Ah, bread pudding! This classic dessert has a rich history, often associated with frugality and resourcefulness. It’s a delicious way to use up stale bread, transforming simple ingredients into a warm, comforting treat. I can still remember my grandma bustling around the kitchen, her apron dusted with flour, as she whipped up her famous *grandmas old fashioned bread pudding with vanilla sauce*. It’s that unmistakable combination of soft, custardy goodness with a drizzle of creamy vanilla sauce that makes this dish feel like a warm hug. Every bite takes me back to cozy family gatherings, where laughter filled the air and the sweet aroma of baking pudding was irresistible. Trust me, this recipe will bring you those same delightful memories!
Ingredients
- 4 cups cubed day-old bread
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raisins, optional
How to Prepare *Grandmas Old Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce*
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat and Soak
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want the pudding to bake evenly and come out nice and golden. While that’s heating up, take your cubed bread and toss it into a large bowl. Pour in the milk, and let it soak for about 15 minutes. This soaking step is crucial—it allows the bread to absorb all that creamy goodness, resulting in a soft, custardy texture. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!
Mix Ingredients
Once the bread has soaked up the milk, it’s time to mix in the rest of the ingredients. Grab a whisk and add the sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt to the bowl. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. I like to use a spatula for this part to make sure I get every last bit of goodness incorporated. You want that sweet aroma of vanilla and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen—oh, it’s heavenly!
Incorporate Raisins
If you’re adding raisins (and I highly recommend it for that extra burst of sweetness), gently fold them into the mixture now. Just be careful not to overmix—this can break down the bread too much, and we want to keep those lovely, soft chunks intact!
Bake the Pudding
Now, pour your luscious mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread it evenly, and pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until the top is set and golden brown. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s puffed up and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The smell will be incredible, so try not to sneak too many bites before it’s done!
Prepare the Vanilla Sauce
While your pudding is baking, let’s whip up that rich vanilla sauce. In a small saucepan, combine some sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, and heat it until it’s warm and the sugar has dissolved. You can keep it on low heat until the pudding is ready. Then, drizzle it generously over each serving of your warm bread pudding—it’s the perfect finishing touch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you why *grandmas old fashioned bread pudding with vanilla sauce* is a must-try! First off, the ingredients are super simple—just basic pantry staples that you probably already have on hand. This means you can whip it up anytime the craving hits!
Then there are the flavors. Oh boy, the comforting warmth of cinnamon and vanilla will wrap around you like a cozy blanket. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you feel right at home, no matter where you are.
This bread pudding is also perfect for gatherings. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual dinner with friends, everyone loves it! It’s a crowd-pleaser that will have your loved ones coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).
Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can dress it up with different fruits or nuts or keep it classic—either way, it’s delicious. And if you want to get ahead of the game, you can easily make it a day in advance. Just reheat it, add the vanilla sauce, and you’re all set! Trust me, this recipe ticks all the boxes for a fantastic dessert experience!
Tips for Success
Now, let’s talk about how to make your *grandmas old fashioned bread pudding with vanilla sauce* absolutely perfect! First up, always use day-old bread if you can. It’s drier and will soak up that milk beautifully, giving you the best texture. Fresh bread can turn mushy, and we definitely don’t want that!
Next, pay attention to the sweetness. The beauty of this recipe is that you can adjust the sugar to your taste. If you like it sweeter, feel free to add a bit more sugar, but remember, the vanilla sauce will add extra sweetness too!
Another key tip is to ensure that your ingredients are well mixed but not overdone. You want to combine everything just until it’s incorporated—this helps maintain those lovely chunks of bread that make the pudding so comforting.
Also, keep an eye on your baking time. Every oven is different, so start checking a bit early. Your pudding should be set in the middle and golden on top. A toothpick should come out clean when it’s ready! If it’s browning too quickly, just cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Lastly, let it cool a bit before serving. I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but a few minutes will help it set up perfectly and make serving easier. Follow these tips, and you’ll have a bread pudding that’s not just good, but truly unforgettable!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying *grandmas old fashioned bread pudding with vanilla sauce*, it’s nice to know a bit about what you’re indulging in! Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional values for one serving:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 6g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. It’s all about balance, and enjoying a slice of this delightful dessert is definitely worth it! So, go ahead and savor every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! One of the best things about *grandmas old fashioned bread pudding with vanilla sauce* is that it can be made ahead. Just prepare it the day before, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven to reheat, and don’t forget to make that delicious vanilla sauce fresh!
What type of bread works best?
I love using day-old bread for this recipe, as it absorbs the milk beautifully. A classic white bread, challah, or even brioche works wonders! Just make sure it’s not too fresh; you want it to be a bit stale to get that perfect custardy texture.
Can I add other fruits or nuts?
Oh, you bet! Feel free to get creative! You can add chopped apples, pears, or even nuts like pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch. Just remember to keep the balance right so that the bread pudding remains that comforting blend of flavors!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers—though I doubt it!—just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should be good for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply reheat in the oven or microwave. It’s just as comforting the next day!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying *grandmas old fashioned bread pudding with vanilla sauce*, the right accompaniments can elevate the experience to a whole new level! First off, you can’t go wrong with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. As it melts into the warm pudding, it creates a creamy, dreamy combination that’s simply irresistible!
If you’re feeling a little more indulgent, a dollop of freshly whipped cream is another fantastic option. It adds a light, airy touch that perfectly balances the rich flavors of the bread pudding. Just imagine the contrast of the soft, warm pudding with that fluffy cream—heavenly!
For a fresher twist, consider serving it alongside some seasonal fruits. Slices of fresh strawberries, peaches, or even a handful of blueberries can add a burst of color and a touch of tartness that cuts through the sweetness beautifully. Plus, it makes your dessert plate look so inviting!
And let’s not forget about drizzling a little extra vanilla sauce on top or around the plate for that finishing touch. It’s all about enhancing those comforting flavors and making every bite a delightful experience. Trust me, you’ll want to try all these combinations—you won’t regret it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about how to store those delicious leftovers of *grandmas old fashioned bread pudding with vanilla sauce*! If you find yourself with any extra (which, let’s be honest, is pretty rare!), the key is to keep it fresh and tasty. First, allow the bread pudding to cool completely at room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. Just make sure it’s sealed well to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any funky fridge smells!
Now, when you’re ready to enjoy that warm, comforting goodness again, reheating is a breeze. You can pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too—just heat it in short bursts of 30 seconds, checking in between to make sure it doesn’t get too hot. I recommend microwaving individual portions so you can enjoy it warm without reheating the whole batch.
And don’t forget to drizzle on some of that luscious vanilla sauce just before serving—it’ll bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven magic! Trust me, this bread pudding is just as delightful the next day, and with these easy storage and reheating tips, you can savor that homemade comfort whenever the craving strikes!
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Grandmas Old Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Bliss
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic dessert made with bread, milk, eggs, and spices, topped with a rich vanilla sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 cups bread cubes
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine bread cubes and milk. Let it soak for 15 minutes.
- Add sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well.
- If using, fold in raisins.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until set and golden brown.
- While baking, prepare the vanilla sauce.
- Serve warm with vanilla sauce on top.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for best results.
- Adjust sugar to taste.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: grandmas old fashioned bread pudding, bread pudding with vanilla sauce, classic bread pudding
