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

A close-up of a square slice of amazing bread pudding drizzled generously with a thick, creamy vanilla sauce.
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This recipe delivers the ultimate comfort dessert using leftover bread. You get a soft custard center, a golden crust, and a delicious homemade vanilla sauce topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups stale bread cubes (French bread or brioche work well)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
  • For the Vanilla Sauce: 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
  2. Arrange the bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle raisins over the bread if you are using them.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until smooth.
  4. Whisk in the milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined. This creates your homemade custard base.
  5. Pour the custard mixture slowly and evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently so the bread absorbs the liquid. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes to soak thoroughly.
  6. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted near the center comes out mostly clean.
  7. While the pudding bakes, prepare the vanilla sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
  8. Remove the butter from the heat. Whisk in the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth sauce.
  9. Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving warm, drizzled generously with the homemade vanilla sauce.

Notes

  • Using slightly stale bread gives you the best texture for this old-fashioned bread pudding. If your bread is fresh, leave the cubes out on a baking sheet for an hour to dry slightly.
  • For a New Orleans style twist, substitute the vanilla sauce with a simple bourbon sauce recipe.
  • This recipe is perfect for using up leftover brioche or challah for a richer flavor.

Nutrition

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