Oh, the sweet nostalgia of grandma’s cooking! Whenever I think of her kitchen, I can almost smell the warm, comforting aromas wafting through the air. One of my absolute favorites has to be grandma’s old fashioned bread pudding with vanilla sauce. This classic dessert is more than just a recipe; it’s a family tradition that brings everyone together. I remember those cozy family gatherings where we’d sit around the table, eagerly waiting for her to serve up that golden-brown goodness, drizzled with rich vanilla sauce. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like it to warm your heart and fill your belly!
Ingredients for Grandma’s Old Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to create the most comforting bread pudding ever:
- 6 cups stale bread, cubed (day-old bread works best for that perfect texture)
- 2 cups milk (whole milk is fantastic, but you can use whatever you have on hand)
- 1 cup packed sugar (feel free to adjust to your sweetness preference)
- 4 large eggs (bring them to room temperature for a smoother mix)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (the real deal makes a big difference!)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (this adds that cozy warmth)
- 1/4 cup raisins (or substitute with chocolate chips or nuts for a twist!)
Make sure you have everything ready before diving into the preparation—trust me, it makes the process so much smoother!
How to Prepare Grandma’s Old Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
Let’s dive into the heart of making grandma’s old fashioned bread pudding! First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key for that perfect golden-brown crust!
In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. I like to whisk it all together until it’s beautifully blended—just imagine that sweet smell already filling your kitchen! Then, gently fold in the cubed stale bread and raisins. Make sure every piece of bread gets soaked in that rich mixture; it’s what makes this pudding so divine.
Now comes the fun part! Transfer your delicious mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This might get a little messy, but who cares—it’s all part of the experience! Pop it in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden and a little crispy, and your kitchen is filled with the most heavenly aroma.
While that’s baking, you can whip up the vanilla sauce—I’ll share that in a bit! Once your bread pudding is ready, let it cool slightly before serving. Trust me, the wait is worth it when you drizzle that warm vanilla sauce on top. Enjoy every bite of this comforting classic that’s sure to bring back those cherished memories!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s the ultimate comfort food that warms your heart and soul.
- Simple ingredients make for an easy and quick preparation.
- The rich, creamy vanilla sauce takes it to another level of indulgence.
- This bread pudding is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
- It’s versatile—substitute raisins with chocolate chips or nuts to mix things up!
- Leftovers (if there are any) taste even better the next day!
Tips for Success
To ensure your grandma’s old fashioned bread pudding turns out perfectly, here are some tried-and-true tips! First, always use day-old bread; it soaks up the liquid better and gives that lovely texture. If your bread is fresh, you can dry it out in the oven for a few minutes. Allow the cubed bread to soak in the milk mixture for at least 15 minutes—this step is crucial for flavor and moisture!
Keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is different, so start checking for that golden crust around the 40-minute mark. Finally, letting it cool for a few minutes before serving helps set the pudding and makes it easier to slice. Enjoy the deliciousness!
Variations of Grandma’s Old Fashioned Bread Pudding
One of the best things about grandma’s old fashioned bread pudding is how easily it can be customized! If you want to switch things up a bit, consider using chocolate chips instead of raisins for a sweet twist that’ll make dessert lovers swoon. You can also add a handful of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for a delightful crunch.
Feeling adventurous? Try adding a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor. Or how about a splash of bourbon or rum in the vanilla sauce for an adult twist? The possibilities are endless, and each variation brings its own charm to this classic dish!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious grandma’s old fashioned bread pudding fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay good for about 3-4 days—if it lasts that long! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds. You can also warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for around 10-15 minutes. Just cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. Pair it with a drizzle of vanilla sauce again, and you’ll feel like it was just made fresh! Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for a slice of grandma’s old fashioned bread pudding with vanilla sauce, based on typical ingredients:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use, but it’s a delicious treat worth savoring!
FAQ about Grandma’s Old Fashioned Bread Pudding
Can I use fresh bread for this recipe?
While stale bread works best for soaking up the mixture, you can use fresh bread. Just dry it out in the oven for a bit to get it nice and firm!
How can I make it gluten-free?
To make grandma’s old fashioned bread pudding gluten-free, simply use gluten-free bread. The rest of the recipe remains the same, and it’ll still be delicious!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pudding in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What’s the best way to serve it?
I love serving it warm, drizzled with rich vanilla sauce. You can also top it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
How do I know when it’s done baking?
Your bread pudding is ready when it’s golden brown on top and no longer jiggles in the center. A toothpick inserted should come out clean. Enjoy!
Grandma’s Old Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Bliss
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This is a classic bread pudding recipe made with stale bread and a rich vanilla sauce.
Ingredients
- 6 cups stale bread, cubed
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Add the cubed bread and raisins, mixing until the bread is soaked.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown.
- While baking, prepare the vanilla sauce.
- Serve warm with the vanilla sauce drizzled on top.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for best results.
- You can substitute raisins with chocolate chips or nuts.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: grandmas old fashioned bread pudding, vanilla sauce, dessert, bread pudding recipe
