Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe to Savor

Memories of grandma’s cherished bread pudding swirl through my kitchen like a warm, comforting embrace.

Her classic recipe whispers stories of resourceful home cooking and love-filled traditions.

Stale bread finds new life in this delightful dessert that turns simple ingredients into magic.

Sweet aromas of cinnamon and vanilla dance through the air, promising pure comfort.

Rich custard soaks each bread cube, creating a tender, silky texture that melts on your tongue.

Soft, pillowy layers promise a dessert that connects you to generations of home cooks.

Each spoonful carries a promise of nostalgia and pure, simple joy.

Grab a spoon and let this pudding transport you to grandma’s welcoming kitchen.

What Makes Grandmas Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Memorable

• Nostalgic dessert that instantly transports you to grandma's cozy kitchen with its warm, homey flavors.
• Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe perfect for beginner bakers who want a delicious dessert without complicated techniques.
• Versatile treat that works beautifully for family gatherings, potlucks, or a sweet weekend indulgence that everyone from kids to grandparents will adore.
• Uses basic pantry ingredients and day-old bread, transforming simple components into a luxurious dessert without breaking the bank.

What Goes Into Grandmas Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

• Day-Old Bread, White Bread: Sturdy bread perfect for soaking up rich custard, preferably slightly stale for better absorption.
• Raisins: Sweet and chewy addition for texture, optional but traditional in classic bread pudding.

• Whole Milk, Heavy Cream: Creates rich, creamy base with smooth texture.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and deep caramel undertones.
• Eggs: Helps bind and create smooth, custardy consistency.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and enhances overall flavor profile.

• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, sweet aromatic flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg: Adds warm, comforting spice notes that complement sweet pudding.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates smooth, rich sauce base.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious, silky texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Reinforces classic vanilla flavor.
• Salt: Balances overall sweetness of sauce.

How to Prepare Grandmas Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350F (175C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous butter or oil coating.

Step 2: Bread Transformation

• Cube the bread into bite-sized pieces
• Scatter bread cubes across the greased baking dish

• Milk
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Melted butter
• Vanilla extract
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg

Whisk until everything looks smooth and combined. Pour this magical custard over the bread cubes. Use your hands or a spatula to gently press the bread, helping it soak up all the delicious liquid. Let the mixture rest for 10-15 minutes to absorb flavors.

Step 3: Optional Raisin Sprinkle

If you love raisins, scatter them across the bread mixture. Press them slightly into the custard so they nestle comfortably.

Step 4: Baking Magic

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the center looks set and jiggly.

Step 5: Vanilla Sauce Creation

• Sugar
• Heavy cream
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Whisk constantly until the sauce thickens and looks glossy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop warm pudding into bowls. Drizzle generously with the luscious vanilla sauce. Dive in while it’s hot!

Tips for Cooking Grandmas Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

• Master the Soaking Technique: Allow bread cubes to soak in the custard mixture for 10-15 minutes to ensure maximum flavor absorption and a perfectly moist texture.
• Customize Your Raisins: Toast raisins lightly before adding to enhance their sweetness and prevent them from burning during baking.
• Prevent Dry Edges: Cover the baking dish with foil for the first 30 minutes to keep the edges from becoming too crisp and maintain an even, soft consistency.
• Select the Right Bread: Use day-old or slightly stale bread like brioche or challah for the best texture and ability to soak up the custard without becoming mushy.
• Serve Temperature Matters: Enjoy bread pudding warm with the vanilla sauce for the most indulgent experience, as the sauce will melt beautifully over the pudding.

How to Reheat Grandmas Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Properly

• Store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container to prevent drying out.
• Warm individual servings in a preheated 350F oven for 10-15 minutes. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning and maintain moisture.
• Quickly reheat single portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds. Add a splash of milk to keep the pudding soft and prevent it from becoming rubbery.
• Wrap the cooled bread pudding tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Great Pairings for Grandmas Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

• Smooth bourbon complements the rich, sweet bread pudding perfectly, enhancing its warm spices and creating a delightful adult dessert experience.
• The spicy, aromatic chai tea mirrors the pudding's cinnamon and nutmeg notes, providing a warming and comforting beverage pairing.
• Cold, creamy vanilla ice cream creates a delicious temperature contrast against the warm bread pudding, adding extra luxurious texture and flavor.
• Light, airy whipped cream cuts through the dessert's richness, offering a delicate and refreshing accompaniment that balances the pudding's dense sweetness.

How to Remix Grandmas Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

• Gluten-Free Bread Pudding: Replace regular bread with gluten-free bread or almond flour bread. Use gluten-free oats or crushed gluten-free cookies for extra texture.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap milk with coconut milk or almond milk. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for the vanilla sauce. Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.
• Low-Sugar Version: Substitute granulated sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Use sugar-free vanilla extract and reduce overall sugar content. Add mashed bananas for natural sweetness.
• Chocolate Lovers' Option: Mix in dark chocolate chips or cocoa powder into the custard mixture. Sprinkle chocolate shavings on top before serving. Replace vanilla sauce with rich chocolate ganache.

Grandmas Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Grandma’s old-fashioned bread pudding whispers comfort from generations past, blending simple ingredients into a nostalgic dessert. Warm spices and creamy vanilla sauce invite you to savor each heavenly spoonful of this classic homestyle treat.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 cups (350g) bread, cubed (French bread, brioche, or challah)
• 4 large eggs
• 4 cups (960ml) whole milk
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted

Sweeteners and Spices:

• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ cup (80g) raisins (optional)

Vanilla Sauce Ingredients:

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C) and coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light grease layer to prevent sticking.
2. Slice bread into uniform cubes and distribute evenly across the greased baking dish, creating a foundational layer.
3. Craft a luxurious custard by whisking milk, both white and brown sugars, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg in a spacious mixing bowl until ingredients merge into a smooth, harmonious mixture.
4. Cascade the custard over bread cubes, ensuring complete and thorough saturation by gently pressing down with a spatula or hands, allowing the bread to absorb the liquid thoroughly.
5. If desired, scatter raisins across the surface, delicately embedding them into the moistened bread mixture.
6. Allow the pudding to rest for 10-15 minutes, enabling bread to fully absorb the custard’s rich flavors and textures.
7. Transfer the prepared dish to the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and a center that sets with a gentle firmness.
8. While the pudding bakes, create the vanilla sauce by melting butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
9. Incorporate sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a subtle pinch of salt into the melted butter, continuously whisking until the sauce thickens and develops a silky consistency.
10. Remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly, then portion into serving dishes.
11. Generously drizzle the warm vanilla sauce over each serving, creating an indulgent dessert experience that celebrates comfort and tradition.

Notes

• Bread Selection Matters: Choose slightly stale, day-old bread like challah, brioche, or French bread for the best texture and absorption of the custard mixture.
• Customize Your Pudding: Add a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for extra crunch and depth of flavor.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap whole milk with coconut milk or almond milk, and use coconut oil instead of butter to create a delicious vegan version.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Allow the bread to sit in the custard for exactly 10-15 minutes to ensure even soaking without becoming mushy.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 51g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 130mg