Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe

This classic bread pudding recipe features a comforting, custardy bread base with raisins and a rich, creamy vanilla sauce for drizzling. It’s a timeless dessert that brings back nostalgic memories of family gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Bread Pudding:

  • 4 cups (8 slices) cubed white bread
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs, slightly beaten
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Vanilla Sauce:

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

Instructions

Make the Bread Pudding:

  • Heat your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes and raisins.
  • In a saucepan, heat the milk and butter together over medium heat until the butter melts. This should take a few minutes.
  • Pour the warm milk mixture over the bread and raisins. Let this sit for about 10 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the milk.
  • Stir in the sugar, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and ground nutmeg into the bread mixture. Make sure everything is well combined.
  • Transfer the mixture into a greased 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
  • Place the casserole in the oven and bake until the center is set, which should take about 40 to 50 minutes.

Prepare the Vanilla Sauce:

  • While the pudding bakes, combine the butter, sugar, brown sugar, and heavy whipping cream in another saucepan.
  • Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens and begins to boil. This should take about 5 to 8 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Serve:

  • Once the bread pudding is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
  • Serve the warm bread pudding in individual dessert dishes.
  • Pour the warm vanilla sauce over each serving of bread pudding.

Storage:

  • Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.

This bread pudding with vanilla sauce is a delicious treat that’s sure to please everyone. It’s perfect for a cozy dessert on a chilly evening or a festive occasion. Enjoy this delightful blend of textures and flavors, a testament to grandma’s cooking!