When it comes to nostalgic, comforting desserts, nothing quite compares to Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding. This dish is steeped in tradition, turning simple, day-old bread into a warm, custardy dessert that’s both economical and delicious. Topped with a creamy, sweet vanilla sauce, this bread pudding recipe embodies the flavors of home and brings back memories of family gatherings and holiday celebrations.
This old-fashioned recipe is a great way to reduce food waste, using leftover bread to create a dessert that’s as cozy as it is delectable. Each spoonful offers a delightful mix of textures—the soft, custardy center and the slight crispiness on the edges, all infused with cinnamon and vanilla flavors. Let’s dive into how to make this classic dessert and create a vanilla sauce that complements it beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bread pudding is a humble dessert with timeless appeal. It’s incredibly versatile, easy to make, and has a warming, comforting quality that’s perfect for any season. The best part? You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours of preparation. This recipe uses pantry staples, a few spices, and day-old bread, making it an ideal dessert when you’re craving something sweet but simple. The addition of a luscious vanilla sauce elevates the flavor, adding just the right amount of sweetness and creaminess to balance the spiced custard.
Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a holiday dinner, or as an everyday treat, Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Bread Pudding:
- 6 cups of day-old bread (French bread, challah, or any sturdy bread), cubed
- 3 cups milk (whole milk works best for creaminess)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for added warmth)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Vanilla Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Bread
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside. Place the cubed bread in a large mixing bowl. If the bread isn’t already stale, you can dry it out by toasting the cubes in the oven for a few minutes to help them absorb the custard mixture better.
2. Make the Custard
In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until everything is well combined. Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, gently pressing down to ensure all the bread is soaked. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to fully absorb the liquid.
3. Bake the Bread Pudding
Pour the soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set. The center should be firm but still slightly soft. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the vanilla sauce.
4. Make the Vanilla Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream, granulated sugar, and butter over medium heat. Stir constantly until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. The sauce should be smooth, creamy, and slightly thickened.
5. Serve
To serve, slice the warm bread pudding into squares and drizzle with the warm vanilla sauce. For a truly indulgent dessert, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side, or garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Tips for the Best Bread Pudding
- Use Stale Bread: Day-old or slightly stale bread works best for bread pudding because it absorbs the custard without becoming too mushy. If you don’t have stale bread on hand, you can dry out fresh bread by toasting it briefly in the oven.
- Choose the Right Bread: French bread, brioche, or challah are great choices as they’re sturdy and can hold up well when soaked. Avoid overly soft bread, as it may disintegrate during baking.
- Custard Consistency: The custard mixture should be well-whisked to create a smooth, creamy consistency. Adding melted butter to the custard enhances the richness of the pudding.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your pudding as it bakes. Overbaking can make it dry. You want the top to be golden brown with a slightly soft, custardy center.
- Vanilla Sauce Tips: Be careful not to overheat the vanilla sauce. A gentle simmer is all it needs to combine the flavors and thicken slightly.
Variations to Try
The classic bread pudding recipe can be customized to suit your tastes. Here are some delicious variations:
- Raisin Bread Pudding: Add 1/2 cup of raisins or sultanas to the bread mixture for a fruity twist.
- Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding: Sprinkle chocolate chips throughout the pudding before baking for a chocolatey touch.
- Bourbon Vanilla Sauce: Add a splash of bourbon to the vanilla sauce for a deeper, more complex flavor that pairs beautifully with the spiced pudding.
- Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding: Mix in diced apples and a dash of extra cinnamon to the custard for a fall-inspired version.
Serving Suggestions
Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is a versatile dessert that pairs well with a variety of sides and toppings. Serve it warm for the best texture and flavor. Here are some great ideas:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream melts over the warm pudding for an extra creamy, indulgent treat.
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a fresh, tart contrast to the sweet, rich flavors.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds lightness and an airy texture to every bite.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Any Occasion
Bread pudding is a timeless dessert that’s perfect for gatherings, holiday celebrations, or a comforting weeknight treat. It’s easy to make in large batches and can be prepared ahead of time, which makes it ideal for entertaining. Plus, with such simple ingredients, it’s an economical way to make a delicious dessert for a crowd.
Bread pudding also has a nostalgic appeal, reminding many people of childhood memories and family traditions. Its versatility and simplicity make it a great addition to any dessert lineup.
Make It Today!
If you’re looking to bring a touch of nostalgia to your kitchen, try making Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce. It’s a dessert that combines rich flavors, simple ingredients, and a comforting texture in every bite. Whether you’re sharing it with family, friends, or enjoying it on a cozy evening, this bread pudding recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite.
So grab some bread, a few pantry staples, and whip up this classic dessert to enjoy a taste of home!
Enjoy this warm, creamy, and indulgent bread pudding that will bring back the wonderful memories of Grandma’s kitchen.
