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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Slice bread into uniform cubes and distribute evenly across the greased baking dish, creating a foundational layer.
- 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.
- 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.
- If desired, scatter raisins across the surface, delicately embedding them into the moistened bread mixture.
- Allow the pudding to rest for 10-15 minutes, enabling bread to fully absorb the custard’s rich flavors and textures.
- 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.
- While the pudding bakes, create the vanilla sauce by melting butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- 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.
- Remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly, then portion into serving dishes.
- 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