Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce!

INGREDIENTS:

For the Pudding:

4 cups (8 slices) cubed white bread

1/2 cup raisins

2 cups milk

1/4 cup butter

1/2 cup sugar

2 eggs, slightly beaten

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Caramel Sauce:

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS:

Preparing the Pudding:

Preheat the Oven:

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your oven is hot and ready for the pudding, which helps it cook evenly and develop a golden-brown top.

Combine Bread and Raisins:

In a large bowl, place 4 cups of cubed white bread. Add 1/2 cup of raisins. The bread cubes should be approximately 1-inch in size. This combination will form the base of your pudding, with the raisins adding a touch of sweetness and texture.

Prepare the Milk Mixture:

In a 1-quart saucepan, combine 2 cups of milk with 1/4 cup of butter. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally, allowing the butter to melt completely into the milk. This process usually takes about 4 to 7 minutes. The milk and butter mixture should be warm but not boiling.

Mix with Bread:

Pour the warm milk mixture over the bread and raisins. Let it sit for 10 minutes, allowing the bread to soak up the liquid. This step is crucial as it ensures the bread absorbs the flavors and softens, creating a rich, custard-like texture.

Add Remaining Ingredients:

Stir in 1/2 cup of sugar, 2 slightly beaten eggs, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg into the soaked bread mixture. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. The sugar adds sweetness, while the eggs and vanilla contribute to the custard’s richness and flavor.

Prepare the Casserole:

Grease a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish. This helps prevent the pudding from sticking and ensures an easy cleanup. Pour the pudding mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly …