Description
This old-fashioned bread pudding with vanilla sauce is a comforting dessert made with custard-soaked bread baked to golden perfection, served with a creamy, sweet vanilla sauce. Ideal for cozy nights and nostalgic gatherings.
Ingredients
- 6 cups day-old bread, cubed
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- For the Vanilla Sauce:
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Cube the bread and let it dry slightly if very fresh.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes and let soak for 15–20 minutes.
- Transfer the soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, until the top is golden and a knife inserted comes out clean.
- For the vanilla sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add sugar, cream, and vanilla; stir until smooth. Add flour if thicker sauce is desired.
- Serve bread pudding warm, drizzled generously with vanilla sauce.
Notes
- Use day-old sturdy bread like French bread, brioche, or challah for best texture.
- Add raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts for variation.
- Include a splash of bourbon for a richer flavor.
- Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge overnight before baking.
- Store leftover sauce separately and reheat before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
