Old Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Old Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is a comforting dessert that brings warmth and nostalgia to any meal. Made with cubed day-old bread, milk, butter, sugar, and a blend of spices, this bread pudding is rich, tender, and perfectly complemented by a smooth vanilla sauce. It’s a great way to repurpose leftover bread into a delicious, crowd-pleasing treat.

Ingredients

• 4 cups cubed day-old bread
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 2-quart baking dish.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread and milk. Let it stand for 5 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the milk.
3. Stir in the butter, sugar, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and raisins (if using). Mix until well combined.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for 45 minutes, or until the pudding is set and golden brown on top.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Add Fruits: You can replace the raisins with other dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, or currants for different flavors.
• Nuts: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans would give a nice crunch and an extra layer of flavor.
• Spices: For a different twist, try adding a pinch of ground cloves or allspice along with the cinnamon and nutmeg.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover bread pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• Reheating: Reheat the bread pudding in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?
   Yes, fresh bread will work, but it’s best to toast it lightly in the oven or on the stovetop to help it absorb the liquid without becoming too soggy.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the bread pudding a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving.
3. Can I use non-dairy milk?
   Yes, you can substitute milk with almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
4. Can I omit the raisins?
   Absolutely! If you don’t like raisins or simply prefer a plain bread pudding, you can leave them out or replace them with another fruit or ingredient.
5. How can I make the vanilla sauce?
   To make a simple vanilla sauce, heat 1 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a saucepan. Once it’s warmed, whisk in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water until the sauce thickens.
6. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes, you can substitute gluten-free bread in this recipe to make it gluten-free.
7. Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
   Yes, chocolate chips would make a delicious addition. Add them to the mixture before baking for a richer, sweeter bread pudding.
8. What’s the best way to serve bread pudding?
   Bread pudding is traditionally served warm, often with a vanilla sauce or a scoop of ice cream.
9. Can I freeze bread pudding?
   Yes, you can freeze bread pudding for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s well wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
10. Can I make bread pudding in individual servings?
    Yes, you can prepare the bread pudding in individual ramekins or muffin tins for a fun, portion-controlled dessert. The baking time will be shorter, about 25-30 minutes.

Conclusion

Old Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is a timeless dessert that combines simple ingredients into a deliciously comforting treat. Whether you enjoy it as a cozy dessert for family gatherings or as a way to use up leftover bread, this dish is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. With its rich, creamy texture and warm spices, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion.

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