There’s something truly magical about the aroma of grandma’s old fashioned bread pudding with vanilla sauce wafting through the house, isn’t there? It takes me back to sunny afternoons spent in her cozy kitchen, where she’d whip up this timeless dessert with love and a sprinkle of nostalgia. Each spoonful of this bread pudding feels like a warm hug, with its soft, custardy texture and those sweet, creamy notes of vanilla. I remember gathering around the table with my family, eagerly waiting for her to serve it warm, drizzled with that oh-so-delicious vanilla sauce. This recipe captures all those cherished moments and brings them right back to life, making it the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to share it with your loved ones too!
Ingredients for Grandma’s Old Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful dessert:
- 6 cups of stale bread, cubed (any leftover bread works great!)
- 2 cups of milk (whole milk is best for creaminess)
- 4 large eggs (make sure they’re at room temperature)
- 1 cup of sugar (add a little more if you like it sweeter)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (don’t skimp on quality—pure is best)
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon (for that warm, cozy flavor)
- 1/2 cup of raisins (optional, but they add a lovely chewiness)
- 1/4 cup of butter, melted (this adds richness and flavor)
Gather these ingredients, and you’re all set to get started on this comforting classic!
How to Prepare Grandma’s Old Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
Getting this delicious bread pudding ready is as easy as pie! Here’s how to do it:
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Whisk it all together until everything is well mixed and smooth. You want that rich, creamy base!
- Now, add the cubed stale bread to the mixture. If you’re using raisins, toss those in too! Stir gently until all the bread is soaked and coated with the custard mixture. Don’t rush this part; let that bread absorb all the goodness!
- Pour the melted butter into a baking dish, making sure the bottom is well coated. Then, transfer the soaked bread mixture into the baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell wafting from your oven will be heavenly!
- While the pudding is baking, you can prepare your vanilla sauce. Once it’s done, serve it warm with a generous drizzle of that creamy sauce on top. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s an incredibly easy recipe—perfect for beginner bakers!
- Each bite is a comforting reminder of family gatherings and love-filled kitchens.
- The rich, creamy vanilla sauce takes it over the top, making it irresistibly delicious.
- It’s a great way to use up stale bread, turning something old into something magical!
- Perfect for cozy nights in or impressing friends at a gathering.
Tips for Success
To make your grandma’s old fashioned bread pudding with vanilla sauce truly shine, here are some handy tips! First, use stale bread—day-old or even a couple of days old is perfect. This helps it absorb the custard without becoming mushy. For texture, aim for a mix of crusty bread and softer varieties; this adds a delightful contrast in every bite. When serving, don’t hold back on that vanilla sauce; it’s the star of the show! A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side also takes it to a whole new level. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Variations of Grandma’s Old Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
One of the best things about grandma’s old fashioned bread pudding with vanilla sauce is how versatile it is! You can easily customize it to match your taste or whatever you have on hand. For a fruity twist, try adding chopped apples or pears; they’ll caramelize beautifully as they bake. Want to spice things up? A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom adds a fragrant kick. You can also mix in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch! Feeling adventurous? Swirl in some chocolate chips or even a spoonful of peanut butter for a fun flavor surprise. The possibilities are endless—get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your grandma’s old fashioned bread pudding with vanilla sauce, you might have some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). To store, simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to three days—just make sure it’s well covered to stay fresh!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds to a minute, or pop the whole dish back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Just be careful not to overheat it, as you want that lovely, soft texture to remain!
Nutritional Information
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. The values provided are estimates and not precise. Always feel free to adjust according to your dietary needs and preferences!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh bread instead of stale?
While you can use fresh bread, stale bread works best for grandma’s old fashioned bread pudding with vanilla sauce as it absorbs the custard better without becoming too soggy.
What can I substitute for raisins?
If raisins aren’t your thing, feel free to swap them out for dried cranberries, chopped apricots, or even fresh berries for a delicious twist!
How do I know when the pudding is done?
The pudding is ready when the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. It should also feel set but still slightly soft in the middle.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture the night before, refrigerate it, and then bake it the next day for a hassle-free dessert.
What’s the best way to serve it?
This bread pudding is best served warm, drizzled generously with the creamy vanilla sauce. Add a scoop of ice cream if you’re feeling indulgent!
Grandma’s Old Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Bliss
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic bread pudding recipe with a rich vanilla sauce.
Ingredients
- 6 cups of stale bread, cubed
- 2 cups of milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 cup of raisins (optional)
- 1/4 cup of butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Add the cubed bread and raisins (if using) to the mixture and stir until well combined.
- Pour the melted butter into a baking dish.
- Transfer the bread mixture into the baking dish.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until set and golden brown.
- While baking, prepare the vanilla sauce.
- Serve warm with vanilla sauce drizzled on top.
Notes
- Use any leftover bread you have on hand.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: grandmas old fashioned bread pudding with vanilla sauce
