Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is a delightful, comforting dessert that combines the rich flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. The process of creating this dessert involves several steps, including preparing the bread pudding and the vanilla sauce, and baking the dish to perfection.
Ingredients
For Bread Pudding:
- 6 cups stale bread: Torn into small pieces, this forms the base of the pudding.
- 2 cups milk: Helps to moisten and soften the bread.
- 3 large eggs: Provide structure and richness to the pudding.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Gives a rich flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a warm spice note.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Complements the cinnamon with its warm, nutty flavor.
- 1/2 cup raisins or currants (optional): Adds a sweet, fruity element.
For Vanilla Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Forms the base of the sauce.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the sauce.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Adds creaminess and richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Provides a delicate vanilla flavor.
Instructions
Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare Bread Pudding:
- Soak Bread: Combine torn bread pieces and milk in a large mixing bowl. Let it soak for about 10 minutes.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Combine Wet and Soaked Bread: Pour the wet ingredients over the soaked bread. Mix well. Fold in raisins or currants if using.
Bake:
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
Prepare Vanilla Sauce:
- Cook Sauce Ingredients: In a saucepan, melt butter, stir in sugar and heavy cream. Cook until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Serve:
- Let the bread pudding cool slightly after baking.
- Cut into squares and serve warm, drizzled with the homemade vanilla sauce.
Enjoy the Comforting Dessert:
- Indulge in this warm, comforting dessert, perfect for any occasion.
- Customize with powdered sugar, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream for added delight.
Enjoy your homemade Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce!
PrintGrandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is a classic, comforting dessert featuring warm, custard-soaked bread baked to golden perfection and topped with a creamy, sweet vanilla sauce. This simple, old-fashioned recipe is perfect for cozy nights or holiday gatherings!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Southern
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bread Pudding:
- 6 cups (350g) day-old bread, cubed (French bread, brioche, or challah)
- 4 cups (960ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup (80g) raisins (optional)
For the Vanilla Sauce:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
-
Prepare the Bread Pudding:
- Place the cubed bread in the greased baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press the bread down to ensure it soaks up the custard.
- Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb.
-
Add the Raisins (Optional):
- Sprinkle the raisins evenly over the bread mixture if using, pressing them in slightly.
-
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
-
Make the Vanilla Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk constantly until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
-
Serve:
- Spoon the warm bread pudding into bowls and drizzle with the vanilla sauce. Serve warm!
Notes
- Make it richer: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch.
- Add fruit: Mix in chopped apples, berries, or dried cranberries for added flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave and serve with extra vanilla sauce.