Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is a comforting and classic dessert that’s perfect for using up stale bread. This recipe features a rich and creamy bread pudding topped with a sweet vanilla sauce. Here’s how you can make it:

Ingredients:

For the Bread Pudding:

• 6 cups day-old bread, cubed (such as French bread or challah)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup raisins or currants (optional)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Vanilla Sauce:

• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish.
2. Prepare the Bread Pudding:
   • Place the cubed bread in a large mixing bowl.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
   • Pour the mixture over the bread cubes, making sure all the bread is soaked. Gently stir in the raisins or currants if using.
   • Let the bread mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
   • Stir in the melted butter.
3. Bake the Bread Pudding:
   • Pour the bread mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the pudding is set in the center and the top is golden brown.
4. Prepare the Vanilla Sauce:
   • While the bread pudding is baking, make the vanilla sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
   • Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.
   • Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and comes to a simmer.
   • Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Serve:
   • Allow the bread pudding to cool slightly before serving.
   • Serve warm with a generous drizzle of vanilla sauce over the top.

Tips:

• For added flavor, you can mix in some chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the bread pudding mixture.
• If you prefer a richer pudding, substitute part of the milk with half-and-half or more heavy cream.
• Leftover bread pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.

Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is a classic, comforting dessert that’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy the combination of creamy bread pudding with the sweet and smooth vanilla sauce!