The sweet aroma of cinnamon and vanilla wafting through my kitchen always brings a wave of nostalgia—almost like a warm hug after a long day. Today, I’m excited to share my Ultimate Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce, a delightful dish that transforms leftover bread into a cozy masterpiece. Not only is this recipe incredibly easy to whip up, making it ideal for busy weeknights or unexpected guests, but it also epitomizes comfort food at its finest. The luscious, custardy interior combined with the silky vanilla sauce is sure to warm hearts and fill bellies, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it solo or serving it at a family gathering, this bread pudding will surely become a beloved favorite. Ready to dive into a comforting dessert that’s as satisfying as it is simple? Let’s get started!
Why Is This Bread Pudding Amazing?
Comforting, this bread pudding is the epitome of cozy dessert vibes, ideal for chilly evenings. Easy to make, you can simply pull out that leftover bread and transform it into a heartwarming dish with just a few ingredients. Versatile, feel free to customize with chocolate chips or dried fruits to suit your taste. Crowd-pleasing, it’s not just dessert; it’s a nostalgic experience that everyone will adore. Complete the experience by pairing it with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra indulgent touch! Don’t forget to check out our tips on how to store leftovers for this delightful treat.
Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Ingredients
• Perfect for a comforting dessert, this delicious Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce comes together effortlessly with these simple ingredients.
For the Pudding
- Day-Old Bread (6 cups, cubed) – This gives structure and an ideal texture; brioche, French bread, or challah are great choices.
- Large Eggs (4) – They act as a binder and add richness to the pudding.
- Whole Milk (2 cups) – Provides creaminess and moisture, making the dessert lush.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup) – Enhances richness; you can substitute with additional whole milk if needed.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup) – Sweetens the pudding perfectly, balancing out the flavors.
- Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons) – Infuses aromatic flavor; opt for pure vanilla for the best taste.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon) – Adds warmth and spice, bringing nostalgic flavors to life.
- Salt (½ teaspoon) – Balances the sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Raisins or Chocolate Chips (½ cup, optional) – Adds an extra sweet flavor and texture; feel free to swap with nuts or dried fruit of your choice.
For the Vanilla Sauce
- Powdered Sugar (1 cup) – Sweetens the sauce while giving it a smooth consistency.
- Heavy Cream (½ cup) – Creates a rich, creamy sauce; this can also be replaced with milk for a lighter option.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon) – Elevates the flavor of the sauce; use pure for maximum impact.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Ultimate Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, grab a 9x13-inch baking dish and generously grease it with butter or non-stick spray. This will ensure your Ultimate Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce comes out easily after baking, providing a golden, inviting top that tempts everyone to dive in.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
Cube your day-old bread into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch in size. Evenly distribute the cubed bread within the greased baking dish, ensuring an even layer. This step forms the delicious base of your bread pudding, making for a delightful custardy texture when baked to perfection.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 2 cups of whole milk, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Ensure the mixture is smooth and combined well, as these wet ingredients will create the rich custard that infuses the bread with flavor.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Gently pour the wet mixture over the bread cubes in the baking dish, spreading it evenly. Using a spatula or your hands, press down slightly on the bread, allowing it to absorb the delicious custard. Let the combination sit for about 10 minutes, ensuring that every piece of bread is soaked and ready to create that comforting texture.
Step 5: Add Optional Ingredients
If you’re feeling indulgent, sprinkle ½ cup of raisins or chocolate chips evenly over the top of the soaked bread. This step adds extra flavor and texture to your Ultimate Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce. Feel free to substitute with nuts or other dried fruits to suit your taste.
Step 6: Bake the Pudding
Carefully place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The pudding should puff up and turn a golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on it; you’ll know it’s done when it’s set in the center with a slightly jiggly texture, hinting at its custardy goodness.
Step 7: Cool the Pudding
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow the bread pudding to cool for about 10-15 minutes. This brief cooling period makes it easier to slice and helps the flavors meld beautifully, ensuring each bite of your Ultimate Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is as delightful as possible.
Step 8: Prepare the Vanilla Sauce
While the bread pudding cools, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, ½ cup of heavy cream, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a bowl until you achieve a smooth and pourable consistency. This luscious sauce will elevate your bread pudding, adding sweetness and a decadent touch that perfectly complements the warm dessert.
What to Serve with Ultimate Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
Complete your delightful experience with these perfect pairings that bring balance to each warm, cozy bite.
- Creamy Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream adds a delightful creaminess that perfectly complements the warm pudding.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of freshly whipped cream introduces a fluffy texture, making each mouthful even more indulgent.
- Fresh Berries: Bright, tangy berries like raspberries or strawberries cut through the richness, adding a pop of color and refreshing flavor.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzling homemade or store-bought caramel sauce creates a sweet contrast, enhancing the overall indulgence of the dessert.
- Spiced Pecans: Lightly toasted pecans sprinkled on top provide a satisfying crunch, contrasting wonderfully with the soft pudding.
