Grandad Joe’s Simple Bread Pudding Recipe

The holiday season has a way of pulling us back to the warmth of family kitchens and cherished recipes passed down through generations. Some dishes, made with love, carry more than just flavors—they carry memories of the people who’ve shared them with us. It’s always an honor when someone shares one of those cherished family recipes, which is why we’re so excited to try this one.

If you haven’t seen Grandad Joe come across your social media feed, we recommend that you follow ASAP. This 91-year-old grandfather is always sharing fun clips from the kitchen and family memories that will either bring you a big smile or a pair of teary eyes. This week, he shared a simple bread pudding recipe that his wife used to make at Christmastime. 

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With only six ingredients needed for this recipe, it’s easy to make and embodies the cozy, comforting essence of the season. As for Grandad Joe and his family, the scent of the pudding cooking in the oven reminds them of all those holiday memories they hold dear.

To make it, start with four slices of sourdough bread, though you could sub in whole wheat or sprouted grain bread for an extra boost of fiber and protein. Generously butter each slice, then cut them into pieces that fit snugly in your loaf pan. Arrange the first layer of bread in the pan, sprinkle in a handful of raisins, and repeat the process three to four times, ensuring every bite is perfectly balanced with fruit and buttery bread.

Grandad Joe uses a nice raisin medley, which appears to include standard dark raisins as well as golden raisins. If you happen to have both kinds on hand, they’re sure to bring depth to the recipe.

In a separate bowl, whisk together three eggs and about 3/4 cup of sugar. Stir in about 1 1/2 cup milk until the mixture is smooth and creamy, creating a rich custard. Pour it evenly over the layered bread and raisins, ensuring the bread soaks up the liquid thoroughly. If you have spare time, you can even let the uncooked pudding sit in the refrigerator for a few hours, so all of that custard gets soaked up and creates a truly luscious treat.

Bake the pudding at 350 degrees fahrenheit until it’s golden brown and your kitchen is filled with the sweet aromas of the season. The finished dish will have a crisp, golden top with a soft, custardy center that’s bursting with flavor.

Joe’s recipe is wonderfully versatile—you can make it your own by adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the egg mixture or studding the pudding with chocolate chips, berries, apple chunks or even little dollops of your favorite jam. Top it off with fresh whipped cream or some fresh fruit to make the season truly bright.

While the beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, if you’re looking to switch up the flavors, consider trying recipes like our Double Chocolate-Banana Bread Pudding or our Sweet Potato Bread Pudding with Pecan Praline Sauce. Whether you stick to tradition or add your personal touch, this dish effortlessly adapts to your family’s tastes and holiday celebrations.

This Christmas, let Grandad Joe’s bread pudding bring a little more warmth to your holiday table. With its simple ingredients and heartfelt preparation, it’s more than just a dessert—it’s a reminder of the love and legacy that food carries, a true celebration of the season’s spirit. This cozy dish is one you need on your Christmas menu.