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Instructions for Making Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding:
1. Prepare the Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Cube the bread into bite-sized pieces and place them in the prepared baking dish. If the bread is not stale, you can toast the cubes in the oven for 5-10 minutes to help them absorb the custard better.
2. Make the Custard:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Make sure everything is fully incorporated, and the mixture is smooth.
3. Combine the Bread and Custard:
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cubed bread. Press down gently on the bread to ensure it absorbs the custard, then let it sit for about 15 minutes to allow the bread to soak.
- If using raisins, sprinkle them on top of the bread mixture, or fold them into the bread for an extra burst of sweetness.
4. Bake the Bread Pudding:
- Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the bread pudding mixture for an extra rich flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the bread pudding is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be slightly crisp, and the inside should be soft and custardy.
5. Prepare the Vanilla Sauce:
- While the bread pudding is baking, make the vanilla sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream, sugar, butter, and salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce begins to thicken slightly (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Set the sauce aside to cool slightly.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the bread pudding is done baking, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm with a generous drizzle of the homemade vanilla sauce.
- Optionally, garnish with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a sprinkle of cinnamon to make the dish even more indulgent.
Tips for Perfect Bread Pudding:
- Bread Selection: The best bread for this dessert is slightly stale bread, which absorbs the custard beautifully. If you’re using fresh bread, lightly toast it first to help it soak up the custard.
- Add-ins: You can add other dried fruits like currants, cranberries, or even chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra texture and flavor.
- Make-Ahead Option: This bread pudding can be assembled the night before and stored in the refrigerator. Just pop it in the oven the next day for a quick and easy dessert.
- Crispier Top: If you like a bit of crispiness on the top of your bread pudding, bake it uncovered for the last 10 minutes or place it under the broiler for a minute or two.
Why This Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding is a Must-Try:
There’s something undeniably comforting about Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce. This dessert is like a warm hug on a cold day—a perfect blend of sweet, creamy, and comforting flavors. The rich, custardy bread pudding paired with the silky vanilla sauce makes it a crowd-pleasing treat that’s both nostalgic and satisfying.
Whether you’re baking it for a family gathering, a special holiday meal, or just to indulge in something homemade and delicious, this classic recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to make a dessert that’s sure to leave everyone asking for seconds!
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