak that bread: Pour the custard over the bread. Press it down so every piece gets a good dunking. Sprinkle those raisins!
Wait!: Let it sit for at least 30 minutes or up to an hour so the bread soaks all that deliciousness!
Bake Time: Bake in a 350° F ( 175° C) oven for 45- 55 minutes .
Check for Doneness: A knife should come out mostly clean. A little moist is good!
Cool and Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving. A dusting of powdered sugar is a fancy touch.

Pro Tips for Bread Pudding Perfection

Don't use fresh bread! It'll be soggy. Stale Bread is the key.
Avoid overbaking! Dry bread pudding is a no-no. Aim for a little wobble in the centre. This is great for your Bread Pudding Recipe
make-ahead? Totally! Assemble the Bread Pudding Recipe the day before and bake it the next day. A proper Easy Bread Pudding Recipe

This Homemade Bread Pudding Recipe is a winner! So simple, yet so satisfying. It's the ultimate Comfort Food Dessert , reminding me of cosy evenings and family gatherings.

A Classic Bread Pudding is always a hit, especially when served with Warm Desserts . Give it a go, and I bet you’ll be hooked! This is like a Custard Bread Pudding hug in a bowl! You can even call it a British Bread Pudding , but whatever you call it, it's yummy!

Recipe Notes for the Best Homemade Bread Pudding Recipe

Alright, so you're ready to tackle this Homemade Bread Pudding Recipe - , fabulous! But before you dive in, let's chat about a few bits and bobs that'll make your Bread Pudding Recipe a total triumph.

Honestly, it’s easier than making toast, well almost!

Serving Suggestions: Making it a Showstopper

Right, let's talk presentation. For plating, think rustic charm, you know? A simple bowl, maybe a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

For sides, a dollop of proper vanilla ice cream is always a winner. A classic bread pudding deserves a classic pairing!.

Or, fancy a Warm Desserts ? A warm custard sauce will elevate this Comfort Food Dessert to another level. Seriously, make that sauce.

Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh

If you're lucky enough to have leftovers of this Easy Bread Pudding Recipe , keep them refrigerated. Pop it in an airtight container, and it will be grand for up to 3 days.

Freezing isn't ideal, custard can get a funny texture. Reheating is best done gently in the oven, or microwave in a pinch, till it's warmed through.

Variations: Let's Get Creative

Fancy a twist? For a dairy-free version, use almond milk. Honestly, it tastes just as good!. Want something autumnal? Swap out the raisins for chopped apples and a touch more cinnamon.

Now you've got an apple cinnamon Custard Bread Pudding !

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

Okay, so it's a Comfort Food Dessert , not exactly a salad. But hey, it has eggs and milk. Roughly, each serving has around 350-400 calories.

It's got protein from the eggs, and carbs for energy, perfect for a chilly evening.

Plus, using Leftover Bread or Stale Bread helps avoid food waste.

This British Bread Pudding recipe is a real hug in a bowl. Don’t be intimidated! It is on your way to be a success, and you are doing an amazing job, so get in the kitchen now and have fun creating this Homemade Dessert Recipes !

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh bread for this Homemade Bread Pudding Recipe -?

Definitely not! Using fresh bread will result in a soggy bread pudding. Stale bread is key because it absorbs the custard much better. Think of it like making toast, you wouldn't use fresh bread for that would you?

How long can I store leftover bread pudding?

Leftover bread pudding can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it's in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out, or becoming victim to the elements like a British summer. You can gently reheat it in the oven or microwave, but be careful not to overdo it.

What are some good variations I can try with this Homemade Bread Pudding Recipe -?

There are loads of ways to jazz it up! Adding chocolate chips or chunks turns it into a chocolate lover's dream. For a more festive vibe, you could incorporate dried cranberries and orange zest, feels like Christmas. You can also swap the raisins out for any dried fruit of your choosing.

Can I make this bread pudding ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, letting the bread soak in the custard overnight in the fridge can actually improve the flavor and texture. Just make sure to cover the baking dish tightly with cling film. Then, simply bake it as directed when you're ready.

It’s like preparing your Sunday roast on Saturday night, less stress on the day!

Is there a way to make this bread pudding healthier?

You can lighten it up a bit by using skimmed milk instead of whole milk and reducing the amount of sugar. Substituting some of the heavy cream with more milk can also help. However, remember that bread pudding is a treat, so don't feel too guilty indulging in a slice!

My bread pudding is soggy. What did I do wrong?

Soggy bread pudding usually means the bread wasn't stale enough or it wasn't baked long enough. Ensure your bread is properly dried out before soaking it in the custard, and make sure the custard is fully set before removing it from the oven. A little wobble is okay, but it shouldn't be liquidy, trust the bake!