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Close-up of a warm slice of bread pudding topped with a thick vanilla glaze or sauce.

Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce


  • Author: Alexander Knight
  • Total Time: 75 min
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Make a rich, creamy bread pudding using stale bread, topped with a simple, warm vanilla sauce. This is a classic comfort dessert.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups stale bread cubes (about 1 loaf)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
  • For the Vanilla Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract


Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
  2. Place the bread cubes into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle raisins over the bread if you are using them.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
  4. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press the bread down to ensure all pieces soak up the liquid. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes.
  5. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted near the center comes out mostly clean.
  6. While the pudding bakes, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat.
  7. Whisk in the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the sauce is smooth. Keep warm.
  8. Let the bread pudding cool for 10 minutes before serving. Cut into squares and pour the warm vanilla sauce over each serving.

Notes

  • Use bread that is slightly stale, like French bread or challah, for the best texture.
  • You can make this dessert ahead; cover and refrigerate the assembled pudding for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Substitute bourbon for 1 tablespoon of the milk in the sauce for a bourbon vanilla flavor.
  • Prep Time: 20 min
  • Cook Time: 55 min
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 square
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 45g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg
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