Steps
Follow these simple steps to create your own Grandma’s old-fashioned bread pudding with vanilla sauce:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine the torn bread pieces and milk. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, allowing the bread to absorb the milk.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
4. Pour the egg mixture over the soaked bread and gently stir to ensure all the bread is coated.
5. If desired, fold in the raisins at this point.
6. Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
7. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.
8. While the bread pudding is baking, prepare the vanilla sauce.
9. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium heat until it just starts to simmer.
10. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 1/4 cup of cold water until smooth.
11. Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the simmering milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens.
12. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
13. Once the bread pudding is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
14. Serve warm with a drizzle of homemade vanilla sauce on top.
