Ah, the joys of sitting in a quaint French café, as a soft rain drizzles outside, with a warm dessert in hand—pure bliss, isn’t it? Now, imagine bringing that ambiance to your very own kitchen, regardless of the season or location. That’s precisely the vibe this French Bread and Raisin Pudding exudes. It’s a dance of soft bread and sweet raisins all tucked into a cozy custard embrace, brought to life with a luscious vanilla sauce that whispers tales of old French romance.

When Rain Met Raisin:

I remember it as if it was yesterday—a rainy evening, the kind where the raindrops create intricate patterns on the windowpane. My friend, Celine, a French baker at heart though miles away from her home, felt a pang of nostalgia. She longed for the flavors of her grandmother’s kitchen.

With an excited gleam in her eyes, she started rummaging through my pantry. Out came the loaf of French bread, a forgotten box of raisins, and some basics like eggs and milk. “We’re making magic,” she declared, her fingers dancing to an old French tune only she could hear.

As the aroma of the baking pudding started filling the air, it felt like we were transported to a little village bistro in France. Once out of the oven, she drizzled it generously with the vanilla sauce, and we dug in. Every spoonful was a piece of nostalgia, rich in memories and filled with stories from Celine’s yesteryears. Now, every time I recreate this recipe, I can’t help but hear the faint rhythm of rain and the hum of French melodies. So, as you take your first bite, I have a question: Where does this pudding take you? Bon appétit! 🥖🍇🌧️

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

Dive into a classic dessert experience with this French Bread and Raisin Pudding. Soft bread cubes and sweet raisins meld beautifully with a rich custard base, all complemented by a velvety vanilla sauce. Perfect for gatherings or a delightful end to a family dinner.

Prep Time: 20 minutes   Cook Time: 50-55 minutes (10 minutes for toasting + 40-45 minutes for baking).   Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes    Servings: 8

Ingredients:

• For the Pudding:

  • 1 (1-pound) loaf French bread, cubed into 1 1/2-inch pieces (approx. 4 cups)
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/4 cup Land O Lakes® Butter
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large Land O Lakes® Eggs, slightly beaten
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• For the Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup Land O Lakes® Butter
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup Land O Lakes® Heavy Whipping Cream
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preparation:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish and set aside.

2. Toast the Bread:

   • Spread the bread cubes onto a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 8-10 minutes until golden.

3. Bread and Raisin Mix:

   • Combine the toasted bread cubes and raisins in the greased casserole dish.

4. Prepare Milk Mixture:

   • In a saucepan, heat the milk and 1/4 cup butter over medium heat until the butter melts. Allow it to cool slightly.

5. Prepare Custard Mixture:

   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, beaten eggs, vanilla, and nutmeg. Gradually mix in the slightly cooled milk mixture.

6. Combine and Bake:

   • Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes in the casserole dish, ensuring the bread is soaked.
   • Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the center of the pudding is set.

7. Prepare the Vanilla Sauce:

   • As the pudding bakes, in a separate saucepan, combine butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and whipping cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and reaches a full boil.
   • Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

8. Serve:

   • Dish out the warm pudding into individual servings and drizzle with the prepared vanilla sauce. Refrigerate any leftovers.

This indulgent dessert offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors, ensuring a memorable dining experience. Enjoy!

Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce! — Like a hug in a bowl! This dessert is what happens when French bread decides to dance with sweet raisins under the smooth tunes of vanilla sauce. 💃🍞🍇

Special Equipment:

• Saucepan (for the milk and vanilla sauce preparation)
• Whisk (to ensure a smooth custard mix)

Serving Suggestions:

• Sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon on top before serving for added warmth and flavor.
• Pair with a scoop of rum or cinnamon ice cream to elevate the dessert experience.
• Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness.
• Garnish with some fresh berries for a burst of freshness and a pop of color.

Tips & Variations:

• For a richer texture, you can soak the raisins in rum or brandy before adding them to the mix.
• Replace half of the milk with cream for an even creamier pudding.
• Add some zesty freshness by including orange or lemon zest to the custard mixture.
• Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can be mixed in for an added crunch.

Common Questions:

• Can I use another type of bread?

  • Absolutely! While French bread provides a hearty base, brioche or challah can offer a softer, more luxurious texture.

• How do I store the leftovers?

  • Cover the pudding and refrigerate. The pudding should be good for 2-3 days. Heat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.

• The vanilla sauce is too thick/thin. How do I adjust it?

  • If it’s too thick, add a bit more heavy whipping cream and heat gently while stirring. If too thin, let it cook a little longer until desired consistency is achieved.

• I’m not a fan of raisins. What can I substitute them with?

  • You can swap raisins for other dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, or even sultanas.

Wrap your taste buds in this sweet and luscious dessert, and let every bite teleport you to a cozy, nostalgic moment. After all, every day deserves a touch of indulgence! 🍰🍮🎉