Description
Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is a classic comfort dessert made with soft bread soaked in a rich vanilla custard and baked until golden. Served warm with a silky homemade vanilla sauce, this timeless recipe is perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or cozy evenings.
Ingredients
- 6 cups day-old bread, cubed
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- For the Vanilla Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Place the bread cubes evenly in the prepared dish and sprinkle with raisins if using.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and melted butter.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread.
- Gently press the bread into the liquid and let stand for 15 minutes.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until the pudding is set and lightly golden on top.
- While the pudding bakes, prepare the vanilla sauce.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Whisk in sugar, flour, and heavy cream until smooth.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Allow the bread pudding to cool for 10 minutes.
- Serve warm with generous spoonfuls of vanilla sauce.
Notes
- Day-old French bread, brioche, or challah works best.
- Letting the bread soak ensures a soft, custardy texture.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
- The vanilla sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated.
- Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American