Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
- Tear the stale bread into small, bite-sized pieces and fill the prepared baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring every piece is soaked. If you’re using raisins, sprinkle them evenly on top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set in the middle.
- While your bread pudding is baking, make the vanilla sauce. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the sugar and cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and add the vanilla extract.
- Serve warm, drizzling the delicious vanilla sauce over each serving of bread pudding.
Best ways to enjoy it
When it comes to serving Grandma’s bread pudding, you can keep it simple or take it up a notch. For a classic presentation, serve warm portions topped with the vanilla sauce. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent touch. Consider pairing it with fresh berries or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture. This dish is an excellent choice for brunches or cozy dinners, and it pairs beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or tea.
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your leftovers fresh, store any uneaten bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best eaten within three days for optimal flavor and texture. When reheating, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use a microwave for a quicker option. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the bread pudding before baking; simply double wrap it in plastic wrap and foil.
Helpful cooking tips
For the best results, use slightly stale bread as it soaks up the custard mixture more effectively. You can also experiment with different types of bread, such as challah or brioche, for a richer flavor. If you want to cut down on sugar, feel free to reduce the amount in the pudding and the sauce, or use a sugar substitute.
Creative twists
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste! You can add chocolate chips, different dried fruits like cranberries or apricots, or even a splash of bourbon for an adult twist. If you want to lighten it up, consider using almond milk or coconut milk and reducing the overall sugar content. The possibilities are endless!
FAQ
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
Preparation takes about 15-20 minutes, and the baking time is around 45-50 minutes, so you can have this fabulous dessert ready in under an hour!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bread pudding mixture ahead of time and keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of heavy cream for the sauce?
If you are looking for a lighter alternative, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. You may not get the same richness, but it will still be delicious!
By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to creating a heartwarming dish that everyone will love. So why wait? Bring a taste of nostalgia to your kitchen today!
