This Barefoot Contessa Grapenut Pudding recipe is creamy and nostalgic, which uses Grape-Nuts cereal baked into a custard base for classic texture and flavor. It’s a simple yet comforting dessert ready in about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Jump to RecipeBarefoot Contessa Grapenut Pudding Recipe Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup Grape-Nuts cereal
- Butter, for greasing the dish
Optional Toppings
- Whipped cream
- Ground cinnamon or nutmeg
- Fresh fruit

How To Make Barefoot Contessa Grapenut Pudding Recipe
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
- Mix custard base: In a large bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until well combined. Stir in vanilla and salt. Warm milk in a saucepan and gradually whisk into egg mixture to temper.
- Add cereal: Stir in Grape-Nuts cereal and let sit 5–10 minutes to soften.
- Bake in water bath: Pour mixture into prepared dish. Place dish in a larger pan and fill outer pan with hot water halfway up the sides. Bake 45–50 minutes until set and golden.
- Cool and serve: Let pudding cool 10–15 minutes. Serve warm or chilled with whipped cream, cinnamon, or fresh fruit.

Recipe Tips
- Why use a water bath? It ensures even baking and prevents the custard from curdling.
- Can I make this ahead? Yes, refrigerate and reheat gently or serve chilled.
- How to prevent overbaking: The pudding is ready when edges are set but center still jiggles slightly.
- Flavor variations: Add nutmeg, cinnamon, or even a splash of rum extract for extra flavor.
- Best milk to use: Whole milk provides the creamiest texture, but 2% can work in a pinch.
What To Serve With Barefoot Contessa Grapenut Pudding
This old-fashioned dessert pairs well with light toppings or sides:
- Fresh berries or sliced bananas
- Homemade whipped cream
- Caramel sauce or maple syrup drizzle
- Hot coffee or black tea

How To Store Barefoot Contessa Grapenut Pudding
Refrigerate: Cover and store in the fridge up to 3 days.
Freeze: Not recommended; custard texture may separate after thawing.
Barefoot Contessa Grapenut Pudding Nutrition Facts
- Calories: ~250
- Protein: ~9g
- Carbohydrates: ~38g
- Fat: ~6g
- Sugar: ~27g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Do Grape-Nuts soften in pudding?
Yes, they soften during baking but still provide slight crunch for texture.
Can I use almond milk instead of whole milk?
You can, but the pudding will be less creamy and slightly thinner.
Why bake in a water bath?
It helps the custard cook gently and evenly without cracking or curdling.
Can I serve this dessert cold?
Absolutely — it’s delicious both warm and chilled.
Try More Recipes:
- Ina Garten Texas Sheet Cake Recipe
- Ina Garten Olive Oil Cake Recipe
- Ina Garten New York Cheesecake Recipe
Barefoot Contessa Grapenut Pudding Recipe
Course: DessertsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings10
minutes45
minutes250
kcalClassic baked custard with Grape-Nuts cereal for nostalgic flavor and texture — a comforting dessert that’s simple to prepare.
Ingredients
-
4 large eggs
-
3/4 cup granulated sugar
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
1/4 tsp kosher salt
-
4 cups whole milk
-
1 cup Grape-Nuts cereal
-
Butter, for greasing
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F; grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Whisk eggs and sugar; add vanilla and salt. Warm milk and slowly whisk into mixture.
- Stir in Grape-Nuts; let sit 5–10 minutes.
- Pour into baking dish and bake in a water bath 45–50 minutes until set.
- Cool slightly; serve warm or chilled with optional toppings.
