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Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

A close-up of a square slice of golden brown bread pudding generously topped with white vanilla sauce.
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Make this classic comfort food dessert using leftover bread. This recipe features a soft, custardy center and a golden crust, served with a simple homemade vanilla sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups stale bread cubes (about 1 pound)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for greasing)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with melted butter.
  2. In a large bowl, toss the bread cubes with raisins, if using.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add this dry mixture to the bread cubes and toss to coat evenly. Spread the bread mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until light. Whisk in the brown sugar until combined.
  5. Slowly whisk in the milk and vanilla extract until the custard mixture is smooth.
  6. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread in the baking dish. Press the bread down gently so it absorbs the liquid. Let the mixture stand for 20 minutes to soak thoroughly.
  7. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted near the center comes out mostly clean.
  8. While the pudding bakes, prepare the vanilla sauce.
  9. Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving warm with the vanilla sauce poured over the top.

Notes

  • Use day-old or slightly stale bread for the best texture; fresh bread may become too soggy.
  • If you prefer a richer sauce, substitute half of the milk with heavy cream in the custard base.
  • For a New Orleans style variation, add 1/4 cup of bourbon to the custard mixture and prepare a separate bourbon sauce instead of vanilla sauce.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishsymphony.com/bread-pudding-old-fashioned-vanilla-sauce/