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Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

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Absolutely! Here’s a warm, nostalgic article for the beloved classic: Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce. This version is ideal for food blogs, cookbooks, or anyone looking to share a heartfelt recipe with a story.


Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

The Comfort Dessert That Never Goes Out of Style

There are some recipes that taste like childhood, feel like a hug, and carry generations of love in every bite. Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is one of those desserts.

Warm, custardy, and just the right amount of sweet, this timeless recipe was a staple in many kitchens long before gourmet trends and complicated desserts. It was born from thriftiness—made to use up stale bread and pantry basics—but the result is something so comforting and decadent, it still holds a place at the table today.


The Humble Origins of Bread Pudding

Bread pudding has deep roots in many cultures and cuisines, with versions dating back to medieval times. But in America, it became a popular dessert during the Great Depression and wartime eras, when nothing in the kitchen was wasted—especially bread.

Grandmas everywhere turned day-old loaves into something magical by soaking them in a rich, spiced custard, baking them until golden, and often finishing them with a silky sauce. This recipe is inspired by that tradition—simple ingredients, made with love.


🍞 Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding

Ingredients:

  • 6 cups cubed day-old bread (French bread or white bread works best)
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream (or just use more milk)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
  • ½ cup raisins or chopped pecans (optional, but traditional)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions:

  1. Prep the Bread:
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish. Place bread cubes in the dish.
  2. Make the Custard:
    In a large bowl, whisk together milk, cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir in raisins or nuts if using.
  3. Soak the Bread:
    Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread. Gently press the bread down with a spoon or spatula to make sure it absorbs the liquid. Let it sit for about 10–15 minutes.
  4. Bake:
    Drizzle the melted butter over the top. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set. It should feel springy but not jiggly.

🍨 Old-Fashioned Vanilla Sauce

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup butter
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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