In the world of comfort desserts, few treats evoke warm memories and a sense of nostalgia quite like Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce. This classic dessert is a testament to the enduring appeal of simple, homemade goodness.

With its rich, custardy interior and a sweet, velvety vanilla sauce, this bread pudding is a comforting embrace in every bite. Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients and the step-by-step preparation process that make Grandma’s Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce a timeless treasure.

Key Ingredients for Grandma’s Bread Pudding

• Cubed White Bread: The heart of the pudding, providing a soft and absorbent base for the custard.
• Raisins: Sweet and plump, they add a burst of flavor and texture.
• Milk: The foundation of the custard, ensuring a creamy and luscious interior.
• Butter: Infuses richness into the pudding, contributing to its decadent nature.
• Sugar: Sweetens and enhances the overall flavor profile, creating a perfect balance.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the pudding’s structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm and inviting aroma, elevating the dessert’s appeal.
• Ground Nutmeg: Provides a subtle, earthy spice that complements the sweetness.

For the Vanilla Sauce:

• Butter: Adds a silky, buttery richness to the sauce.
• Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the sauce, creating a luscious texture.
• Brown Sugar: Imparts a deep, caramel note that enhances the sauce’s complexity.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Ensures a velvety, luxurious consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Infuses the sauce with a delightful, aromatic essence.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Creating the Bread Pudding:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready to embrace the pudding’s warmth.
2. In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of cubed white bread and 1/2 cup of raisins. This mixture forms the heart of your bread pudding.
3. In a 1-quart saucepan, combine 2 cups of milk and 1/4 cup of butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter melts and the mixture is warm (approximately 4 to 7 minutes).
4. Pour the warm milk mixture over the bread and raisins. Allow them to meld and soak for about 10 minutes, creating a moist and flavorful base.
5. Stir in all the remaining pudding ingredients: 1/2 cup of sugar, 2 slightly beaten eggs, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. This combination brings the pudding to life.
6. Transfer the pudding mixture into a greased 1 1/2-quart casserole dish, ensuring an even distribution.
7. Bake the pudding in your preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until it’s set in the center. The aroma of freshly baked bread pudding will fill your kitchen, tantalizing your senses.

Creating the Vanilla Sauce:

1. While the pudding bakes, prepare the luscious vanilla sauce. In a 1-quart saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of butter, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of firmly packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream.
2. Cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and comes to a full boil. This transformation usually takes about 5 to 8 minutes.
3. Stir in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, infusing the sauce with its signature aroma and flavor.

Serving and Storage:

• Once the bread pudding is baked to perfection, spoon it into individual dessert dishes. Drizzle the warm vanilla sauce generously over each portion, allowing it to cascade down the sides.
• Serve Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce immediately, inviting your loved ones to savor the comforting flavors and textures.
• Any leftover pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for future enjoyment. Simply reheat it gently in the microwave or oven before serving.

Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is more than just a dessert; it’s a taste of cherished traditions and enduring comfort. With its warm, custardy interior and the sweet embrace of vanilla sauce, this dessert invites you to create lasting memories around the table. So, savor each spoonful of this timeless treat and relish the love and nostalgia it brings to your heart and palate.