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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350°F and prepare an 8×8-inch baking vessel with a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.
- Arrange bread cubes uniformly across the greased dish, creating an even layer that will absorb the custard mixture.
- Scatter plump raisins across the bread cubes, distributing them evenly for consistent flavor throughout the dessert.
- Create a luxurious custard base by whisking milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth and well-integrated.
- Gently pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring complete saturation and allowing each piece to soak up the rich liquid.
- 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.
- 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.
- Meanwhile, craft the vanilla sauce by combining sugar, heavy cream, and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir the sauce continuously until butter melts completely and sugar dissolves into a silky texture.
- Remove sauce from heat and incorporate vanilla extract, creating a smooth and aromatic accompaniment.
- 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