Grandma's Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of bread pudding topped with a luscious vanilla sauce. Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding is creamy, rich, and bursting with nostalgic flavors that transport you back to simpler times. Made from humble ingredients and baked to perfection, this dish is a sweet hug in culinary form. Did you know that the origins of bread pudding date back to the 13th century? It was a clever way to use up leftover bread while minimizing waste! This recipe is not only incredibly simple to whip up but also appeals to eaters of all ages—making it an excellent family-friendly dessert choice that everyone will love. Just imagine gathering around the kitchen table with your loved ones, sharing stories and savoring a slice of this delightful treat. If you’ve enjoyed a classic banana pudding or even a comforting peach cobbler, you’re in for a treat. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and get you excited about making your very own Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding!

What is Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding?

So, what exactly is Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding? Well, it’s basically a love story between old bread and a creamy custard mixture! This delightful dish is crafted from stale bread soaked in a sweet custard made of eggs, milk, sugar, and spices, then baked until golden brown. You might be wondering why it’s called “bread pudding.” It’s as if a crafty chef threw a party and invited leftover bread to join in the fun! And really, isn’t it true that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”? This dish certainly has all the necessary ingredients to win over the hearts of your family. So why not try your hand at this comforting classic and create your own culinary story?

Why You’ll Love This Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding

First and foremost, the star highlight of this dish is its velvety texture and delightful flavor that lingers on your palate. The warm bread pudding, paired with a rich, vanilla sauce, offers a level of indulgence that is truly hard to beat! Plus, making bread pudding at home is incredibly cost-effective, allowing you to turn stale bread into a decadent dessert without breaking the bank. You could easily spend a lot on store-bought treats, but this homemade version is not only more delicious but also far kinder to your wallet.

As for toppings, you can’t go wrong with a drizzle of homemade vanilla sauce, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the flavors. If you’re a fan of comforting desserts, you might also enjoy exploring a classic bread and butter pudding. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to indulge in this delightful recipe!

How to Make Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding

Quick Overview

Making Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding is an easy and satisfying endeavor. This dish comes together effortlessly and fills your home with a beautifully warm aroma in less than an hour! The pudding itself is creamy, while the vanilla sauce adds a delightful touch of sweetness. In no time, you’ll be treating your family and friends to this timeless dessert.

Key Ingredients for Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding:

6 cups of day-old bread, cubed (French bread or brioche works great)
4 large eggs
2 cups of milk
1 cup of granulated sugar
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon of nutmeg
½ cup of raisins (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preheat The Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bread pudding cooks evenly.
Prepare the Bread: In a large bowl, cube your bread into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer a firmer texture, let the bread sit out overnight to dry slightly.
Make the Custard: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined.
Combine and Soak: Pour the custard mixture over the cubed bread. Gently fold the mixture together with a spatula, making sure all the bread is well-coated. For an added touch, you can fold in raisins if desired. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to ensure the bread absorbs the custard.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter. Pour the soaked bread mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool Slightly: Once out of the oven, allow the bread pudding to cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving.
Prepare Vanilla Sauce: While the pudding cools, in a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of unsalted butter, 2 egg yolks, and 1 cup of milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring continually until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract.
Serve: Slice the warm bread pudding into squares and drizzle with the delectable vanilla sauce before serving.

What to Serve Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding With

To transform your indulgent dessert into a complete meal, consider serving it alongside some fresh fruit, like berries or sliced bananas, to add a refreshing contrast to the rich bread pudding. You might also enjoy a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that extra creaminess, or a warming cup of spiced chai or coffee to balance the sweetness.

Top Tips for Perfecting Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding

Bread Variety: Stale bread results in the best texture. French bread or brioche have a fantastic ability to soak up the custard. If your bread is fresh, you can lightly toast it before using.
Add Flavors: Feel free to customize your pudding by adding in some chocolate chips, or nuts, or even swapping out the spices. Almond extract instead of vanilla offers a different yet delightful twist!
Timing: Make sure not to overbake. The pudding should be moist but not soggy, so keep an eye on it in the oven.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Leftovers? No problem! Store any remaining bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you’d like to keep it longer, bread pudding freezes well for up to two months. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. If you are in a rush, you can microwave individual servings, but the oven will maintain a better texture.

Get ready to whip up Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce! This delightful dish is sure to become a favorite in your home, and your family will be begging for second helpings. So let’s start baking the memories!