Grandma’s old fashioned bread pudding is a timeless dessert that evokes warm memories and comforting flavors. This recipe, reminiscent of classic home-baked goodness, utilizes simple ingredients and an optional decadent vanilla sauce. Whether you’re craving a taste of nostalgia or seeking a new family favorite, this bread pudding is sure to satisfy.
Bread pudding is a delightful dish made from stale bread, a creamy custard base, and often, sweet additions like raisins or dried fruit. The custard typically consists of eggs, milk, sugar, butter, vanilla, and spices like cinnamon. Baking transforms these humble ingredients into a soft, custard-like center with slightly crisp edges. This recipe focuses on simplicity, capturing the essence of a traditional bread pudding without unnecessary complexity.
Ingredients for Grandma’s Bread Pudding:
This recipe calls for pantry staples:
- Bread: Stale bread is ideal, allowing it to absorb the custard effectively. French bread, sandwich bread, or even leftover buns work well.
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor to both the bread and the optional sauce.
- Milk: Whole milk creates a creamy custard, but half-and-half or heavy cream can be used for a richer result.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the custard.
- Eggs: Bind the custard and provide structure.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice.
Choosing the Right Bread:
While French bread is a classic choice, almost any bread works well in bread pudding. Day-old sandwich bread, hot dog buns, hamburger buns, and even stale donuts can be used. The key is to use bread that’s slightly dried out, ensuring it soaks up the custard without becoming soggy.
Making Stale Bread:
No stale bread? No problem! Fresh bread can be easily transformed. Cube the bread and toast it lightly in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until slightly dry but not browned.
Baking Grandma’s Bread Pudding:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Butter an 8×8 inch baking dish.
- Cube the bread into roughly 1-inch pieces.
- Place the bread cubes in the prepared dish.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and drizzle it over the bread.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the custard mixture over the bread, ensuring all pieces are submerged.
- Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
A Decadent Brown Sugar Sauce:
Elevate your bread pudding with a simple yet irresistible brown sugar sauce:
- In a small saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Allow the butter to brown slightly for a richer flavor.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Cook until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Drizzle the warm sauce over the bread pudding.
Serving and Enjoying:
Grandma’s old fashioned bread pudding is best served warm. Enjoy it plain, or enhance the experience with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or the brown sugar sauce. This dessert is perfect for cozy evenings, family gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a comforting treat.
Tips and Variations:
- Freezing: Bake the bread pudding, let it cool completely, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the bread pudding the night before and bake it the next day.
- Bourbon Bread Pudding: Add a tablespoon of bourbon to the vanilla sauce for a boozy twist.
- Other Additions: Incorporate raisins, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips into the batter for added flavor and texture.
This grandma’s old fashioned bread pudding recipe is a testament to the enduring appeal of simple, homemade desserts. With its easy preparation and delicious flavor, it’s a recipe that will be cherished for generations to come.
