Ah, grandma’s kitchen—there’s just something magical about it, right? The aroma of freshly baked treats wafting through the air and the warmth of love in every bite. One of my all-time favorites is grandma’s old fashioned bread pudding with vanilla sauce. It’s comfort food at its finest, reminding me of cozy family gatherings where everyone would gather around the table, sharing stories and laughter. I can still picture her in that bustling kitchen, expertly whipping up this classic dessert, and I’m so excited to share this recipe with you! Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it a part of your family traditions too!
Ingredients for Grandma’s Old Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to recreate that delicious, nostalgic bread pudding:
- 6 cups cubed stale bread: Any type of bread will do—white, whole wheat, or even brioche! The staler, the better, as it soaks up all that custardy goodness.
- 4 cups milk: Whole milk is my go-to for that creamy texture, but feel free to use 2% if that’s what you have on hand.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: This adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the richness of the pudding. You can adjust it based on your taste!
- 4 large eggs: These are crucial for binding everything together and giving the pudding that lovely custard-like consistency.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Trust me, don’t skimp on this! It infuses the pudding with a warm, inviting flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: This adds a cozy spice that really elevates the dish. It’s like a hug in dessert form!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors and balance the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional): If you’re a fan of chewy little surprises in your pudding, toss in some raisins! They soak up the custard and add a lovely sweetness.
Make sure to grab everything you need before you start. It’ll make the whole process so much smoother and way more fun!
How to Prepare Grandma’s Old Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this comforting dessert! It’s all about layering flavors and textures, and I can’t wait for you to experience it!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important! A hot oven ensures that our bread pudding cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden crust on top. So, don’t skip it!
Soak the Bread
In a large bowl, combine your cubed stale bread with the milk. Let it soak for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the bread to absorb all that creamy goodness, becoming soft and mushy. It’s like a spa day for your bread! Trust me, this step is crucial for achieving that rich, custardy texture.
Combine Ingredients
While the bread is soaking, grab another bowl and whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until smooth. Once your bread has soaked up that milk, gently mix the egg mixture into the soaked bread until everything is well combined. If you’re adding raisins, now’s the time to fold them in, too! Make sure every piece of bread is coated in that luscious custard. You’re almost there!
Bake the Pudding
Now, pour the entire mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly and pop it into the preheated oven. Bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until it’s set and beautifully golden brown on top. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be heavenly! You’ll know it’s ready when a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool slightly before serving, and trust me, you’ll want to dive right in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: This recipe is straightforward and perfect for cooks of all skill levels. You’ll feel like a pro in no time!
- Uses simple ingredients: You likely already have most of these ingredients in your pantry, making it a budget-friendly dessert.
- Perfect for family gatherings: Nothing brings people together quite like a warm, homemade bread pudding. It’s a crowd-pleaser!
- Comforting and nostalgic: This dish will remind you of grandma’s kitchen and the love that goes into every bite.
- Versatile: Customize it with your favorite add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or fresh fruit for a fun twist!
- Great for leftovers: You can make it a day ahead and enjoy it the next day, making it a convenient option for busy schedules.
- Delicious with vanilla sauce: The creamy vanilla sauce elevates the pudding to a whole new level of indulgence!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s chat about some tips to make your grandma’s old fashioned bread pudding with vanilla sauce absolutely perfect! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make all the difference.
- Use the right bread: Stale bread is key! Fresh bread might turn mushy rather than soaking up that custard. If you don’t have stale bread, you can dry it out a bit in the oven for 10-15 minutes.
- Don’t rush the soaking: This is where the magic happens! Giving the bread enough time to soak in the milk ensures that every bite is rich and creamy. So, stick to that 15-minute rule!
- Mix gently: When combining the egg mixture with the soaked bread, be gentle! You want to avoid tearing the bread too much—those little chunks are what give the pudding its delightful texture.
- Check for doneness: Baking times can vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on it during the last 10 minutes and do the knife test. If it comes out clean, you’re golden!
