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Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding Recipe

Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding Recipe
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★★★★★

4.7 from 24 reviews

A comforting and classic dessert, Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding is made with torn stale bread soaked in a rich custard mixture, baked until golden and served with a luscious homemade vanilla sauce. This traditional recipe is perfect for cozy family gatherings or a nostalgic treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread Pudding:

  • 8 cups stale bread, torn into small pieces
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

Vanilla Sauce:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preparing the Bread Pudding: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, combine the torn bread pieces and milk, letting them soak for 10-15 minutes so the bread absorbs the milk fully. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until thoroughly combined. Pour this egg mixture over the soaked bread and gently stir to mix everything evenly. Fold in raisins if using. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
  2. Baking the Bread Pudding: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the pudding feels set in the center when lightly pressed. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving to let it firm up slightly.
  3. Preparing the Vanilla Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and cornstarch. Whisk gently to dissolve the sugar and cornstarch completely. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly to prevent lumps or burning, until the mixture thickens and reaches a gentle boil. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the sauce cool slightly before serving.
  4. Serving: Cut the bread pudding into squares or scoop into individual bowls. Drizzle generously with the warm vanilla sauce. Serve immediately while warm for the best comfort dessert experience.

Notes

  • Using stale bread helps absorb the custard better and improves texture.
  • Raisins are optional but add a nice burst of sweetness and texture.
  • Allow the pudding to cool slightly before serving to improve slicing.
  • Vanilla sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently.
  • For a richer flavor, substitute some milk with cream in the pudding mixture.

Nutrition

Keywords: bread pudding, old-fashioned dessert, vanilla sauce, baked pudding, comfort food, traditional recipe

Find it online: https://thehungrymason.com/grandmas-old-fashioned-bread-pudding-recipe/