Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

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Absolutely! Here’s a full, warm, old-fashioned style recipe write-up, just like something passed down from Grandma’s kitchen ❤️
I’ve included introduction, history, ingredients, method, formation, serving lovers, tips, and a comforting conclusion, just as you asked.

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

A timeless comfort dessert straight from the heart of the kitchen

🌟 Introduction

There’s something magical about bread pudding — the way simple ingredients come together to create a rich, comforting dessert that feels like a warm hug. This old-fashioned recipe has been passed down through generations, made with day-old bread, creamy custard, warm spices, and finished with a silky vanilla sauce that melts into every bite.

It’s the kind of dessert Grandma made when nothing went to waste and love was measured in spoonfuls. Whether served warm on a chilly evening or cold the next morning (yes, it’s that good), this bread pudding never fails to bring smiles.

📜 A Little History

Bread pudding dates back to 17th-century Europe, where frugal home cooks created desserts from stale bread rather than throwing it away. Over time, it became a beloved comfort food across the world — especially in American and British kitchens.

Grandmothers perfected it:

  • No fancy tools
  • No expensive ingredients
  • Just warmth, patience, and love

And that’s exactly what this recipe reflects 💛

🧺 Ingredients

For the Bread Pudding

  • 6 cups day-old bread, cubed (French or white bread works best)
  • ½ cup raisins (optional but traditional)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups milk
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Vanilla Sauce

  • ½ cup heavy cream (or milk)
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickness)

🧁 Preparation & Method

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a baking dish lightly with butter.

Place the bread cubes evenly into the dish. Sprinkle raisins over the top if using.

Step 2: Make the Custard

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:

  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Sugar
  • Melted butter
  • Vanilla
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Salt

Whisk until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Assemble

Slowly pour the custard mixture over the bread.
Press the bread gently so it absorbs all the liquid.

Let it rest for 10–15 minutes so the bread soaks up all the goodness.

Step 4: Bake

Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until:

  • Top is golden
  • Center is set
  • Your kitchen smells amazing 😊

🍯 Vanilla Sauce Method

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
  2. Add brown sugar and cream.
  3. Stir continuously until smooth and slightly thickened.
  4. Add vanilla.
  5. Optional: dissolve cornstarch in 1 tbsp water and stir in for thicker sauce.

Serve warm over bread pudding.

🍽️ Formation & Serving Style

  • Serve warm for best flavor
  • Spoon vanilla sauce generously on top
  • Add whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired
  • Perfect for holidays, Sundays, or cozy evenings

❤️ Who Loves This Recipe?

✔️ Grandma’s kitchen lovers
✔️ Comfort food fans
✔️ Bread pudding traditionalists
✔️ Dessert lovers who enjoy warm, cozy flavors
✔️ Anyone who hates wasting bread

🌟 Final Thoughts

This Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding is more than just a dessert — it’s nostalgia in a bowl. Soft, creamy, lightly spiced, and drenched in sweet vanilla sauce, it reminds us that the best recipes don’t need to be complicated… just made with love.

Once you try it, it’ll become a family favorite — just like it was in Grandma’s kitchen ❤️

If you’d like, I can also give you: • A baked custard version
• A no-oven stovetop version
• A modern twist with chocolate or caramel

Just tell me 😊

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