Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding: Warm Vanilla Comfort in Every Bite

The aroma of warm vanilla wafting through a cozy kitchen is enough to summon fond memories of family gatherings and cherished home-cooked meals. Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding is more than just a dessert; it’s a little piece of nostalgia that transports you back to simpler times. This delightful dish is the perfect solution to transform leftover bread into a creamy, comforting treat. Whether you need a heartwarming dessert for a family dinner or want to indulge in a sweet respite after a long week, this classic recipe has you covered.

Why You’ll Love Making It

What truly sets Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding apart is its simplicity and heartwarming flavor. This dish is not only budget-friendly, utilizing easily found pantry staples, but it’s also incredibly quick to whip up, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings. You can count on it to please everyone, from young kids to discerning adults, and it’s especially fitting for cozy family brunches or holiday feasts.

“This bread pudding brought back so many childhood memories. The warmth of vanilla and the sweet, buttery texture made it an instant hit at our family gathering!” – A satisfied home cook.

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Preparing Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding is a breeze. The recipe follows a straightforward process that allows even novice cooks to master this classic treat. You’ll start by soaking bread in a warm milk and butter mixture, then combine the soaked bread with sugar, eggs, and spices before baking to golden perfection. This method not only ensures an even distribution of ingredients but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Gather Your Ingredients

To create this delicious bread pudding, you’ll need the following essentials:

• 4 cups cubed white bread (approximately 8 slices, cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
• 2 cups milk
• ¼ cup raisins
• ¼ cup butter (softened)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ cup brown sugar (firmly packed)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream

You can easily tweak a few ingredients for dietary preferences if necessary, like using almond milk or gluten-free bread.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the cubed white bread and raisins.
3. In a saucepan, heat the milk and softened butter until the butter melts completely. Pour this mixture over the bread cubes, allowing them to soak for about 10 minutes.
4. Once soaked, add the granulated sugar, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and ground nutmeg to the mixture and stir until well combined.
5. Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish that holds at least 1½ quarts.
6. Bake in your preheated oven for approximately 40–50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center feels firm. To test for doneness, insert a knife into the center; if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
7. For the caramel sauce, mix equal parts of butter and sugars in another saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously until it thickens and starts boiling (about 5–8 minutes).

Best Way to Serve

When serving Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding, consider enjoying it warm out of the oven. A generous drizzle of rich caramel sauce can elevate the dish, while vanilla ice cream or whipped cream makes for a decadent pairing. Add fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of color and freshness. Enjoy it as a comforting dessert after dinner, or serve it warm with coffee at brunch.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers (which is rare, but possible!), storing them properly is key. Allow the bread pudding to cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To enjoy later, simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven. If you want to keep it for longer, consider freezing it. Freeze slices wrapped tightly to avoid freezer burn, and thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Pro Chef Tips

• Be sure to use day-old bread for best results; it holds up better and absorbs the milk mixture without falling apart.
• If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding spices like cinnamon or a splash of bourbon to enhance the flavor.
• Ensure that the bread is cut into uniform pieces for even soaking and baking.

Creative Twists

Feel free to experiment with this recipe! Incorporating chocolate chips instead of raisins or adding chopped pecans can create delightful flavor variations. You could even make it seasonal by incorporating diced apples and cinnamon for a fall-inspired twist. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half the milk with unsweetened applesauce for a reduced-sugar treat.

Your Questions Answered

Q: What is the prep time for this recipe?
A: Preparation usually takes about 15 minutes, with an additional 40-50 minutes for baking.

Q: Can I use a different type of bread?
A: Absolutely! Brioche or challah are excellent choices for a richer flavor and texture.

Q: How do I know when the bread pudding is done?
A: A knife inserted in the center should come out clean, and the top should be golden brown.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance, refrigerate it, and bake it just before serving.

Crafting Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding is not just about following a recipe; it’s about creating warmth and nostalgia with every bite. Enjoy the process, and share the love with your family!

Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding

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• Total Time: 65 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and nostalgic bread pudding made from leftover bread, perfect for family gatherings or cozy brunches.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups cubed white bread (approximately 8 slices, cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
• 2 cups milk
• ¼ cup raisins
• ¼ cup butter (softened)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ cup brown sugar (firmly packed)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the cubed white bread and raisins.
3. In a saucepan, heat the milk and softened butter until the butter melts completely. Pour this mixture over the bread cubes, allowing them to soak for about 10 minutes.
4. Once soaked, add the granulated sugar, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and ground nutmeg to the mixture and stir until well combined.
5. Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish that holds at least 1½ quarts.
6. Bake in your preheated oven for approximately 40-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center feels firm. To test for doneness, insert a knife into the center; if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
7. For the caramel sauce, mix equal parts of butter and sugars in another saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously until it thickens and starts boiling (about 5-8 minutes).

Notes

Serve warm with caramel sauce, vanilla ice cream, or whipped cream. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer preservation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: bread pudding, dessert, comfort food, nostalgic recipe