Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

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Certainly! Here’s a big, beautiful recipe for Classic Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce, enriched with history, benefits, lovers, methods, nutrition, formation, and more — just the way you like it!

🍞 Classic Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce 🍮

✨ Introduction

There’s something heartwarming and nostalgic about a warm dish of old-fashioned bread pudding. It’s the kind of dessert that brings back Sunday dinners at Grandma’s, filled with the aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla wafting through the air. This humble yet indulgent dessert transforms simple ingredients into a masterpiece — one spoonful at a time.

🧺 Ingredients

For the Bread Pudding:

  • 6 cups of cubed day-old bread (French, brioche, or challah recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup raisins (optional but traditional)

For the Vanilla Sauce:

  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

👩‍🍳 Instructions

🥖 Bread Pudding:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Place cubed bread in a large bowl. Drizzle with melted butter and mix gently.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
  4. Pour the egg mixture over the bread and toss gently to coat. Let it sit for 15 minutes to soak.
  5. Fold in the raisins if using.
  6. Pour everything into the prepared baking dish. Press down slightly to compact.
  7. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until golden brown and a knife inserted comes out clean.

🍦 Vanilla Sauce:

  1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, cream, sugar, and butter. Stir until the butter melts.
  2. In a small bowl, dissolve cornstarch in water. Add to the saucepan.
  3. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly until it thickens (3–5 minutes).
  4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
  5. Serve warm over the bread pudding.

🧑‍🔬 Methods and Tips

  • Bread type matters: Use a dense, sturdy loaf — stale bread absorbs custard better.
  • Soaking: Give enough time for the bread to soak up the custard; don’t rush this part.
  • Raisins: You can soak raisins in rum or warm water beforehand for added moisture and flavor.
  • Vanilla sauce variation: Try adding a splash of bourbon or brandy for a grown-up twist.

📜 History

Bread pudding has been around since the 11th century, known as “poor man’s pudding.” Originating from medieval Europe, it was a frugal way to use stale bread, but it evolved into a luxurious dish with eggs, cream, and spices. The version most loved today — sweet, eggy, and topped with rich sauce — became popular in the American South, especially in New Orleans.

🥗 Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)

  • Calories: 360
  • Protein: 7g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Sugars: 28g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sodium: 180mg

Note: Nutrition varies by ingredients and serving size.

🌿 Health Benefits

  • Eggs and milk provide protein and calcium.
  • Cinnamon and nutmeg are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
  • A great way to reduce food waste by using stale bread.

🧬 Formation

The magic happens in the custard-bread marriage. As it bakes, the bread soaks up the custard, turning crispy on top and soft in the middle. The vanilla sauce adds moisture and a rich aromatic finish — it’s not just a topping, it’s part of the soul of the dish.

❤️ Lovers of Bread Pudding

This dish is adored by:

  • Grandmothers and their grandkids, passing down sweet memories.
  • Southern food lovers, who enjoy comfort with every spoonful.
  • Foodies and chefs, who add unique twists with chocolate, nuts, or fruit.
  • Holiday tables, where it’s a classic dessert centerpiece.

🧭 Conclusion

Classic Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is more than dessert — it’s a nostalgic journey. Simple ingredients, loving preparation, and a rich taste make it timeless. Whether served warm on a chilly evening or chilled on a summer day, it comforts, satisfies, and delights every generation.

❤️ With Love, For the Lovers:

To the ones who cherish traditions, bake with heart, and serve with soul — this one’s for you. Every bite carries warmth, every aroma tells a story. Share it. Celebrate it.

Would you like a chocolate chip twist, a boozy bourbon version, or a caramel apple bread pudding next?

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