Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe

Enjoy the warm comfort of homemade bread pudding with a rich vanilla sauce. This classic dessert is loved by all and great for any event. The pudding is soft and has a crunchy top from coarse sugar. It’s baked in a creamy custard with vanilla and cinnamon.

Serve it warm with a drizzle of creamy vanilla sauce. It’s a treat you can’t resist.

Key Takeaways

Easy to prepare homemade bread pudding recipe
Creamy vanilla sauce complements the pudding perfectly
Crunchy top and soft, custardy interior make this dessert irresistible
Versatile recipe that can be customized with various add-ins
Ideal for using up leftover bread and serving a crowd

Introduction to Classic Bread Pudding

Bread pudding is a traditional dessert loved by many for centuries. It’s a comforting treat with a rich history. Today, we’re making a simple version with homemade vanilla sauce. It’s great for breakfast, special occasions, or a cozy weekend.

Origins of This Comfort Dessert

The history of bread pudding goes back to the 11th or 12th century. Back then, cooks used stale bread in a creative way. They soaked it in a custard mixture and baked it, turning it into a tasty dish. Over time, it became a favorite in many places, with each adding its own twist.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This bread pudding recipe is special because of its simplicity and homemade vanilla sauce. It uses just a few ingredients like bread, eggs, milk, and sugar. The vanilla sauce adds a creamy touch, making it a treat for the senses.

Perfect Occasions for Serving

This classic bread pudding is perfect for many occasions. It’s great for breakfast or brunch, especially on special days. Its comfort food history and versatile nature make it perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or a cozy evening.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Dessert

This easy to make, budget-friendly, and customizable bread pudding recipe is a true delight for dessert lovers. It only takes 10 minutes to prepare and 1 hour and 30 minutes to make. You’ll be enjoying a heavenly homemade treat in no time.

The recipe serves a generous 12 people, making it perfect for sharing with family and friends. Baked in a 9 x 13-inch pan, this bread pudding features a divine combination of custard-soaked bread, raisins, and a decadent vanilla sauce that ties it all together.

What sets this recipe apart is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences, whether that’s adding different dried fruits, nuts, or even chocolate chips. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to create a customizable dessert that’s truly unique to your liking.

With a rating of 4.64 out of 5 based on 47 votes, it’s clear that this bread pudding with vanilla sauce is a crowd-pleaser. The recipe’s popularity stems from its easy to make nature, budget-friendly ingredients, and the overall incredible flavor profile.

So, if you’re looking for a easy to make, budget-friendly, and customizable homemade dessert that’s sure to impress, this bread pudding with vanilla sauce is the perfect choice.

Essential Ingredients for the Pudding Base

Making the perfect bread pudding starts with picking the right ingredients. It needs stale bread, creamy dairy, and spices for its unique taste.

Types of Bread to Use

The base of a great bread pudding is the bread. This recipe uses 6 cups of stale, cubed bread. King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls or buttery brioche work well. Day-old bread soaks up the custard without getting soggy.

Dairy and Egg Components

The custard that holds the pudding together is made from whole milk and heavy cream. It uses 2 ½ cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream. Plus, 3 large eggs and 1 egg yolk for a smooth texture.

Sweeteners and Spices

The recipe balances the richness with ¾ cup of granulated sugar. Cinnamon and vanilla extract add flavor. Just 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 2 teaspoons of vanilla are needed.

Ingredient	Amount
Stale Bread	6 cups, cubed
Whole Milk	2 ½ cups
Heavy Cream	1 cup
Granulated Sugar	¾ cup
Eggs	3 large eggs, 1 egg yolk
Cinnamon	1 teaspoon
Vanilla Extract	2 teaspoons

“The real test of a good bread pudding is how well the custard base soaks into the stale bread. You want each bite to be rich, creamy, and full of flavor.”

Try the amazing mix of a classic bread pudding recipe and a smooth vanilla sauce. It’s great for any event, from family dinners to fancy parties.

You’ll need about 12 ounces (8 cups) of cubed day-old bread, like brioche or challah. In a big bowl, mix 4 large eggs, 2 cups of milk, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 3/4 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. This makes the custard mixture.

Then, gently mix the bread cubes with the custard. Make sure they’re all coated. You can also add 1/2 cup of raisins, 1/2 cup of chopped pecans, 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, or 1/2 cup of chopped apples. Put the bread pudding in an 8-inch square baking dish and bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes. It’s done when the center is set.

While the bread pudding bakes, make the vanilla sauce. In a saucepan, mix 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of heavy cream, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk until it’s smooth and creamy. Then, pour the warm sauce over the bread pudding when it’s done.

The leftover bread pudding can be kept in the fridge for up to four days. It gets softer over time. To reheat, microwave a portion for 15-20 seconds or bake the whole dish at 300°F for 8-10 minutes.

Enjoy this bread pudding recipe with vanilla sauce as a cozy dessert or a special treat. It’s a mix of flavors and textures that everyone will love!

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

To make the perfect bread pudding with vanilla sauce, you’ll need some key baking tools and kitchen essentials. Start with a set of mixing bowls for the custard base and assembling the dish. A whisk is crucial for mixing the ingredients smoothly. A silicone spatula makes it easy to mix the bread with the custard and put it in the baking dish.

You’ll also need a small baking dish (8-9 inches/20-23cm) for the right size. A saucepan is needed for the creamy vanilla sauce that goes well with the bread pudding. Lastly, a digital kitchen scale is recommended for precise bread measurements. This ensures the perfect texture and taste in your homemade dessert.

Essential Baking Tools	Quantity
Mixing Bowls	2-3
Whisk	1
Silicone Spatula	1
Baking Dish (8-9 inches/20-23cm)	1
Saucepan	1
Digital Kitchen Scale	1

With these baking tools and kitchen essentials, you’re ready to make a delicious bread pudding with vanilla sauce. It’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Preparing the Bread Base

To make the perfect bread pudding, start by preparing the bread base. Cut or tear the bread into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes. This size helps the bread soak up the custard mixture well.

If you have fresh, soft bread, lightly toast the cubes first. This step helps the bread absorb the custard better. Stale or day-old bread is also great, as it’s firmer and better for bread preparation.

Proper Bread Cutting Technique

When cutting the bread, aim for cubes that are all the same size. This ensures the pudding bakes evenly. Use a sharp knife or tear the bread by hand for a rustic look. Be gentle to avoid making the bread too dense.

Drying Methods for Fresh Bread

If using fresh, soft bread, spread the cubed pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until lightly toasted and dried out.
Alternatively, you can leave the fresh bread cubes out at room temperature for a few hours. This lets them naturally stale and dry. It’s a great stale bread tip.

By preparing the bread base right, you’ll get a pudding that’s soft and custard-like inside. The outside will have a nice crunch from the bread cubes.

“Bread pudding has been a comforting dessert for centuries, with roots dating back to the 11th century. This recipe captures the essence of this classic treat, delivering a rich, indulgent experience in every bite.”

Making the Custard Mixture

The custard base is the heart of this delicious bread pudding. It’s surprisingly easy to make. In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups of milk, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar or light brown sugar, 1 large egg, 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.

Whisk everything together until the custard base is smooth and the egg mixture is even. For a thicker custard, add 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour to the mix.

After preparing the custard base, pour it over the bread. Make sure each piece is well-coated. This will give the dessert its rich, custardy texture.

Ingredient	Quantity
Milk	2 cups
Granulated sugar or light brown sugar	1/2 cup
Large egg	1
Pure vanilla extract	2 teaspoons
Ground cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)	Pinch
All-purpose flour (optional)	1 tablespoon

By making this custard base and pouring it over the bread, you’ll get a rich, egg-rich dessert. It will bake to perfection, giving you a decadent and comforting flavoring custard.

