Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe

Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe

by

A warm, comforting classic dessert, perfect for using up leftover bread. This recipe combines a rich, custardy bread pudding with a smooth, sweet vanilla sauce.

Ingredients:

For the Bread Pudding:

  • 8 cups stale bread, cubed (such as French bread, brioche, or challah)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3 cups milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted  

For the Vanilla Sauce:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions:

Bread Pudding:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.  
  2. Prepare Bread: Place the cubed bread in a large bowl.
  3. Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  4. Combine: Pour the wet ingredients over the bread, ensuring all the bread is moistened. Gently stir in the raisins (if using).
  5. Soak: Let the bread mixture sit for 15-20 minutes, allowing the bread to absorb the liquid.
  6. Pour into Dish: Pour the bread pudding mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  7. Drizzle Butter: Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the bread pudding.
  8. Bake: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool: Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving.

Vanilla Sauce:

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the heavy cream, sugar, milk, and cornstarch.
  2. Cook: Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and comes to a gentle simmer.
  3. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Remove from Heat: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
  5. Serve: Serve the warm vanilla sauce over slices of the bread pudding.

Tips and Variations:

  • For a richer flavor, use brioche or challah bread.
  • Add other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped apricots.
  • Substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar for a caramel flavor.
  • add a shot of bourbon to the vanilla sauce.
  • add a streusel topping before baking the bread pudding.
  • Serve with whipped cream, or a scoop of ice cream.

Leave a Comment