GRANDMA’S OLD-FASHIONED BREAD PUDDING WITH VANILLA

GRANDMA’S OLD-FASHIONED BREAD PUDDING WITH VANILLA SAUCE
Servings: 12

Introduction
This old-fashioned bread pudding is a heritage dessert created from simple pantry ingredients—bread, milk, sugar, butter, and warm spices. It transforms stale bread into a soft, custardy interior with a lightly caramelized top. The traditional vanilla sauce poured over each serving brings the kind of comfort that has made this recipe beloved for generations.

Ingredients
For the Bread Pudding:

• 8 cups cubed white bread (slightly stale is best)
• 1 cup raisins
• 4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

For the Vanilla Sauce:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a large baking dish.
2. Place the cubed bread and raisins in the baking dish, spreading them evenly.
3. In a saucepan, heat the milk and butter until the butter melts. Remove from heat.
4. In a bowl, whisk the sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
5. Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture while whisking to avoid curdling.
6. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread. Press gently to soak all cubes.
7. Allow the mixture to stand for 10 minutes so the bread absorbs the custard fully.
8. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until golden and set in the center.
9. While baking, prepare the vanilla sauce: combine sugar, butter, and cream in a saucepan. Heat gently until sugar dissolves and sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt.
10. Serve warm bread pudding with generous spoonfuls of vanilla sauce on top.

Methods (Technique Notes)

• For best texture, use day-old bread; fresh bread becomes mushy.
• Scalding the milk (heating until hot but not boiling) improves custard smoothness.
• Allowing the bread to soak ensures even baking.

History
Bread pudding originated in medieval Europe, created as a way to use leftover bread. Over time, families turned it into a beloved comfort dessert enriched with milk, butter, eggs, and spices—often served on Sundays or holidays. This recipe reflects the classic American farmhouse version passed through generations.

Benefits

• Reduces food waste by using stale bread
• Simple, economical ingredients
• Warm, comforting flavors suitable year-round
• Can be customized with nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate

Formation (How the Dessert Comes Together)
The bread absorbs the custard mixture and bakes into a soft, creamy interior. The top becomes slightly crisp and golden, while the vanilla sauce provides richness and sweetness that complete the dish.

Nutrition (Approx. per serving)
Calories: ~320
Fat: 14 g
Carbs: 42 g
Protein: 6 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 30 g

Conclusion
This traditional bread pudding captures everything people love about old-fashioned desserts—warmth, simplicity, and homemade flavor. The vanilla sauce makes every bite luxurious.

Lovers
Bread pudding lovers appreciate the soft, custardy layers, the comforting scent of cinnamon and vanilla, and the nostalgic reminder of family kitchens and holiday gatherings.

Introduction
This old-fashioned bread pudding is a heritage dessert created from simple pantry ingredients—bread, milk, sugar, butter, and warm spices. It transforms stale bread into a soft, custardy interior with a lightly caramelized top. The traditional vanilla sauce poured over each serving brings the kind of comfort that has made this recipe beloved for generations.

Ingredients
For the Bread Pudding:

• 8 cups cubed white bread (slightly stale is best)
• 1 cup raisins
• 4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

For the Vanilla Sauce:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a large baking dish.
2. Place the cubed bread and raisins in the baking dish, spreading them evenly.
3. In a saucepan, heat the milk and butter until the butter melts. Remove from heat.
4. In a bowl, whisk the sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
5. Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture while whisking to avoid curdling.
6. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread. Press gently to soak all cubes.
7. Allow the mixture to stand for 10 minutes so the bread absorbs the custard fully.
8. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until golden and set in the center.
9. While baking, prepare the vanilla sauce: combine sugar, butter, and cream in a saucepan. Heat gently until sugar dissolves and sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt.
10. Serve warm bread pudding with generous spoonfuls of vanilla sauce on top.

Methods (Technique Notes)

• For best texture, use day-old bread; fresh bread becomes mushy.
• Scalding the milk (heating until hot but not boiling) improves custard smoothness.
• Allowing the bread to soak ensures even baking.

History
Bread pudding originated in medieval Europe, created as a way to use leftover bread. Over time, families turned it into a beloved comfort dessert enriched with milk, butter, eggs, and spices—often served on Sundays or holidays. This recipe reflects the classic American farmhouse version passed through generations.

Benefits

• Reduces food waste by using stale bread
• Simple, economical ingredients
• Warm, comforting flavors suitable year-round
• Can be customized with nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate

Formation (How the Dessert Comes Together)
The bread absorbs the custard mixture and bakes into a soft, creamy interior. The top becomes slightly crisp and golden, while the vanilla sauce provides richness and sweetness that complete the dish.

Nutrition (Approx. per serving)
Calories: ~320
Fat: 14 g
Carbs: 42 g
Protein: 6 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 30 g

Conclusion
This traditional bread pudding captures everything people love about old-fashioned desserts—warmth, simplicity, and homemade flavor. The vanilla sauce makes every bite luxurious.

Lovers
Bread pudding lovers appreciate the soft, custardy layers, the comforting scent of cinnamon and vanilla, and the nostalgic reminder of family kitchens and holiday gatherings.