Creating the Perfect Vanilla Sauce

Make your homemade desserts even better with a delicious vanilla sauce. This vanilla sauce recipe is easy to make and perfect for bread pudding, cake, or other sweet treats. With just a few ingredients, you can create a rich, homemade dessert sauce that everyone will love.

Sauce Ingredients Overview

The main ingredients for this creamy topping are:

4 egg yolks
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons of vanilla extract
2 teaspoons of corn starch
1 cup of milk
1 cup of heavy cream
A small pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Sauce Instructions

Here’s how to make the perfect vanilla sauce:

In a medium saucepan, mix the milk, heavy cream, and sugar. Heat it over medium, stirring now and then, until the sugar dissolves.
In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks, cornstarch, and a bit of hot cream until smooth.
Pour the egg yolk mix back into the saucepan, whisking all the time, until it thickens in 2-3 minutes.
Take the saucepan off the heat and add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Stir well.
Let the vanilla sauce cool for 10 minutes. It will thicken more and become creamy.

Metric	Value
Prep Time	5 minutes
Cook Time	10 minutes
Total Time	15 minutes
Servings	4
Calories	146.28kcal

The vanilla sauce can be warmed up and kept in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 12 months. It stays flavorful and creamy. Use it as a topping or dip for your favorite desserts!

Baking Tips and Techniques

To get the perfect texture and flavor in your homemade bread pudding, follow a few simple steps. First, press the bread pieces down gently to coat them evenly with the custard. This ensures the bread soaks up all the flavors. For a crunchy top, sprinkle coarse sugar over it before baking.

Let the bread soak in the custard while the oven heats up. This step helps the flavors blend together beautifully. When baking, watch your bread pudding closely. It’s done when the top is golden and no custard leaks out when pressed. Baking advice like these will help you make perfect bread pudding every time.

Achieving the Ideal Texture

Getting the texture right is key to perfect bread pudding. Start by drying out the bread cubes. Bake them at 275°F for 30-40 minutes. This makes the bread absorb the custard mixture well, giving you a soft interior and a golden top.

Essential Baking Techniques

Press the bread pieces down gently to ensure even coating with custard
Sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for extra crunch
Allow bread to soak in custard while oven preheats
Bake until top is golden brown and no custard seeps through
Dry out bread cubes at 275°F for 30-40 minutes before assembling

By using these simple cooking techniques, you’ll make the most delicious bread pudding your loved ones have ever had.

“The key to amazing bread pudding is all in the baking – getting that perfect custard-like interior and crunchy top is an art form.” – Chef Emeril Lagasse

Temperature and Timing Guide

To make the perfect bread pudding, follow the right baking temperature and cooking time. This simple step makes your dessert soft, custardy, and full of flavor.

Optimal Baking Temperature

Preheat your oven to a toasty 350°F (180°C). This temperature is perfect. It lets the bread pudding bake evenly and get a golden-brown top without drying out.

How to Check for Doneness

Watch your bread pudding closely as it bakes. It should take about 40-45 minutes to cook. To check if it’s done, insert a knife or toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the custard has set.

The top should be lightly browned. And when you press on the surface, no custardy liquid should leak out.

Oven temperatures can differ, so watch it closely and adjust the time if needed. The goal is to bake it until it’s set in the center but still moist and tasty.

“Baking is like chemistry, and cooking is like art.”

With the right baking temperature and cooking time, you’ll make a perfectly baked bread pudding. It will impress your family and friends. Enjoy every bite of this comforting, homemade treat!

Serving Suggestions and Presentation

After your homemade bread pudding is perfectly baked, it’s time to think about serving and presentation. Let the warm dessert cool for 15-20 minutes before serving. This short wait helps the pudding firm up, making it easier to serve.

To serve, start by drizzling the luscious vanilla sauce over the warm bread pudding. Make sure to save some sauce to serve on the side. This way, guests can add more sauce if they want. The soft pudding and smooth sauce together are a perfect match.

The bread pudding can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or even chilled. You can offer different toppings to make the dessert plating and serving ideas more exciting. Try fresh berries, powdered sugar, or whipped cream.

