The Best Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe

Memories flood back when I bite into this heartwarming grandmas old-fashioned bread pudding with vanilla sauce, transporting me straight to cozy kitchen moments.

Soft, custardy textures tell stories of comfort and tradition passed through generations.

Rustic ingredients whisper tales of resourceful cooking that wastes nothing.

Simple pantry staples come together in a magical dessert that feels like a warm embrace.

Crusty bread transforms into a delectable treat that sparks nostalgia and joy.

Each spoonful carries rich, creamy goodness that makes you want to close your eyes and savor.

Sharing this timeless recipe that connects you to cherished culinary memories and simple pleasures.

Grab a spoon and let the deliciousness begin!

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

• Bread: Soft, day-old bread perfect for soaking up rich custard. Stale bread works best for absorbing flavors.
• Milk: Creamy base for the custard that adds moisture and richness.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps create a smooth, custardy texture.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweet depth and caramel-like undertones. Light or dark brown sugar adds extra flavor complexity.
• Raisins: Optional sweet addition with chewy texture. Plump, moist raisins recommended.

• Melted Butter: Adds richness and smooth, velvety texture to the pudding.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, classic flavor. Pure vanilla extract offers best taste.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that create cozy, aromatic profile. Freshly ground spices preferred.

• Butter: Creates smooth, rich base for vanilla sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious, silky texture to the sauce.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances sauce with deep, sweet flavor.
• Salt: Balances and heightens overall sweetness.

Simple Steps For Grandmas Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350F (175C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat it with a generous layer of butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Bread Base

• Whole milk
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Fresh eggs
• Melted butter
• Pure vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Freshly grated nutmeg

Pour this luscious custard mixture over the bread, making sure every cube gets a delicious bath. Gently press down so the bread soaks up all the goodness. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 3: Optional Fruity Surprise

If you love raisins, sprinkle them across the pudding. Softly press them into the mixture so they nestle perfectly.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the center feels set but slightly jiggly.

Step 5: Craft the Silky Vanilla Sauce

• White sugar
• Heavy cream
• Vanilla extract
• Tiny pinch of salt

Whisk constantly until the sauce transforms into a smooth, slightly thickened liquid, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop warm pudding into bowls and generously drizzle with the luxurious vanilla sauce. Savor each spoonful of this comforting dessert!

Best Tips For Grandmas Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce

• Soak Bread Thoroughly: Allow bread cubes to absorb custard mixture completely for maximum flavor and perfect texture, giving the pudding a rich, creamy consistency.
• Customize Raisin Options: Swap raisins with dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips to personalize the dessert and match your taste preferences.
• Control Moisture Carefully: Press bread gently into custard to prevent soggy bottom while ensuring even absorption, creating a delightful balanced pudding.
• Create Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare bread pudding mixture the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning for a convenient and delicious breakfast or dessert.
• Prevent Burning Tricks: Cover with aluminum foil if the top browns too quickly, ensuring even cooking and a perfectly golden surface without scorching.

Storing Grandmas Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Right

• Refrigerate: Store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring it stays fresh and delicious.
• Freeze: Wrap the pudding tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months for longer preservation.
• Reheat Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350F, cover the pudding with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave Option: Zap individual portions for 30-45 seconds, checking halfway to ensure even heating and maintain the pudding's moisture.

What Goes Well With Grandmas Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce

• Pair Creamy Dessert Wine: Complement the rich, sweet bread pudding with a luscious dessert wine like Sauternes or late-harvest Riesling. These wines enhance the pudding's vanilla and cinnamon notes, creating a harmonious flavor explosion.
• Match Warm Spiced Beverage: Serve alongside a steaming mug of chai tea or cinnamon-spiced coffee. The warm, aromatic drink echoes the pudding's comforting spices and provides a delightful contrast to the creamy dessert.
• Elevate with Caramel Companion: Top the bread pudding with a scoop of caramel ice cream or drizzle extra caramel sauce. The buttery, sweet notes perfectly complement the vanilla sauce and add an extra layer of indulgence.
• Garnish with Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted pecans or almonds over the dessert for a delightful textural contrast. The nuts' subtle crunch and rich flavor beautifully balance the soft, custardy bread pudding.