- Let it cool: After baking, let your pudding sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set up a bit more, making it easier to slice and serve.
- Serve with love: Don’t forget to top it with that creamy vanilla sauce! It adds a luscious finish that takes your pudding over the top. And a little whipped cream or ice cream never hurt anyone!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to impressing everyone with your incredible bread pudding. Enjoy the process, and happy baking!
Variations of Grandma’s Old Fashioned Bread Pudding
Now that you’ve mastered the classic version of grandma’s old fashioned bread pudding with vanilla sauce, let’s get a little adventurous! There are so many fun ways to personalize this delicious dessert while keeping that comforting essence intact. Here are some of my favorite variations:
- Fruit-Filled Delight: Add in some chopped apples, pears, or even fresh berries! They’ll bring a lovely burst of flavor and moisture to the pudding. Just toss them in with the soaked bread for a fruity twist.
- Nutty Goodness: Fold in some chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds. They add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the soft bread beautifully.
- Chocolate Lovers: If you’re a chocolate fan (who isn’t?), throw in some chocolate chips or chunks. They’ll melt into gooey pockets of deliciousness throughout the pudding!
- Coconut Bliss: Stir in some shredded coconut for a tropical flair. It adds a nice chewiness and pairs wonderfully with the vanilla sauce.
- Spiced Up: Experiment with spices! Try adding a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or even cardamom for a warm, aromatic twist that takes your pudding to the next level.
- Maple Syrup or Honey: Swap out some of the granulated sugar for maple syrup or honey for a more natural sweetness. It adds a lovely depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Caramel Swirl: Drizzle some caramel sauce on top before baking or fold it into the mixture for a decadent treat that will have everyone reaching for seconds!
These variations are not only fun to experiment with but also allow you to make grandma’s old fashioned bread pudding truly your own. So go ahead, get creative, and let your taste buds guide you! I can’t wait to hear what delicious combinations you come up with!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of grandma’s old fashioned bread pudding with vanilla sauce! While it’s definitely a treat meant for indulging, it’s good to know what you’re getting with each comforting bite. Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and any add-ins you might choose. Enjoying this warm dessert in moderation is key to savoring its rich flavors without worry. So go ahead, treat yourself to a slice (or two) of this nostalgic goodness—you deserve it!
FAQ About Grandma’s Old Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
Can I use fresh bread instead of stale?
While stale bread is ideal for this recipe, you can use fresh bread by drying it out in the oven for about 10-15 minutes. This helps it absorb the custard better, ensuring your bread pudding has that rich, creamy texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover grandma’s old fashioned bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just pop it in the microwave for a quick warming, or reheat it in the oven at a low temperature.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bread pudding a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven to ensure even baking.
What can I serve with the pudding?
Serving grandma’s old fashioned bread pudding with vanilla sauce is a must! But you can also pair it with whipped cream, ice cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence. Trust me, it elevates the dessert to a whole new level!
Can I add different flavors to the vanilla sauce?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your vanilla sauce. You can add a splash of bourbon or rum for a little kick, or even some citrus zest for a refreshing twist. The options are endless, and it’s a fun way to personalize your dessert!
Grandma’s Old Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Magic
- Gesamtzeit: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Ertrag: 8 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A classic dessert featuring soft bread soaked in a rich custard, topped with a creamy vanilla sauce.
Zutaten
- 6 cups cubed stale bread
- 4 cups milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread and milk. Let it soak for 15 minutes.
- In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Mix the egg mixture into the soaked bread until well combined.
- If using, fold in the raisins.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until set and golden brown.
Notes
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Can be made a day ahead and reheated.
- Pair with whipped cream or ice cream for extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 50 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 serving
- Kalorien: 250
- Zucker: 15g
- Natrium: 150mg
- Fett: 8g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 3g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 40g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterin: 100mg
Keywords: grandmas old fashioned bread pudding with vanilla sauce