For a beautiful bread pudding presentation, serve it family-style in a large dish. Guests can scoop out big portions, enjoying every bite of this comforting treat.

Whether you serve the bread pudding individually or together, the goal is to highlight its flavors and textures. With its rich custard, soft bread, and indulgent sauce, this classic dessert is sure to impress your guests.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Keeping your homemade bread pudding fresh is key. With the right storage and reheating, you can enjoy it for days. This ensures the flavors and textures stay perfect.

Storing Bread Pudding

Let your bread pudding cool down completely before storing. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days without the sauce. If you’ve added the vanilla sauce, it’s good for 2-3 days. Always store the sauce in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3-4 weeks.

Reheating Bread Pudding

There are easy ways to reheat your bread pudding. For single servings, microwave until warm. For the whole dish, use a low oven (around 300°F) until it’s hot all over.

Remember, leftovers storage and reheating desserts must follow food safety rules. These steps help you enjoy every bite of your bread pudding, even days later.

Storage Method	Shelf Life
Bread Pudding (without sauce)	Up to 5 days in the refrigerator
Bread Pudding (with sauce)	2-3 days in the refrigerator
Vanilla Sauce	3-4 weeks in the refrigerator

“Proper storage and reheating are the keys to enjoying your homemade bread pudding for days after baking.”

Common Recipe Variations

The classic Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce recipe is a delightful and versatile dessert. It can be easily adapted to suit various flavors and dietary preferences. For those seeking to explore recipe adaptations, there are numerous flavor variations and dietary modifications to consider.

Flavor Additions

To enhance the flavor profile of the Bread Pudding, you can experiment with adding ingredients. Try adding chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or a splash of spiced rum. The rich and creamy nature of the dish pairs beautifully with these optional additions, creating an even more indulgent treat.

Dietary Modifications

For those with dietary restrictions or preferences, the Bread Pudding recipe can be easily modified. Swap out the dairy products with plant-based milk alternatives, such as almond or oat milk, to create a dairy-free version. You can also substitute the traditional sugar with maple syrup or another natural sweetener to reduce the overall sugar content. For gluten-free guests, simply use a gluten-free bread in place of the standard loaf.

FAQ

What makes this bread pudding recipe stand out?

This bread pudding recipe is special because it’s simple and has a delicious homemade vanilla sauce. The sauce pairs perfectly with the soft pudding.

What are the best occasions to serve this bread pudding?

Serve this bread pudding for breakfast, on special occasions, or as a cozy weekend treat. It’s a versatile dessert that’s great any time.

How easy is this bread pudding to make?

Making this bread pudding is easy, taking just about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s also budget-friendly, using simple ingredients and leftover bread.

What type of bread works best for this recipe?

The best bread for this recipe is day-old or stale bread. Brioche, challah, or French bread works well. The stale bread soaks up the custard mixture better.

What are the key ingredients in the bread pudding?

The main ingredients are milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. You’ll need 16 ounces (454 grams) of bread cubes.

How do you make the homemade vanilla sauce?

To make the vanilla sauce, simmer milk, cream, and sugar. Mix cornstarch with hot liquid, then whisk it into the simmering mixture until thickened. Add butter and vanilla last.

What equipment is needed to make this bread pudding?

You’ll need mixing bowls, a whisk, a silicone spatula, a small baking dish, and a saucepan. A digital kitchen scale is also recommended for accurate measurements.

How should the bread be prepared for the pudding?

Cut or tear the bread into 1-inch pieces. If using fresh bread, lightly toast it before adding the custard. Spread the bread pieces evenly in a buttered baking dish.

How do you make the custard base for the bread pudding?

In a large mixing bowl, combine milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Whisk until well combined, then pour over the bread pieces.

What are some common flavor variations for this bread pudding?

You can add chocolate chips, fruit, or spiced rum for flavor variations. The recipe is flexible and can be adapted to various dietary needs and preferences.