- Cinnamon Hot Chocolate: Cozy up with a warm mug of spiced hot chocolate; its rich, comforting flavors elevate the entire dessert experience.
- Mint Tea: The refreshing notes of mint tea offer a soothing balance to the sweetness, making it an excellent choice for a leisurely after-dinner drink.
- Nutmeg Latte: The warmth of a nutmeg latte mirrors the spices in the pudding and adds a gourmet touch to your dessert table.
How to Store and Freeze Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
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Fridge: Store the bread pudding in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Allow it to cool completely before sealing to maintain texture and flavor.
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Freezer: You can freeze bread pudding for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
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Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. Serve with warmed vanilla sauce for the best experience.
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Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the bread pudding in advance and store it in the fridge before baking. Just pop it into the oven when you're ready to enjoy your comforting dessert!
Expert Tips for Bread Pudding
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Bread Choice Matters: Use brioche, French bread, or challah for the best texture. Stale bread works best—it absorbs the custard beautifully without falling apart.
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Don’t Rush the Soaking: Allow the bread to sit in the custard mixture for at least 10 minutes. Press the cubes down gently to ensure even soaking and avoid dry spots.
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Watch the Baking Time: For a perfect custardy center, pull it from the oven when it's slightly jiggly in the middle. Overbaking can lead to a dry pudding, so keep an eye on it!
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Customize Flavors: Feel free to swap in different extracts, like almond, or add spices such as nutmeg or cardamom to tailor your bread pudding with vanilla sauce to your taste.
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Chill and Reheat: If preparing ahead, it can be stored in the fridge. Just rewarm in the oven before serving to bring back its delightful texture and warmth.
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Add Extra Indulgence: Top your bread pudding with ice cream or whipped cream, if desired, to elevate your dessert experience and make it truly unforgettable.
Make Ahead Options
These Ultimate Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the entire bread pudding mixture up to 24 hours in advance by following the initial steps, mixing the ingredients, and then covering it tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating. To maintain quality and prevent the bread from becoming too soggy, ensure the mixture is pressed down gently to absorb the custard fully. When you're ready to bake, simply remove it from the refrigerator, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, and then pop it in the oven for delicious, homemade comfort food that feels fresh and just as delightful!
Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity; this bread pudding is your blank canvas for deliciousness!
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Chocolate Chip Bread: Swap the day-old bread for chocolate chip bread for an even sweeter treat!
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Almond Extract: Replace vanilla extract with almond extract for a fragrant and nutty twist. The flavor will brighten up your dessert beautifully.
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Fruit Medley: Use a combination of dried fruits like cranberries, cherries, or even apricots instead of raisins for a vibrant, fruity flavor.
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Spiced Upgrade: Add a touch of nutmeg or cardamom to enhance the warmth of your pudding with an exotic twist. These spices really elevate the flavor profile.
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Nutty Delight: Mix in some walnuts or pecans for an added crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, custardy bread pudding.
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Savory Version: For a less sweet option, omit sugar and use a savory bread like sourdough, adding herbs like rosemary for a unique brunch dish. The transformation is delightful!
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread instead of regular bread to enjoy this comforting dessert without the gluten.
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Maple Syrup Sauce: Swap the vanilla sauce for a rich maple syrup sauce for a deliciously different flavor that pairs perfectly with the pudding's sweetness.
When you put your spin on this comforting recipe, it becomes a special memory in every bite!
Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe FAQs
What type of bread is best for bread pudding?
Using day-old bread is key to achieving the perfect texture in your bread pudding. I recommend brioche, French bread, or challah. These types of bread are sturdy enough to absorb the custard mixture without becoming mushy.
How should I store leftover bread pudding?
Store your bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure it has cooled completely before sealing to maintain its lovely texture and flavor. If you want to enjoy it later, it's best to prepare it fresh for the best taste!
Can I freeze bread pudding?
Absolutely! You can freeze your bread pudding for up to 3 months. To do this, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to guard against freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it in the oven—this will restore its delightful texture.
What if my bread pudding turns out too dry?
To ensure your bread pudding doesn’t dry out, let the bread soak in the custard for at least 10 minutes before baking. When baking, check for doneness around the 45-minute mark; it should be set but a bit jiggly in the center. If it turns out dry, you can serve it with extra vanilla sauce for added moisture and flavor.
Are there any dietary concerns for this recipe?
For those with dietary restrictions, this bread pudding can be adapted easily! Use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free option, and you can swap the sugar for a sugar substitute to make it suitable for those managing sugar intake. Always double-check the labels for dietary preferences, especially if serving to guests with allergies.
Indulgent Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce You'll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cube day-old bread into 1-inch pieces and evenly distribute them in the baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the wet mixture over the bread cubes and press down to soak.
- If desired, add raisins or chocolate chips on top of the soaked bread.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
- Allow the pudding to cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Prepare the vanilla sauce by whisking together powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.
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