Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is a comforting, nostalgic dessert that’s rich, creamy, and full of warmth. It’s not heavy or overly sweet either. I think it’s a perfect dessert for family gatherings or a cozy night in, and if you’re not a fan of raisins, feel free to omit them.

It will still be undeniably delicious! If you’re looking for a warm & indulgent dessert that’s not overly sweet, you’ve come to the right place. When you make this classic bread pudding and pair it with a luscious vanilla sauce, you get the perfect dessert. The addition of vanilla sauce just sends it over the top. I’ve really been in the mood for some comfort food, and this delightful dessert reminds me of family traditions and cozy evenings. Not a fan of raisins? Don’t worry, it’s still delicious without them.

Kitchen Equipment Needed:

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium saucepan
• Baking dish (9×13 inch)
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing spoon
• Small saucepan (for sauce)
• Strainer (optional, for sauce)

Ingredients:

For the Bread Pudding:

• 4 cups cubed day-old bread (French or Italian bread works well)
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

For the Vanilla Sauce:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

For the Bread Pudding:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare Bread Mixture:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread and raisins (if using).
3. Make the Custard:
   • In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it’s warm but not boiling.
   • Remove from heat and stir in the melted butter.
4. Combine Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
   • Slowly add the warm milk mixture to the egg mixture, whisking constantly to avoid scrambling the eggs.
5. Assemble the Pudding:
   • Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes and gently stir to coat all the bread. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to soak up the custard.
   • Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

For the Vanilla Sauce:

1. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, and heavy cream over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
   • Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
   • Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
2. Serve:
   • Allow the bread pudding to cool slightly before serving. Drizzle the warm vanilla sauce over individual servings of bread pudding.
   • Enjoy your Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce warm.

This classic dessert is a perfect combination of creamy, comforting flavors that will transport you back to simpler times. Enjoy!