Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce: A Classic Comfort Dessert

Are you looking for a dessert that’s both comforting and delicious? Look no further than Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce! This classic dessert is a staple of many family gatherings and holidays, and for good reason. The combination of cubed bread, sweet spices, and rich vanilla sauce is a match made in heaven.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce, including its origins, ingredients, and instructions for making it at home. We’ll also provide some tips and variations to help you make this dessert your own.

Origins of Bread Pudding

Bread pudding has a long and storied history that dates back to medieval Europe. The dish was originally made with stale bread, which was soaked in a mixture of eggs, milk, and spices before being baked in the oven. Over time, bread pudding evolved and spread to other parts of the world, with different regions adding their own unique twists and ingredients.

Ingredients for Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding:

• 4 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup vanilla sauce (recipe below)

Ingredients for Vanilla Sauce

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make the vanilla sauce:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions for Making Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding

Here are the instructions for making Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
3. Add the cubed bread to the bowl and toss until the bread is evenly coated with the sugar mixture.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, eggs, and melted butter.
5. Pour the cream mixture over the bread mixture and stir until the bread is well coated.
6. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
7. Bake the pudding for 35-40 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and set.
8. While the pudding is baking, prepare the vanilla sauce by whisking together the heavy cream, granulated sugar, and kosher salt in a small saucepan.
9. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
10. Remove the pudding from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes.
11. Serve the pudding warm, topped with the vanilla sauce.

Tips and Variations for Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding

Here are some tips and variations to help you make Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding your own:

• To add some extra flavor to your pudding, try adding a teaspoon of ground ginger or nutmeg to the sugar mixture.
• If you don’t have stale bread, you can use fresh bread instead. Just be sure to let it sit for a few hours to dry out before using it.
• To make the pudding more decadent, try adding a cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the bread mixture.
• If you want to make the pudding ahead of time, you can prepare the bread mixture and let it sit overnight in the refrigerator. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before baking.

Conclusion

Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is a classic comfort dessert that’s sure to become a staple in your household. With its rich, sweet flavors and comforting texture, this pudding is the perfect way to cap off a meal. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying it on your own, Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is a dessert that’s sure to please.