Description
Grandma’s old-fashioned bread pudding whisks nostalgic comfort straight from her Southern kitchen to your plate. Silky custard-soaked bread melts with warm vanilla sauce, promising a sweet journey through cherished family memories you’ll savor with each delightful spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread Pudding Ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups (8 slices) white bread
- 2 cups milk
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Binding Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) butter
Vanilla Sauce Ingredients:
Base Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
Creamy Components:
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
Flavor Enhancer:
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and lightly grease a 1.5-quart casserole dish to ensure smooth release.
- Scatter bread cubes and raisins in a spacious mixing bowl. Heat milk and butter in a saucepan until butter melts completely, approximately 4-7 minutes. Gently pour warm liquid over bread mixture and allow 10 minutes for thorough absorption.
- Incorporate sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and nutmeg into the soaked bread, mixing until ingredients are evenly distributed. Transfer the cohesive pudding blend into the prepared casserole dish.
- Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes. Look for a golden surface and firm center, verifying doneness with a clean toothpick insertion.
- While pudding bakes, craft the vanilla sauce by combining butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and heavy whipping cream in a saucepan. Maintain medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture reaches a boiling consistency, roughly 5-8 minutes.
- Remove sauce from heat and fold in vanilla extract, creating a rich, glossy topping.
- Serve pudding warm, cascading the silky vanilla sauce generously over each portion for a decadent dessert experience.
Notes
- Choose day-old or slightly stale bread like brioche, challah, or French bread for the best texture and absorption of the milk mixture.
- Swap raisins with dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips to customize the pudding’s flavor profile.
- Use gluten-free bread and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
- Prepare the pudding mixture the night before and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and making day-of preparation easier.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg