Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Creating the Bread Pudding:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready to embrace the pudding’s warmth.
2. In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of cubed white bread and 1/2 cup of raisins. This mixture forms the heart of your bread pudding.
3. In a 1-quart saucepan, combine 2 cups of milk and 1/4 cup of butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter melts and the mixture is warm (approximately 4 to 7 minutes).
4. Pour the warm milk mixture over the bread and raisins. Allow them to meld and soak for about 10 minutes, creating a moist and flavorful base.
5. Stir in all the remaining pudding ingredients: 1/2 cup of sugar, 2 slightly beaten eggs, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. This combination brings the pudding to life.
6. Transfer the pudding mixture into a greased 1 1/2-quart casserole dish, ensuring an even distribution.
7. Bake the pudding in your preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until it’s set in the center. The aroma of freshly baked bread pudding will fill your kitchen, tantalizing your senses.

Creating the Vanilla Sauce:

1. While the pudding bakes, prepare the luscious vanilla sauce. In a 1-quart saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of butter, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of firmly packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream.
2. Cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and comes to a full boil. This transformation usually takes about 5 to 8 minutes.
3. Stir in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, infusing the sauce with its signature aroma and flavor.

Serving and Storage:

• Once the bread pudding is baked to perfection, spoon it into individual dessert dishes. Drizzle the warm vanilla sauce generously over each portion, allowing it to cascade down the sides.
• Serve Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce immediately, inviting your loved ones to savor the comforting flavors and textures.
• Any leftover pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for future enjoyment. Simply reheat it gently in the microwave or oven before serving.

Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is more than just a dessert; it’s a taste of cherished traditions and enduring comfort. With its warm, custardy interior and the sweet embrace of vanilla sauce, this dessert invites you to create lasting memories around the table. So, savor each spoonful of this timeless treat and relish the love and nostalgia it brings to your heart and palate.