Bread pudding is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. It’s rich, comforting, and full of nostalgic flavors that remind us of simpler times. This recipe for Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is a perfect example of how humble ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re looking for a dessert to serve during the holidays or simply craving a comforting treat, this bread pudding is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the preparation of this recipe, let’s take a look at the ingredients needed for both the bread pudding and the vanilla sauce. These ingredients are simple and easy to find, making this recipe perfect for anyone who loves homemade comfort food.
For the Bread Pudding:
- 6 cups stale bread, cubed (day-old bread works best)
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional but highly recommended for added sweetness and texture)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for greasing the baking dish)
For the Vanilla Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon butter
Preparation Method
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get started on making this delicious bread pudding. Follow these steps for a perfect result!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven reaches the right temperature for baking the bread pudding, allowing it to cook evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
Take 6 cups of stale bread and cut it into small cubes. The bread should be a little dry, as it will absorb the custard mixture better than fresh bread. If you don’t have stale bread, you can leave fresh bread out for a few hours to dry out or lightly toast it in the oven.
If you choose to add raisins, mix them in with the cubed bread. This will give the bread pudding a delightful sweetness and texture, but you can skip this step if you prefer a more straightforward flavor.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. This custard mixture will soak into the bread cubes, creating the perfect texture for the bread pudding.
Be sure to mix everything together well until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth. The cinnamon will add a warm, comforting flavor that will permeate the entire dessert.
Step 4: Combine the Mixtures
Once your bread is ready and the wet ingredients are well-mixed, pour the wet mixture over the cubed bread. Use a spoon or your hands to gently stir and coat the bread evenly with the custard.
Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes. This allows the bread to soak up the custard and become soft, creating the perfect texture. If you’re using raisins, they’ll soften and add extra sweetness to the pudding.
Step 5: Bake the Bread Pudding
Grease a baking dish with butter. The butter will help prevent the pudding from sticking to the dish and will give it a golden, crispy edge. Pour the bread and custard mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding has set. To check if it’s done, insert a knife or toothpick into the center of the pudding. If it comes out clean, your bread pudding is ready!
Step 6: Make the Vanilla Sauce
While the bread pudding is baking, it’s time to prepare the delicious vanilla sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, sugar, cornstarch, and milk. Whisk everything together until smooth.
Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning or sticking to the bottom. As the sauce heats up, it will thicken. Continue to stir until it begins to bubble, and then remove it from the heat.
Stir in the vanilla extract and butter. The vanilla extract adds a deep, aromatic flavor, while the butter makes the sauce extra creamy and rich.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the bread pudding is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve the warm bread pudding drizzled with the homemade vanilla sauce. The sauce will soak into the pudding, making each bite even more delicious.
This bread pudding is best served fresh, but it can also be enjoyed the next day. Simply reheat it in the microwave or oven, and add a little extra vanilla sauce before serving.
FAQs
Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread? While stale bread is ideal because it soaks up the custard mixture better, fresh bread can be used as long as it’s slightly dried out. To dry it out quickly, you can lightly toast the bread in the oven for a few minutes.
Can I make this recipe without raisins? Absolutely! The raisins are optional, so feel free to leave them out if you don’t enjoy dried fruit in your bread pudding. You can also add other ingredients like chopped nuts or chocolate chips if you prefer.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with something else? If you prefer a lighter version of this bread pudding, you can substitute the heavy cream with whole milk or a lower-fat milk alternative. However, using heavy cream will give the sauce and pudding a richer, creamier texture.
Can I prepare the bread pudding ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the bread pudding mixture the night before and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the dish from the fridge and bake it as directed. The vanilla sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians? Yes, this bread pudding is suitable for vegetarians as it does not contain any meat products. However, it’s always a good idea to check the ingredients for the vanilla extract and cornstarch to ensure they align with your dietary preferences.
How do I store leftover bread pudding? Store any leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or oven, and serve with extra vanilla sauce for the best flavor.
Conclusion
Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is the epitome of comfort food. With its warm, soft bread soaked in a sweet and creamy custard, topped with a rich and velvety vanilla sauce, this dessert is sure to delight anyone who tries it. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply enjoying it on a cozy evening at home, this bread pudding will undoubtedly become a favorite in your family’s recipe collection.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—using basic ingredients that are easy to find, yet creating a dessert that is both indulgent and comforting. With the step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, even novice bakers can create a perfect bread pudding.
So next time you’re in the mood for something sweet, nostalgic, and oh-so-delicious, whip up a batch of Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce. It’s a classic dessert that never goes out of style!