Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding: A Warm, Comforting Delight
This Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is the perfect combination of sweet and savory, bringing you the comforting flavors of warm bread soaked in a rich, creamy custard, topped with vanilla sauce. It’s a nostalgic dessert that transports you back to simpler times with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bread pudding is a versatile dessert that’s ideal for both family dinners and special occasions. The rich, spiced custard saturates the bread to create a soft interior, while the oven imparts a delightful crust on top. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh out of the oven or cold the next day, this dish promises to delight your taste buds.
This homemade bread pudding recipe is perfect for using up leftover bread, minimizing waste, and creating a delicious, easy-to-make dessert. The addition of vanilla sauce elevates the pudding with a touch of elegance, making it suitable for festive celebrations or a simple family dessert night.
Context/Background
Bread pudding has a long-standing history as the dessert of resourcefulness. Originating from the humble kitchens of 11th-century Europe, it utilized leftover bread to create something delicious and satisfying. Each culture has its take on bread pudding, with variations seen across the globe from America to Asia. This traditional version pays homage to the timeless classic we know and love, with a few personal touches from Grandma’s cherished recipe book.
Recipe Details
Serves: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
- 8 cups of day-old bread, cubed
- 4 cups of milk
- 1 cup of sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup of butter, melted
- 1/2 cup of raisins (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Place the bread cubes in a large bowl.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs and mix in milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes, stirring gently to ensure all pieces are soaked.
- Mix in the raisins and melted butter.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Serve warm drizzled with homemade vanilla sauce.
Tips for Perfect Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding
- For richer flavor, use a mix of different types of bread like brioche or challah.
- Soaking your bread for an additional 10 minutes in the custard mixture enhances the dish’s texture.
- Adjust the sweetness by tasting the egg and milk mixture before combining it with the bread, and add more sugar if desired.
- Experiment with additional toppings like chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pudding warm with a drizzle of vanilla sauce and a dollop of whipped cream. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a wintery touch.
Storage and Leftovers
Store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven for a warm treat. The sauce can also be stored separately and reheated as needed.
Final Thoughts
Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is a testament to the art of comforting desserts. It’s a fantastic treat for those seeking a sweet, warm dish that’s simple to make and sure to please a crowd. Don’t pass up on making this classic recipe a staple in your dessert lineup.
Recipe Notes
- Substitute the milk with cream for an even richer pudding.
- Try adding a dash of nutmeg for extra spice complexity.
- Feel free to explore with different dried fruits or candy chips for variation.
