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Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Bread Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread with the melted butter. Toss the bread until it is evenly coated. In another bowl, whisk together the milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Pour this mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring every piece is soaked. If desired, gently fold in the raisins.
3. Bake the Pudding
Pour the bread mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the pudding is set and the top is golden brown. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife in the center; it should come out clean.
4. Prepare the Vanilla Sauce
While the bread pudding is baking, prepare the vanilla sauce. In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter with powdered sugar until smooth. Gradually add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, mixing until the sauce is creamy and well-blended. Adjust the consistency with more cream or powdered sugar if needed.
5. Serve
Once the bread pudding is done baking, allow it to cool slightly before serving. Cut into squares and serve warm, drizzled with the luscious vanilla sauce. It’s also delightful with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
Tips for Success
- Stale Bread is Key: Using stale bread allows it to absorb the custard mixture better, resulting in a creamier pudding. If your bread is fresh, you can dry it out in the oven for a few minutes.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with flavors by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or different spices like nutmeg or allspice.
- Make-Ahead Option: This bread pudding can be assembled ahead of time. Simply cover it and refrigerate before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Conclusion
Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is more than just a dessert; it’s a warm hug in food form. Its simplicity and heartfelt flavors evoke cherished memories of family meals and special occasions. This recipe is not only a delicious way to use up leftover bread but also a reminder of the love and warmth that home-cooked meals bring. Whether you enjoy it on a chilly evening or as a comforting dessert after dinner, this bread pudding is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.