By This Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce balances hearty flavor with a straightforward process, so you get a reliable, delicious result every time.
Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce captures the essence of desserts|puddings & mousses while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
For the Bread Pudding:
4 cups (about 8 slices) cubed white bread
½ cup raisins (optional)
2 cups milk
¼ cup unsalted butter
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, slightly beaten
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Vanilla Sauce:
½ cup unsalted butter
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup firmly packed brown sugar
½ cup heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
PREPARATION STEPS
1. Prepare the Bread Pudding:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
Soak the Bread: Place the bread cubes and raisins (if using) in the prepared baking dish.
Make the Custard: In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and butter over medium heat until the butter melts. Remove from heat and whisk in the sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and nutmeg.
Assemble and Bake: Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, pressing gently to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Make the Vanilla Sauce:
Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and heavy cream. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Serve:
Pour the warm vanilla sauce over the bread pudding just before serving.
ORIGIN
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 55 min | Servings: 12 | Calories: ~320 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRINGS
Coffee; Tea; Vanilla ice cream; Fresh berries
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