Flavor Options For Grandmas Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce

• Chocolate Chip Comfort: Transform the classic recipe by replacing raisins with chocolate chips, creating a rich, decadent dessert that melts in your mouth.
• Nutty Caramel Classic: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the pudding before baking and drizzle with a homemade caramel sauce instead of vanilla sauce for extra crunch and sweetness.
• Seasonal Spice Blend: Incorporate diced apples and swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice during autumn months, giving the bread pudding a warm, cozy seasonal feel.
• Berry Bliss Variation: Mix in fresh or frozen berries like blueberries or raspberries into the custard mixture, adding a bright, tangy dimension to the traditional dessert.

Questions About Grandmas Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce

• What makes this bread pudding special?

This recipe is a classic grandma-style dessert that turns simple bread into a comforting, custardy treat. The combination of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg gives it a nostalgic, homemade flavor that reminds you of cozy family gatherings.

• Do I need any special bread for this recipe?

Day-old or slightly stale bread works best! Choose a hearty bread like challah, brioche, or white bread. The slightly dry bread absorbs the custard mixture perfectly, creating a rich and creamy texture.

• Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the bread pudding a few hours before baking and let it sit in the refrigerator. This actually helps the bread absorb more of the delicious custard mixture, making it even more flavorful when you bake it.

• Is the vanilla sauce really necessary?

While optional, the vanilla sauce takes this dessert from good to amazing! It adds a luxurious, creamy sweetness that complements the warm spices in the bread pudding. Trust me, it’s worth the extra few minutes of preparation.

What Makes Grandmas Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce So Special

• Comfort Food Perfection: This bread pudding brings nostalgic warmth with its rich, custardy texture and classic homemade flavor that feels like a cozy hug from grandma's kitchen.
• Simple Baking Magic: Incredibly easy to prepare with basic pantry ingredients, this recipe transforms humble bread into a luxurious dessert that anyone can master in under an hour.
• Versatile Sweet Treat: Perfect for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or a quick weekend dessert that satisfies sweet cravings with its irresistible combination of soft bread, warm spices, and decadent vanilla sauce.
• Budget-Friendly Indulgence: Transforms leftover bread into a spectacular dessert, making it an economical way to create something delicious while reducing food waste and impressing everyone at the table.

Grandmas Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

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

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Description

Grandma’s old-fashioned bread pudding with vanilla sauce whispers comfort from generations past. Warm, custardy layers meld classic comfort with sweet nostalgia, inviting you to savor each spoonful of pure homemade delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 cups (350g) day-old bread, cubed (French bread, brioche, or challah)
• 4 large eggs
• 4 cups (960 milliliters) whole milk
• ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup (100 grams) brown sugar
• ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar

Spices and Flavoring:

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• ½ cup (80 grams) raisins (optional)

Vanilla Sauce Ingredients:

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

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by thoroughly greasing a 9×13-inch dish and setting the oven temperature to 350F (175C).
2. Transform bread cubes into a foundation layer within the prepared dish, ensuring even distribution across the surface.
3. Craft a luxurious custard by vigorously whisking milk, sugars, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until the mixture achieves a smooth, harmonious consistency.
4. Gently cascade the custard over the bread cubes, allowing each piece to absorb the rich liquid. Press down softly with a spatula to encourage complete saturation.
5. Rest the pudding mixture for 10-15 minutes, permitting the bread to thoroughly soak up the decadent custard.
6. If desired, scatter raisins across the surface, nestling them gently into the bread mixture.
7. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven, baking for 45-50 minutes until the top transforms into a golden-brown landscape and the center sets firmly.
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 delicate pinch of salt into the melted butter. Whisk continuously until the sauce thickens and develops a silky texture.
10. Remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it rest briefly.
11. Serve the warm pudding in individual bowls, generously drizzling the velvety vanilla sauce over the top.

Notes

• Customize bread selection by using day-old challah, brioche, or French bread for richer texture and deeper flavor profiles.
• Let bread sit in custard mixture longer for more intense moisture absorption, ensuring every bite is custardy and delicious.
• Experiment with alternative mix-ins like chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips to personalize the classic dessert.
• For gluten-free adaptation, replace traditional bread with gluten-free bread cubes and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 440
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 110mg