Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Ingredients

For the Bread Pudding:

• 4 cups (about 8 slices) cubed white bread (day-old bread works best)
• ½ cup raisins (optional, but adds sweetness and texture)
• 2 cups milk
• ¼ cup butter
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, slightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

For the Vanilla Sauce:

• ½ cup butter
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (to thicken)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish (or similar size).
3. Place the cubed bread into the dish. Sprinkle raisins evenly over the bread if using.

Step 2: Make the Custard Base

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and butter together until the butter melts. Do not boil.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to avoid scrambling the eggs.

Step 3: Assemble & Bake

1. Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, making sure all pieces are coated.
2. Let it sit for 10 minutes so the bread absorbs the liquid.
3. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 4: Make the Vanilla Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in the sugar and flour, whisking until well combined.
3. Gradually add the cream (or milk) while whisking, then cook until the mixture thickens slightly.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Serve

• Cut the warm bread pudding into squares or scoop with a spoon.
• Drizzle generously with the vanilla sauce.
• Optional: sprinkle extra cinnamon on top for a cozy finish.

Tips & Variations

• Bread choice: Try challah, brioche, or French bread for richer pudding.
• Add-ins: Swap raisins for dried cranberries, chopped dates, or chocolate chips.
• Boozy twist: Soak the raisins in rum or bourbon before adding.
• Serving idea: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Why You’ll Love It

• Comforting, nostalgic, and budget-friendly.
• A clever way to use up stale bread.
• The vanilla sauce makes it taste like something straight out of grandma’s kitchen.