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

Prepare the Bread Pudding: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread the cubed bread evenly in the dish. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour this custard mixture over the bread, ensuring it’s evenly soaked. Let it sit for about 10 minutes so the bread absorbs the liquid.

Bake: Drizzle the melted butter over the soaked bread and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Make the Vanilla Sauce: While the bread pudding bakes, prepare the vanilla sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the white and brown sugars, stirring until fully dissolved. Slowly stir in the cream, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Serve: Once the bread pudding is done, let it cool slightly before serving. Drizzle the warm vanilla sauce generously over each serving. You can also serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

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.