Southern Bread Pudding

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. + standing Bake: 30 min.

Makes

8 servings

Updated: Sep. 25, 2022
I used to teach in a cooking school, and this was one of the most popular recipes. We often made bread pudding to serve as the final touch to a meal. I've added a few variations over the years, and my family loves it.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup hot water
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 3/4 cup sugar, divided
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8 slices French bread (1/2 inch thick)
  • butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • BUTTER SAUCE:
  • 1/2 cup butter, cubed
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. Place raisins in a small bowl; pour water over. Let stand for about 10 minutes to soften; drain. In a bowl, beat eggs. Add milk, 2/3 cup sugar, vanilla and raisins. Pour half into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Butter both sides of bread; arrange in a single layer over egg mixture. Cover with remaining egg mixture. Combine cinnamon with remaining sugar; sprinkle on top. Bake for 30 minutes or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean.
  2. Meanwhile, for sauce, melt butter in a saucepan. Add sugar; cook and stir over medium heat for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and gradually stir in cream. Return to the heat; cook and stir 8-10 minutes longer or until thickened and golden-colored. Serve warm over a slice of bread pudding.