Welcome to the kitchen of nostalgia and comfort, where we’re about to embark on a culinary journey back in time. Today, I’m going to share with you a recipe that has been passed down through generations in my family – Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce. This classic dessert is a warm, sweet embrace in every bite, reminiscent of simpler times. It’s perfect for anyone who appreciates the timeless beauty of traditional recipes that stand the test of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat bread instead of white bread?
While white bread is traditional for this recipe, you can absolutely use whole wheat bread if you prefer a slightly heartier flavor. The texture may be a bit denser, but it can still be incredibly delicious.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
To reheat individual portions, place them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, depending on your microwave’s power. You can also reheat larger portions in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Kitchen Equipment
Before you begin, gather your kitchen equipment. You’ll need the following:
- 1-quart saucepan
- 1 1/2-quart casserole dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
- Individual dessert dishes for serving
- Refrigerator for storing leftovers
Ingredients
Pudding Ingredients:
- 4 cups (8 slices) cubed white bread
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 eggs, slightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
Directions
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce.
Making the Pudding
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cubed white bread and raisins. Set this bowl aside.
- In a 1-quart saucepan, combine the milk and 1/4 cup of butter. Cook over medium heat until the butter is completely melted. This should take around 4 to 7 minutes.
- Once the butter has melted, pour this warm milk mixture over the bread and raisins. Allow it to stand for 10 minutes, giving the bread time to soak up the creamy goodness.
- After the 10 minutes have passed, stir in all the remaining pudding ingredients: sugar, eggs, vanilla, and ground nutmeg. Mix until well combined.
- Grease a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish and pour the bread pudding mixture into it.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes or until the pudding is set in the center. You’ll know it’s done when it’s golden brown and firm to the touch.
Preparing the Vanilla Sauce
- While the pudding is baking, let’s make the delicious vanilla sauce. In a 1-quart saucepan, combine all the sauce ingredients except the vanilla.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You’ll want to continue cooking until the sauce thickens and comes to a full boil. This typically takes 5 to 8 minutes.
- Once the sauce is ready, stir in the vanilla and remove it from the heat.