Introduction:
Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is a comforting and nostalgic dessert that has stood the test of time. This homemade treat combines soft, tender bread soaked in a sweet custard and baked to perfection, topped with a rich, velvety vanilla sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for holiday gatherings or whenever you need a taste of something warm and sweet. Simple, yet absolutely delicious!
Ingredients:
For the Bread Pudding:
6 cups of cubed day-old bread (preferably white or challah bread)
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup raisins (optional)
2 tbsp unsalted butter (for greasing the pan)
For the Vanilla Sauce:
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup whole milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions:
For the Bread Pudding:
Prepare the Bread:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
Cut or tear your bread into cubes and place them into the prepared baking dish.
Make the Custard Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
Combine Bread and Custard:
Pour the custard mixture over the cubed bread, ensuring all the bread is soaked. If you like, stir in raisins for added sweetness and texture.
Bake the Pudding:
Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes so the bread can absorb the custard. Then, bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until the pudding is golden brown and a knife inserted comes out clean.
For the Vanilla Sauce:
Make the Sauce:
While the bread pudding is baking, prepare the vanilla sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the cream, milk, sugar, and butter. Stir occasionally and bring it to a simmer until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly.
Finish the Sauce:
Once the sauce is ready, remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Keep the sauce warm.
Serving:
Once the bread pudding is done baking, let it cool slightly. Serve the bread pudding warm, topped with a generous spoonful of vanilla sauce.
Description:
Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is a timeless dessert that brings comfort with every bite. The pudding itself is soft and custardy, made with cubed bread that soaks up the sweet, aromatic custard mixture. The vanilla sauce is the perfect finishing touch, providing a rich, silky texture that adds even more flavor to the pudding. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or enjoying it on a cozy evening at home, this dessert is sure to warm the heart and satisfy the sweet tooth.
Tips:
Use Day-Old Bread: Fresh bread can make the pudding soggy. For the best texture, use slightly stale or day-old bread.
Add More Spice: If you love spice, feel free to increase the cinnamon and nutmeg for a stronger flavor.
Make It Ahead: You can prepare the bread pudding ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Egg-Free Option: You can try using a flax egg substitute if you’re avoiding eggs, but the texture might differ slightly.
For Extra Crunch: Top with a sprinkle of brown sugar or chopped nuts (like pecans) before baking for added texture.
Variations:
Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a sweet, indulgent twist.
Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding: Add 1 cup of diced apples and extra cinnamon to make an apple cinnamon version.
Caramel Sauce: Instead of vanilla sauce, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the pudding for a rich caramel flavor.
Bourbon Bread Pudding: For an adult twist, add 2 tbsp of bourbon or rum to the custard mixture for a deeper, richer flavor.
Corrections:
Make sure to bake the bread pudding until it’s fully set. It should be golden brown on top and firm when you insert a knife into the center. If it’s still runny in the middle, return it to the oven for a few more minutes.
If your bread pudding seems dry, try adding a little extra milk or custard mixture before baking, as some bread varieties absorb more liquid.
Enjoy:
Now that your Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is ready, enjoy the warmth and nostalgia of this classic dessert. Whether served as a family favorite or a new tradition, it’s sure to be a hit at your table.
Enjoy every bite!