Ah, Grandma’s Old Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce—what a warm hug of a dessert! Whenever I think about this classic recipe, I’m instantly whisked back to my childhood, where the kitchen would fill with the sweet, comforting aroma of cinnamon and vanilla. It’s one of those dishes that feels like home, bringing family together around the table, sharing stories and laughter. With simple ingredients that are often on hand, this pudding is a delightful way to use up stale bread, transforming it into something magical. Each spoonful is a blend of soft, custardy goodness, topped with that heavenly vanilla sauce. Trust me, once you serve this at your next gathering, you’ll be creating new memories and traditions for generations to come!
Ingredients for Grandma’s Old Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step towards creating this delightful dessert. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 cups stale bread, cubed – Use any bread you have on hand; French, challah, or even brioche work beautifully!
- 2 cups milk – Whole milk is my go-to for a rich texture, but you can use any milk you prefer.
- 1 cup sugar – This gives the pudding its sweet touch—feel free to adjust based on your taste!
- 4 eggs – They act as the binding agent for that lovely custard consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Go for pure vanilla if you can; it makes all the difference in flavor!
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon – This adds a warm, cozy aroma that makes this dessert irresistible.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional) – I love adding these for a little burst of sweetness, but they’re totally optional!
- 2 tablespoons butter – Dotting the top with butter gives it a lovely golden crust.
Make sure to cube the bread into bite-sized pieces for even soaking and baking. Trust me, each ingredient plays a vital role in making this bread pudding a family favorite!
How to Prepare Grandma’s Old Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the magic of making this comforting bread pudding! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dessert in no time.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bread pudding bakes evenly and comes out perfectly set.
Prepare the Bread Mixture
In a large bowl, toss together the cubed stale bread and the raisins (if you’re using them). Make sure the bread is all nicely coated. This is where the magic begins, as the bread will soak up all those lovely flavors!
Mix the Custard Ingredients
Now, grab another bowl and whisk together the milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. I like to whisk until it’s nice and smooth—this helps to combine everything and ensures a creamy custard. Don’t rush this step; it’s all about making that luscious base!
Combine and Soak
Pour that delightful custard mixture over the bread and raisins. Give it a gentle stir to make sure all the bread is soaked, then let it sit for 10 minutes. This is crucial, as it allows the bread to absorb all those wonderful flavors and moisture. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Transfer and Bake
Next, transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Don’t forget to dot the top with butter—this will give your bread pudding a beautiful, golden crust! Now, pop it in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes or until it’s set and the top is a lovely golden brown. You’ll know it’s done when a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Just wait until you smell that heavenly aroma filling your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients – You likely already have everything you need in your pantry!
- Comforting flavors – The combination of warm spices and sweet custard brings a sense of nostalgia that warms the soul.
- Great for gatherings – This dish is perfect for serving a crowd, making it a hit at family dinners and holiday celebrations.
- Can be made ahead – Prepare it a day in advance and simply reheat before serving, saving you time on the big day!
- Customizable – Feel free to mix in your favorite add-ins like nuts or different dried fruits for a personal touch.
- Delicious vanilla sauce – Drizzle it on top for an extra layer of sweetness that takes this dessert to another level.
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note: the nutritional information for Grandma’s Old Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, while I’ve provided some general values, please keep in mind that these are not precisely accurate. It’s always a good idea to check the labels of your ingredients for the most accurate information. Enjoy every delicious bite without worrying too much about the numbers—this dessert is all about comfort and joy!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Grandma’s Old Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce turns out absolutely perfect, here are some tried-and-true tips that I swear by:
- Use Stale Bread – The drier the bread, the better it soaks up that custard! If you don’t have stale bread, you can lightly toast fresh bread in the oven for a few minutes to dry it out.
- Mix Up Your Bread – Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of bread! Croissants, brioche, or even a mix of whole grain and white bread can add unique flavors and textures.
- Don’t Skip the Soaking Time – Letting the bread soak in the custard for a full 10 minutes is crucial. This is when the magic happens, and it helps prevent a dry pudding.
- Check for Doneness – Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your pudding as it bakes. It’s done when the center is set and a knife inserted comes out clean—trust your instincts!
- Serve Warm – This pudding is best served warm with that luscious vanilla sauce drizzled on top. If you have leftovers, gently reheat them in the oven or microwave, but be careful not to dry it out.
- Get Creative with Add-ins – Feel free to toss in some chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or different dried fruits. This recipe is super versatile, so make it your own!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to making a bread pudding that’ll impress everyone at the table. Happy baking!
FAQ About Grandma’s Old Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
Here are some common questions I get about this delicious bread pudding. I’ve got you covered with some quick answers to help you out!
Can I use fresh bread?
Absolutely! While stale bread works best because it soaks up the custard better, you can use fresh bread. Just give it a light toast in the oven for a few minutes to dry it out a bit, and you’ll be good to go!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the oven or microwave—just be cautious not to dry it out!
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Just swap out the regular bread for your favorite gluten-free bread. It should work just fine, and you still get that comforting flavor and texture!
What if I don’t have vanilla extract?
No worries! You can substitute it with almond extract for a different twist, or simply leave it out if you don’t have any on hand. The pudding will still be delicious!
Can I freeze bread pudding?
You bet! Once it’s cooled completely, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Just remember, it’s best enjoyed fresh!
How do I know when it’s done baking?
Your bread pudding is done when it’s set in the center and a knife inserted comes out clean. It should have a lovely golden top and smell heavenly—trust your nose!
With these FAQs, I hope you feel more confident making Grandma’s Old Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce. Enjoy every bite of this comforting dessert!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up this delightful Grandma’s Old Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce, let’s talk about how to elevate your serving experience! While this dessert is scrumptious on its own, pairing it with a few extra touches makes it a true showstopper.
- Vanilla Sauce – Of course, you can’t forget to drizzle on that rich vanilla sauce! It adds a creamy sweetness that perfectly complements the warm, custardy pudding.
- Whipped Cream – A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top can take this dessert to the next level! It adds a light, airy texture that contrasts beautifully with the dense pudding.
- Fresh Berries – Serve with a side of fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. Their tartness balances the sweetness and adds a pop of color to your plate.
- Caramel Sauce – For a decadent twist, drizzle some warm caramel sauce over the top. The combination of caramel and vanilla is simply heavenly!
- Nuts – If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle some toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts on top for an added crunch and nuttiness that enhances the overall flavor.
- Coffee or Tea – Pair a warm serving of bread pudding with a cup of coffee or herbal tea. The comforting warmth of the beverage complements the pudding perfectly, making it a cozy end to any meal.
These serving suggestions will not only enhance the flavors but also create a beautiful presentation that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy every delightful bite of your homemade bread pudding!
Imprimer
Grandma’s Old Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Bliss
- Temps Total: 1 hour
- Rendement: 8 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A classic dessert made with bread, eggs, milk, and spices, served with a rich vanilla sauce.
Ingrédients
- 4 cups stale bread, cubed
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine bread cubes and raisins.
- In another bowl, whisk together milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the mixture over the bread and let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Dot with butter.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until set.
Notes
- Serve warm with vanilla sauce.
- Can be made a day in advance.
- For added flavor, use different types of bread.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 45 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 20g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 8g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 2g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 40g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 6g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 75mg
Mots-clés: grandmas old fashioned bread pudding, vanilla sauce, bread pudding recipe
