Description

Grandma’s old-fashioned bread pudding with vanilla sauce is a classic dessert that brings warmth and nostalgia to the table. This delightful dish combines soft, custardy bread with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, soaked in a rich vanilla sauce. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy evening at home, this recipe is easy to make and full of comforting flavors. The vanilla sauce, with its smooth, sweet richness, elevates the bread pudding, turning it into a dessert everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 6 cups of cubed day-old bread (French or Italian work well)
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• Optional: 1/2 cup raisins or nuts for added texture
• Ingredients for Vanilla Sauce:
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation Method

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Spread cubed bread in the dish.
3. In a bowl, whisk together milk, cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Pour custard mixture over bread and let sit for 10 minutes.
5. Drizzle melted butter over soaked bread.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden and set.
7. For vanilla sauce, melt butter in a saucepan, add sugars, and stir until dissolved.
8. Slowly stir in cream and simmer for 5 minutes until thickened, then add vanilla extract.
9. Let bread pudding cool slightly, then serve with vanilla sauce and optional whipped cream or ice cream.

Tips and Conclusion

For an extra layer of flavor, consider toasting the bread cubes before soaking them in the custard. This adds a slight crispiness to the outer edges while keeping the center soft and custardy. Additionally, if you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the traditional raisins for dried cranberries or add chocolate chips for a richer, dessert-like version of this comforting classic.

Grandma’s old-fashioned bread pudding with vanilla sauce is a timeless dessert that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Its simplicity, versatility, and nostalgic charm make it the perfect dessert for family dinners, holidays, or cozy nights in. The warm, creamy vanilla sauce elevates the pudding to a new level of indulgence, ensuring that this dessert will be a hit every time you make it. Whether served warm on its own or topped with whipped cream or ice cream, this classic recipe is bound to become a family favorite.