Grandma’s Bread Pudding: A Timeless Classic
There’s something truly special about the aroma of freshly baked bread pudding wafting through the kitchen. It evokes memories of warmth, comfort, and the joy of sharing delicious homemade treats with loved ones. Today, we’re bringing you a recipe that’s been passed down through generations: Grandma’s Bread Pudding. Made with simple ingredients and served with a decadent bourbon sauce, this dessert is sure to become a beloved family favorite.
Ingredients:
For the Bread Pudding:
- 1 loaf French bread, best stale
- 2 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 3 eggs
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons bourbon
For the Bourbon Sauce:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup bourbon
Instructions:
- Prepare the Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Tear the stale French bread into bite-sized pieces and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy whipping cream, whole milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and bourbon until well combined.
- Pour Over Bread: Pour the custard mixture over the bread pieces, ensuring that all the bread is soaked evenly. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the liquid.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the bread pudding is set and golden brown on top.
- Make the Bourbon Sauce: While the bread pudding is baking, prepare the bourbon sauce. In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the sugar and stir until dissolved. Remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, then gradually add it to the butter and sugar mixture, whisking constantly. Return the saucepan to low heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the bourbon.
- Serve: Once the bread pudding is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm with a generous drizzle of bourbon sauce.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Use Day-Old Bread: Stale or day-old bread works best for bread pudding as it absorbs the custard mixture more readily, resulting in a richer texture.
- Add Raisins or Nuts: For added flavor and texture, you can fold in a cup of raisins or chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) into the bread pudding before baking.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to customize the flavor of the custard by adding spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to taste.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto Version: To make a keto-friendly version of this recipe, substitute the sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia. Replace the French bread with a low-carb bread alternative, and use heavy cream instead of whole milk to reduce the carb content. For the bourbon sauce, use a sugar-free sweetener and reduce the amount of bourbon to your preference.
- Low-Carb Version: Similar to the keto version, use a low-carb sweetener in place of sugar and opt for a low-carb bread option. You can also reduce the amount of sweetener used in both the bread pudding and the bourbon sauce to further reduce the carb content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe? A: While French bread works beautifully in this recipe, you can certainly experiment with other types of bread such as brioche or challah for a richer flavor.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time? A: Absolutely! You can assemble the bread pudding ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Prepare the bourbon sauce just before serving.
Q: Can I omit the bourbon from the recipe? A: Yes, if you prefer not to use bourbon, you can simply omit it from both the bread pudding and the sauce. The bread pudding will still be delicious, albeit without the distinctive bourbon flavor.
Q: How should I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven before serving.
Grandma’s Bread Pudding is more than just a dessert—it’s a taste of nostalgia and a celebration of family traditions. With its luscious custard, tender bread, and irresistible bourbon sauce, this recipe captures the essence of comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat to enjoy with loved ones, this bread pudding is sure to leave a lasting impression. So gather your ingredients, channel your inner baker, and prepare to delight your taste buds with this timeless classic!
