Step back in time and savor the nostalgia of a classic dessert with Grandma’s Bread Pudding recipe. This beloved family favorite is a testament to comfort and tradition, featuring simple ingredients and timeless flavors that never fail to delight. With a rich custard base, tender chunks of bread, and a hint of bourbon, this bread pudding is the epitome of indulgence. Whether you’re craving a cozy dessert for a chilly evening or longing for a taste of home, Grandma’s Bread Pudding is sure to warm your heart and soul. Join us as we unlock the secrets to creating this cherished recipe and discover why it’s been passed down through generations.
Ingredients:
For the Bread Pudding:
- 1 loaf French bread, best stale
- 2 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 3 eggs
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons bourbon
For the Bourbon Sauce:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup bourbon
Instructions:
Preparing the Bread Pudding:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Prepare Bread: Tear the French bread into bite-sized pieces and place them in the prepared baking dish.
- Make Custard Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy whipping cream, whole milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and bourbon until well combined.
- Pour Custard Over Bread: Pour the custard mixture over the bread pieces, ensuring that all the bread is soaked evenly. Press down gently to submerge the bread if needed.
- Bake: Bake the bread pudding in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread pudding to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with bourbon sauce drizzled over the top.
Making the Bourbon Sauce:
- Melt Butter: In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add Sugar: Stir in the sugar and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Temper Egg: In a small bowl, beat the egg. Slowly pour a small amount of the hot butter mixture into the beaten egg, whisking constantly to temper the egg.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the egg mixture back into the saucepan, whisking constantly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Bourbon: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the bourbon until well combined.
- Serve: Serve the warm bourbon sauce over slices of bread pudding and enjoy!
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Bread Varieties: While French bread is traditional for bread pudding, you can experiment with other types of bread such as brioche, challah, or even croissants for a richer flavor and texture.
- Additional Ingredients: Feel free to customize your bread pudding by adding raisins, dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the bread pudding in advance and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and bake it the next day as directed.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto Option: To make a keto-friendly version of Grandma’s Bread Pudding, substitute the sugar with a sugar-free sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit. You can also use almond milk instead of whole milk and heavy whipping cream to reduce the carb content.
- Low-Carb Variation: For a lower-carb version, use a combination of almond flour and coconut flour in place of the French bread. You can also omit the sugar entirely or use a small amount of a low-carb sweetener.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use bread that isn’t stale for this recipe? A: While stale bread is traditional for bread pudding as it absorbs the custard mixture better, you can use fresh bread if needed. To achieve a similar texture, you can lightly toast the bread cubes in the oven before soaking them in the custard mixture.
Q: Can I omit the bourbon from the recipe? A: Yes, if you prefer not to use bourbon, you can simply omit it from both the bread pudding and the sauce. Alternatively, you can substitute it with rum or brandy for a different flavor profile.
Q: Can I freeze leftover bread pudding? A: Yes, you can freeze leftover bread pudding for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. To reheat, thaw the bread pudding in the refrigerator overnight and warm it in the oven or microwave before serving.
Grandma’s Bread Pudding is more than just a dessert – it’s a timeless tradition that brings joy and comfort to every bite. With its simple yet irresistible flavors and soul-warming aroma, this beloved recipe has stood the test of time and continues to delight generations of families. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones during the holidays or enjoying a cozy night in, Grandma’s Bread Pudding is sure to create cherished memories that last a lifetime. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the sweet aroma of nostalgia fill your kitchen as you create this classic dessert.
