Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce: A Timeless Treat
Transport yourself back to simpler times with Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding, a classic dessert that’s both comforting and nostalgic. Made with humble ingredients like bread, milk, eggs, and spices, this bread pudding is a testament to the beauty of simplicity. But what truly sets it apart is the decadent vanilla sauce that’s poured generously over the top, adding richness and sweetness to every bite. Whether you’re craving a cozy dessert for a family gathering or simply want to indulge in a bit of culinary nostalgia, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds and warm your heart. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce from scratch!
Ingredients:
For the Bread Pudding:
- 4 cups (8 slices) cubed white bread
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 eggs, slightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Vanilla Sauce:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 2-quart baking dish and set aside.
- Prepare Bread: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed white bread and raisins.
- Heat Milk and Butter: In a saucepan, heat the milk and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted. Do not boil.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the hot milk and butter mixture over the bread and raisins. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
- Add Sugar, Eggs, Vanilla, and Nutmeg: Add the sugar, slightly beaten eggs, vanilla, and ground nutmeg to the bread mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the bread pudding mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the pudding is set and golden brown on top.
- Make Vanilla Sauce: While the bread pudding is baking, prepare the vanilla sauce. In a saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, brown sugar, and heavy whipping cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Serve: Serve the warm bread pudding with a generous drizzle of vanilla sauce.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Bread Variation: Feel free to use any type of bread you have on hand, such as brioche, challah, or French bread. Stale bread works best for absorbing the custard mixture.
- Fruit Variation: If you’re not a fan of raisins, you can omit them or substitute them with other dried fruits such as cranberries, apricots, or cherries.
- Nut Variation: For added crunch and flavor, you can fold in chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts into the bread pudding mixture.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto Version:
- Substitute the white bread with low-carb bread or almond flour bread to reduce the carb content of the pudding.
- Use a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia in place of sugar in both the bread pudding and the vanilla sauce.
Low-Carb Version:
- Reduce the amount of sugar used in both the bread pudding and the vanilla sauce, or replace it with a low-carb sweetener to lower the carb content.
- Use heavy cream instead of milk to further reduce the carb content of the pudding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I make this bread pudding ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the bread pudding ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and bake it the next day as directed.
2. Can I freeze leftover bread pudding? Yes, you can freeze leftover bread pudding for up to 3 months. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
3. Can I use store-bought vanilla sauce instead of making it from scratch? While homemade vanilla sauce adds a special touch to the bread pudding, you can certainly use store-bought vanilla sauce if you’re short on time. Just warm it up before serving.
4. Can I serve the bread pudding cold? While bread pudding is typically served warm, you can certainly enjoy it cold if you prefer. It’s delicious either way!
Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is a timeless dessert that’s sure to evoke fond memories of days gone by. With its simple ingredients and comforting flavors, it’s a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply craving a taste of nostalgia. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of warm and comforting bread pudding, topped with a generous drizzle of homemade vanilla sauce. It’s a treat that’s sure to bring joy to your taste buds and warmth to your soul!
