There’s something about bread pudding that just feels like a warm hug for the soul. It’s rich, comforting, and when you drizzle that vanilla sauce on top? Game-changer. Trust me, you’re going to love this one. It’s the kind of dessert that can take you back to cozy moments spent at home, savoring every bite. Perfect for any occasion, this bread pudding is bound to steal the show!
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Why You’ll Love Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for cozy dinners or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the sweetness to make it kid-friendly.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This bread pudding strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of bread pudding—it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Bread: The heart and soul of this pudding. Use a slightly stale bread like challah, brioche, or a good old white bread—something with a bit of texture to soak up that custardy goodness.
Eggs: These bind everything together, adding richness and structure to the pudding. They’re essential for that custard-like consistency.
Milk & Heavy Cream: These ingredients bring that creamy, luscious texture that makes every bite so satisfying.
Sugar: A little sweetness is key! You’ll need sugar to balance the richness and add a hint of sweetness.
Vanilla Extract: This adds that warm, comforting flavor that makes the sauce shine.
Butter: A must for richness and flavor. It helps bring out all the other tastes.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures even baking and that golden-brown crust we all crave. Preheating is a small but essential step that sets the stage for success.
Prepare the Bread: Tear the bread into chunks and place them in a large mixing bowl. This will allow the bread to soak up the custard perfectly. The more rustic, the better!
Make the Custard: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla. Pour this mixture over the bread chunks, making sure every piece gets a good soak. Don’t forget to give it a gentle stir to combine.
Add the Butter: Melt the butter and pour it evenly over the top of the bread and custard mixture. This extra step makes the top crispy and golden!
Bake the Pudding: Pour everything into a greased baking dish and bake for 45-50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set. The smell of vanilla and butter baking will fill your kitchen—get ready for it.
Make the Vanilla Sauce: While the bread pudding is baking, prepare the vanilla sauce. In a small saucepan, combine butter, sugar, and cream. Bring it to a simmer and cook until thickened, then stir in vanilla extract. It should be smooth and luscious.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the pudding is baked and golden, remove it from the oven and drizzle the vanilla sauce over the top. Serve warm and enjoy the cozy goodness!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 350
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
How to Serve Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
This dish is decadent enough to stand alone, but here are a few ideas to elevate your experience:
Fresh Fruits: Serve with a side of fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for a burst of freshness.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes it even more indulgent.
Coffee or Tea: Pair with your favorite warm beverage for the ultimate comforting dessert experience.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead: If you’re short on time, prep the bread and custard mixture the night before and bake it fresh the next day.
Make it Your Own: Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits to the bread pudding for added texture and flavor.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute the bread for something else?
A1: You can! You could use croissants, or even leftover muffins. Just make sure the bread is slightly stale for the best results.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can assemble it and store it in the fridge overnight, then bake it the next day.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes, this bread pudding freezes well. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container and thaw it overnight before reheating.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Absolutely! Just be sure to adjust the baking time slightly if you use a larger dish.
Q7: Can I use a different flavor of extract?
A7: Yes, you can swap vanilla for almond or cinnamon extract for a different twist.
Q8: How can I make this dish more festive?
A8: Add a handful of raisins, cranberries, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a holiday vibe!
Q9: Is there a way to make this dairy-free?
A9: You can use almond milk and dairy-free butter as substitutes for a dairy-free version.
Q10: What’s the best type of bread to use?
A10: A sturdy, slightly dry bread like challah or brioche works best for this pudding. It soaks up the custard without falling apart.
Conclusion
If you’ve been looking for a dessert that’s simple yet indulgent, comforting yet a little fancy, this bread pudding with vanilla sauce is your answer. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will make everyone feel like they’re getting a warm hug with each bite. Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to savor every moment (and every bite) as you whip up this classic favorite!
Print
Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding is a warm, comforting dessert made with simple pantry ingredients. Soft, custardy bread soaked in a rich, spiced mixture and baked to golden perfection—topped with a luscious vanilla sauce for the ultimate treat. Perfect for using up leftover bread!
Ingredients
For the bread pudding:
- 6 cups day-old bread, cubed (French or brioche works best)
- 3 cups whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the vanilla sauce:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Place the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish. If using raisins, sprinkle them evenly over the bread.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, sugar, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour the mixture over the bread, ensuring all pieces are soaked.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the top and let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the pudding is golden brown and set.
- While the pudding bakes, make the vanilla sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, heavy cream, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Serve the bread pudding warm with the vanilla sauce drizzled over the top.
Notes
- Brioche or challah bread works best for a richer flavor.
- Letting the bread soak before baking ensures a soft, custardy texture.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of bourbon or rum to the vanilla sauce.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 100mg