Heavenly Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe for Sweet Joy

Crafting a delectable bread pudding with vanilla sauce brings pure comfort to any kitchen adventure.

Warm, custardy textures meld perfectly with sweet, creamy undertones.

Humble ingredients transform into something magical through simple culinary alchemy.

Classic desserts often carry deep emotional connections that transcend mere recipes.

Soft bread soaks up rich custard, creating layers of delightful flavor complexity.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen dance through each spoonful, inviting you to savor every delicious bite.

Prepare to indulge in a dessert that speaks directly to your soul.

Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Ingredients

• Bread Cubes: Soft, slightly stale bread that soaks up the custard and creates a tender texture. Day-old bread works best for maximum absorption.
• Raisins: Sweet, chewy addition that provides bursts of fruity flavor throughout the pudding.

• Milk: Creamy liquid that helps bind the pudding and create a smooth, rich consistency.
• Sugar: Sweetens the entire dessert and helps with caramelization.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help set the pudding with a soft, custardy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet flavor that enhances the overall dessert.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that bring depth and traditional pudding flavor.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create golden brown color. Use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, smooth sauce with a rich mouthfeel.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the sauce with a classic sweet flavor.

Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce – Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350°F.

Grab an 8×8-inch baking dish and generously coat it with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Arrange Bread Base

Slice bread into bite-sized cubes and spread them evenly across the prepared dish.

If you’re feeling adventurous, scatter raisins throughout for extra bursts of sweetness.

Step 3: Create Creamy Custard Mixture

• Milk
• Sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Freshly grated nutmeg

Pour this silky mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring every piece gets thoroughly soaked.

Step 4: Add Buttery Richness

Drizzle melted butter across the top of the pudding.

Let the mixture rest for 10-15 minutes, allowing bread to absorb all those delicious flavors.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the center sets beautifully.

Step 6: Whip Up Decadent Vanilla Sauce

• Sugar
• Heavy cream
• Butter

Cook over medium heat, stirring until butter melts and sugar dissolves completely.

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop warm bread pudding onto plates and generously drizzle with the velvety vanilla sauce.

Prepare for a mouthwatering dessert experience!

Bread Pudding Tips With Vanilla Warmth

• Choose day-old or slightly stale bread like brioche, challah, or French bread for better texture and absorption of custard mixture.
• Press bread gently into custard to ensure even soaking and avoid a wet, mushy consistency in the bottom layer.
• Add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or different dried fruits like cranberries for extra flavor and texture variations.
• Stir vanilla sauce continuously while cooking to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, silky consistency without lumps.
• Prepare the bread pudding and sauce a day in advance, refrigerate, and reheat gently before serving for enhanced flavor development.

Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Stored Smooth and Moist

• Store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for maximum 2 months.
• Warm chilled pudding at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.
• Heat individual servings in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming and maintain moisture.

Sweet Additions To Bread Pudding

Enhance Sweet Harmony: Perfect Pairings for Bread Pudding

• Sip Caramel Bourbon Whiskey: Smooth bourbon with caramel notes amplifies the dessert's warm cinnamon and nutmeg undertones, creating a luxurious adult dessert experience.
• Brew Rich Coffee Match: Dark roast coffee cuts through the pudding's sweetness, providing a robust counterpoint that cleanses the palate between decadent bites.
• Pour Moscato Wine Delight: Sweet, light Moscato wine complements the vanilla sauce's creamy texture, highlighting the dessert's delicate sugary profile without overwhelming the subtle flavors.
• Craft Spiced Chai Companion: Warming chai tea with its aromatic spices mirrors the pudding's cinnamon and nutmeg, offering a comforting and exotic drinking partner that elevates the entire dessert moment.

Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Ideas

• Gluten-Free Bread Pudding: Replace regular bread with gluten-free bread or almond flour bread. Use gluten-free ingredients for the sauce and ensure all components are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Bread Pudding: Substitute eggs with mashed bananas or flax eggs. Use plant-based milk like almond or coconut milk. Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine for the sauce.
• Low-Sugar Version: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of sugar. Add extra cinnamon and nutmeg for natural sweetness. Include chopped nuts like almonds for texture and flavor.
• Chocolate Lovers' Variation: Mix in dark chocolate chips before baking. Swap vanilla sauce with a rich chocolate ganache. Sprinkle cocoa powder on top for an intense chocolate experience.

FAQs

• What ingredients make this bread pudding unique?

Cinnamon and nutmeg provide warm, aromatic spices that elevate the classic dessert, giving it a rich, comforting flavor profile that sets it apart from basic bread puddings.

• Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?

Yes, day-old brioche, challah, or French bread work perfectly. Avoid very crusty or extremely soft breads, as they might affect the pudding’s texture and absorption of the custard mixture.

• How do I know when the bread pudding is fully cooked?

The pudding is done when it’s golden brown on top and set in the center. When you gently press the surface, it should spring back slightly and not appear liquid or soggy. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.

• Is the vanilla sauce necessary, or can I skip it?

The vanilla sauce is highly recommended as it adds a luxurious, creamy sweetness that complements the bread pudding’s texture. While optional, it significantly enhances the dessert’s overall flavor and makes it more indulgent.

Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce That’s Classic And Cozy

• Rescue Leftover Bread: Transform stale bread into a delectable dessert, preventing food waste while creating a mouthwatering treat that saves money and adds excitement to your meal.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Whip up this recipe in just 15 minutes of hands-on time, with simple ingredients and basic kitchen skills making it perfect for novice bakers seeking a foolproof dessert.
• Comfort Food Champion: Delivers warm, nostalgic flavors that wrap you in a cozy embrace, ideal for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or when you need a soul-soothing sweet escape.
• Versatile Dessert Superstar: Easily customizable with optional raisins, can be served warm or chilled, and pairs perfectly with vanilla sauce, making it a crowd-pleasing dessert for any occasion.

Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comforting bread pudding with vanilla sauce offers classic Southern hospitality on a plate. Warm, custardy layers welcome you to savor sweet nostalgia with each delectable spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 6 cups day-old bread, cubed (French or brioche)
• 3 cups whole milk
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

Spices and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Additional Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Vanilla Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F and prepare an 8×8-inch baking vessel with a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.
2. Arrange bread cubes uniformly across the greased dish, creating an even layer that will absorb the custard mixture.
3. Scatter plump raisins across the bread cubes, distributing them evenly for consistent flavor throughout the dessert.
4. Create a luxurious custard base by whisking milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth and well-integrated.
5. Gently pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring complete saturation and allowing each piece to soak up the rich liquid.
6. Drizzle melted butter across the surface, then allow the mixture to rest for 10-15 minutes, enabling the bread to thoroughly absorb the flavorful liquid.
7. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes until the top turns a golden brown and the pudding sets with a gentle firmness.
8. Meanwhile, craft the vanilla sauce by combining sugar, heavy cream, and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
9. Stir the sauce continuously until butter melts completely and sugar dissolves into a silky texture.
10. Remove sauce from heat and incorporate vanilla extract, creating a smooth and aromatic accompaniment.
11. Serve the bread pudding warm, generously drizzling the vanilla sauce over the top for a decadent finishing touch.

Notes

• Swap stale bread for fresh bread to reduce food waste and add extra texture to the pudding.
• Experiment with different spices like cardamom or ginger for a unique flavor profile that elevates the classic dessert.
• Use gluten-free bread to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting treat.
• Enhance the sauce by adding a splash of bourbon or rum for a sophisticated, adult-friendly version that brings depth and warmth to the dessert.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 386
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 164 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 51 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 83 mg