Description
This classic Bread Pudding recipe transforms stale bread into a warm, comforting dessert. Soaked in a rich mixture of milk, eggs, sugar, and aromatic spices, the bread bakes into a custardy delight topped with a luscious homemade vanilla sauce. Perfect for a cozy family treat or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread Pudding
- 6 cups cubed stale bread (French, challah, brioche, or regular sliced)
- 2 cups milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (207g) sugar
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
Vanilla Sauce
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the dish: Grease an 8×8-inch casserole dish and set it aside to prevent sticking during baking.
- Arrange bread: Cut the stale bread into 1-inch chunks and evenly spread them in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
- Mix custard: In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth and combined.
- Soak bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread chunks, pressing gently to ensure all pieces absorb the liquid. Let it sit for 20-25 minutes to soak thoroughly.
- Bake pudding: Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C). Bake the pudding for 50-55 minutes until it is set but still slightly jiggly in the center and has risen.
- Make vanilla sauce: While the pudding bakes, melt butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.
- Cook sauce: Stir the sauce slowly over low heat until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, then remove from heat.
- Serve: Pour the warm vanilla sauce over the baked bread pudding and serve immediately for a rich and comforting dessert.
Notes
- Use stale or day-old bread for best texture; fresh bread may become too mushy.
- The custard-soaked bread needs resting time to absorb flavors thoroughly.
- Baking time may vary slightly depending on oven; check pudding for a gentle jiggle in the center to ensure doneness.
- Vanilla sauce can be prepared ahead and gently reheated before serving.
- Try different breads like challah or brioche for richer flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: bread pudding, dessert, baked pudding, vanilla sauce, comfort food, custard dessert
