Grandma’s Old Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

For the vanilla sauce:
– **1 cup heavy cream**
– **1/2 cup sugar**
– **1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract**
– **1 tablespoon butter**
– **1 tablespoon cornstarch** (optional, for thickening)

### How to Make Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

#### 1. Prepare the Bread Pudding
– **Preheat the oven** to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray.
– **Tear the bread into pieces**: Cut or tear the bread into cubes and place them into the prepared baking dish. Day-old bread is ideal because it soaks up the custard mixture without becoming too soggy.
– **Mix the custard**: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add the melted butter and whisk again until everything is well combined.
– **Pour the custard over the bread**: Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, making sure all the bread is soaked evenly. Use a spoon to gently press down the bread if needed, helping it absorb the custard. If you’re adding raisins, sprinkle them evenly over the top of the bread.
– **Let it soak**: Allow the bread to soak in the custard for about 15 minutes. This gives the bread time to fully absorb the liquid and become tender.
– **Bake**: Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the pudding is set and lightly golden on top. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean, and the pudding should be slightly puffed and firm.

#### 2. Make the Vanilla Sauce
– **Combine ingredients**: In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is heated through.
– **Thicken the sauce**: If you want a thicker sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in a small amount of cold water and slowly add it to the cream mixture. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
– **Finish with butter**: Stir in the butter until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

#### 3. Serve and Enjoy
Once the bread pudding is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Drizzle the warm vanilla sauce over each serving, allowing it to soak into the pudding and create a heavenly, creamy texture.

Serve warm and enjoy the comforting, nostalgic flavors of this classic dessert. It’s the kind of dish that brings families together and fills your home with sweet memories.

### Why You’ll Love This Recipe

– **A Timeless Classic**: Grandma’s bread pudding is a dish that never goes out of style. It’s the perfect dessert for family gatherings, holidays, or even a quiet evening at home.
– **Comfort in Every Bite**: The combination of soft bread soaked in custard, topped with the silky vanilla sauce, is the ultimate comfort food. It’s like a warm hug in dessert form.
– **Customizable**: While this recipe is fantastic as is, you can easily customize it by adding other mix-ins like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or fresh fruit. The possibilities are endless!
– **Easy to Make**: Despite its rich flavors, this bread pudding is surprisingly simple to prepare. With just a few pantry staples and minimal effort, you’ll have a dessert that tastes like it’s been passed down for generations.

### Conclusion

There’s something undeniably special about enjoying **Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce**. It’s a dish that brings people together, evokes cherished memories, and fills your kitchen with delicious scents. Whether you’re making it for the first time or continuing a family tradition, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of warmth and comfort with every bite!