Cozy Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe

Nestled in my grandmother’s cherished bread pudding recipe lies a comforting symphony of rustic flavors.

Warm memories dance through each creamy spoonful, transporting me back to cozy kitchen moments.

Generations of culinary wisdom whisper in this simple dessert’s delicate layers.

Soft bread cubes soak up rich custard, creating a velvety texture that melts on your tongue.

Sweet vanilla sauce drizzled generously transforms humble ingredients into a luxurious treat.

Humble yet elegant, this dessert promises pure indulgence with minimal effort.

One bite connects you to timeless cooking traditions that celebrate delicious simplicity.

Prepare to savor a slice of pure, nostalgic comfort.

Why This Bread Pudding is a Sweet Classic

• Savor Nostalgic Comfort: Dive into a classic dessert that brings back memories of grandma's kitchen, packed with warm, homey flavors that hug your taste buds.
• Master Simple Baking: Perfect for beginners with straightforward steps and basic ingredients, this recipe requires minimal cooking skills and delivers maximum deliciousness.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Guaranteed to impress family and friends, this bread pudding transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious treat that looks and tastes gourmet.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows you to swap raisins, add nuts, or experiment with different bread types, making it a flexible dessert for any occasion.

What’s Used in This Bread Pudding with Sauce

• Day-Old Bread: Stale bread provides the perfect texture and absorbs the rich milk mixture.
• Raisins: Sweet dried fruits add a delightful burst of flavor to the classic pudding.

• Whole Milk: Creates a creamy base that softens the bread and adds richness.
• Butter: Provides a smooth, rich flavor and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Adds luxurious creaminess to both the pudding and sauce.

• Sugar, Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Bring sweetness and depth to the pudding and sauce.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent and create a custard-like texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor to both the pudding and sauce.
• Nutmeg: Provides a subtle, warm spice that complements the sweet ingredients.

How to Make Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly grease a casserole dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Soak Bread Mixture

Tear bread into rustic chunks and scatter raisins in a large mixing bowl. Warm milk and butter in a saucepan until butter melts completely.

Pour hot liquid over bread and let it absorb for 10 minutes, creating a soft, luxurious base.

Step 3: Create Pudding Blend

• Sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Nutmeg

Stir thoroughly until ingredients are smoothly incorporated.

Transfer mixture into prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Place pudding in preheated oven.

Bake for 40-50 minutes, watching for a golden top and firm center. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should emerge clean.

Step 5: Craft Decadent Vanilla Sauce

• Butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Heavy whipping cream

Stir continuously until sauce thickens and starts bubbling. Remove from heat and swirl in vanilla extract.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop warm pudding into serving dishes. Generously drizzle vanilla sauce over top.

Serve immediately while warm and inviting.

Helpful Tricks for Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding

• Plump golden or dark raisins work best, ensuring they're moist and sweet without being too dry or bitter.
• Use slightly stale bread like day-old challah or brioche for optimal moisture absorption and rich, custardy texture.
• Allow milk mixture to cool slightly before adding eggs to prevent scrambling and maintain smooth pudding consistency.
• Freshly grated nutmeg provides deeper, more aromatic flavor compared to pre-ground spice, elevating the entire dessert.
• Continuously whisk vanilla sauce to prevent burning and achieve perfect silky-smooth consistency without lumps.

Unique Add-Ins for Bread Pudding with Sauce

• Chocolate Chunk Bread Pudding: Replace raisins with chunks of dark chocolate, creating a rich and decadent dessert that melts in your mouth.
• Seasonal Berry Bread Pudding: Swap raisins for fresh seasonal berries like strawberries or blueberries, adding a bright and fruity flavor profile.
• Caramel Pecan Bread Pudding: Mix in chopped pecans and drizzle caramel sauce instead of vanilla sauce for a nutty, sweet alternative.
• Spiced Pumpkin Bread Pudding: Incorporate pumpkin puree and warm spices like cinnamon and ginger into the bread mixture for a cozy autumn-inspired version.

Delicious Pairings for Bread Pudding Desserts

• Pair Creamy Dessert Wine: Select a sweet, rich dessert wine like Sauternes or late-harvest Riesling that complements the bread pudding's creamy texture and caramelized flavors.
• Match Spiced Bourbon Cocktail: Create a warm bourbon cocktail with cinnamon and nutmeg to echo the pudding's spicy notes and enhance its comforting profile.
• Brew Smooth Coffee Accompaniment: Serve a medium-roast coffee with hints of caramel or vanilla to balance the dessert's sweetness and provide a luxurious finish.
• Garnish with Cinnamon Whipped Cream: Top the pudding with homemade cinnamon-infused whipped cream to add an extra layer of indulgent flavor and textural contrast.

Keeping Bread Pudding Fresh After Baking

Store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other food odors.

Wrap individual portions or whole pudding in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Seal in freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.

Place individual serving on microwave-safe plate. Heat at 50% power for 30-45 seconds, checking temperature midway. Add splash of milk to restore moisture if needed.

Warm pudding in preheated 325F oven for 10-15 minutes. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying. Drizzle fresh vanilla sauce before serving to revive original delicious texture.

FAQs

• What makes this bread pudding different from other desserts?

This classic recipe uses simple ingredients like day-old bread and raisins, creating a comforting, rustic dessert that transforms stale bread into a rich, creamy treat.

• Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any sturdy bread like brioche, challah, or French bread. Avoid using very soft or thin slices that might turn mushy during baking.

• Is bread pudding considered a healthy dessert?

While delicious, bread pudding is a rich dessert high in calories and sugar. It’s best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of a healthy diet.

Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy old-fashioned bread pudding delivers a nostalgic journey through Southern comfort cuisine. Warm vanilla sauce elevates this classic dessert, inviting you to savor each rich, custardy spoonful with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups (8 slices) white bread
• 2 cups milk
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup raisins

Sweeteners:

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup butter

Spices and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Vanilla Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and lightly grease a 1.5-quart casserole dish for even baking.
2. Distribute bread cubes and raisins in a large mixing bowl. Gently heat milk and butter in a saucepan until butter completely dissolves, approximately 4-7 minutes. Pour warm liquid over bread and allow to saturate for 10 minutes.
3. Whisk sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and nutmeg into the soaked bread mixture until thoroughly incorporated. Transfer entire mixture into the greased casserole dish.
4. Position dish in preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes. Monitor until pudding center sets and surface turns golden brown. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should emerge clean.
5. Simultaneously prepare vanilla sauce by combining butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and heavy cream in a saucepan. Continuously stir over medium heat until mixture thickens and reaches a gentle boil, approximately 5-8 minutes. Remove from heat and fold in vanilla extract.
6. Serve pudding warm, portioning into individual bowls. Lavishly drizzle prepared vanilla sauce over each serving. Enjoy immediately for optimal taste and texture.

Notes

• Select day-old bread for the best texture, as slightly stale bread absorbs the milk mixture more effectively and creates a richer, more custardy pudding.
• Customize the recipe by swapping raisins with dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips for variety and personal preference.
• Prevent a dry pudding by ensuring the bread is fully soaked in the milk mixture before baking, and avoid overbaking by checking the center with a toothpick.
• Make this dessert gluten-free by using gluten-free bread and dairy-free by substituting plant-based milk and butter alternatives.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 451 kcal
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 155 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg