Bread pudding holds a special place in many hearts as a comforting, soul-warming dessert. This recipe, handed down through generations, captures the essence of tradition with its rich flavors and creamy vanilla sauce. Perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings at home, it’s sure to evoke memories of Grandma’s kitchen and her lovingly prepared treats.
Ingredients:
For Pudding:
- 3 ½ cups cubes from White Bread slices
- 1 ½ cups Whole Milk
- ½ cup Evaporated Milk
- 3 tbsp Condensed Milk
- 2 eggs, at room temperature
- ½ cup Raisins
- 1/3 cup + 3 tbsp butter, at room temperature
- 1/3 cup Granulated Sugar
- ½ tsp Nutmeg, powdered
- ½ tsp Cinnamon, powdered
- 1 tsp Vanilla
For Vanilla Sauce:
- 2/3 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- 1/3 cup butter, at room temperature
- ½ cup Confectionary Sugar
- 2 tbsp Condensed Milk
- 1 tbsp Vanilla
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bread Pudding:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a baking dish or casserole dish generously with butter.
2. Prepare the Bread:
- Cube the white bread slices into 1-inch cubes until you have approximately 3 ½ cups. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
3. Make the Custard Mixture:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole milk, evaporated milk, condensed milk, eggs, 1/3 cup of butter (melted), granulated sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla until well combined.
- Pour this custard mixture over the cubed bread in the mixing bowl. Add the raisins and gently toss to coat the bread evenly.
4. Assemble and Bake:
- Transfer the bread mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Dot the top with the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter, cut into small pieces.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.
5. Make the Vanilla Sauce:
- While the pudding is baking, prepare the vanilla sauce. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy whipping cream over medium heat until it starts to simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the butter until melted.
- Add the confectionary sugar, condensed milk, and vanilla. Whisk continuously until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
6. Serve:
- Remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Slice the pudding into squares or spoon it into bowls.
- Drizzle generously with the warm vanilla sauce before serving.
Cooking Tips:
- Bread Selection: Use slightly stale white bread for the best texture. The cubes should absorb the custard without becoming too soggy.
- Raisins: If you prefer, soak the raisins in warm water or rum beforehand to plump them up and infuse them with flavor.
- Custard Consistency: Ensure the custard mixture thoroughly coats the bread cubes before baking to achieve a creamy texture throughout.
- Oven Temperature: Monitor the baking closely to prevent the top from burning. Cover loosely with foil if it browns too quickly.
Variations:
- Fruit Additions: Experiment with different fruits like diced apples, berries, or even dried fruits like apricots or cranberries.
- Nutty Twist: Fold in chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
- Spice It Up: Enhance the flavor profile with a pinch of cardamom, cloves, or ginger in the custard mixture.
Historical Significance:
Bread pudding has humble origins, dating back to times when frugality and making the most of ingredients were essential. It evolved as a way to use leftover bread, transforming it into a comforting dessert with simple pantry staples. Over time, regional variations and family recipes have added depth and richness to this beloved dish, making it a timeless favorite.
Grandma’s Old Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce not only satisfies the sweet tooth but also warms the soul with its nostalgic flavors and comforting aroma. Whether enjoyed on its own or shared with loved ones, this dessert embodies the spirit of home-cooked goodness and the enduring legacy of cherished family recipes.
Next time you crave a dessert that’s both indulgent and comforting, give this recipe a try. You’ll discover why bread pudding has endured through generations as a symbol of love, tradition, and delicious simplicity.
