Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe

Classic bread pudding with vanilla sauce—warm, custardy, and sweet with hints of cinnamon. A comforting dessert perfect for holidays or cozy nights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients come together effortlessly in this recipe, each playing a crucial role in flavor and texture. Nothing fancy, just the classics — but it’s their magic combination that elevates this Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce beyond compare.

• Day-old white bread (4 cups or 8 slices): Slightly stale bread soaks up all that luscious custard without turning mushy.
• Raisins (1/2 cup): These little jewels add pockets of chewy sweetness and a pop of flavor in every bite.
• Milk (2 cups): The foundation of the custard, making it creamy and moist.
• Butter (1/4 cup for pudding, 1/4 cup for sauce): Adds richness and a luxurious mouthfeel to both the pudding and the sauce.
• Sugar (1/2 cup for pudding, 1/2 cup for sauce): Sweetens our dessert to perfection, while also helping the custard caramelize in the oven.
• Eggs (2, slightly beaten): The essential binder that helps set the custard while giving it a tender, silky texture.
• Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon for pudding, 1 teaspoon for sauce): Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic note that can’t be missed.
• Ground nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): Delivers a cozy, spice-kissed flavor perfect for a classic bread pudding.
• Milk (1/2 cup for sauce): Essential for making the velvety vanilla sauce that gets drizzled on top.

How to Make Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by gathering everything you’ll need — it makes the process so much smoother! Cube your day-old bread and measure out the raisins, milk, butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and nutmeg. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you are.

Step 2: Soak the Bread and Raisins

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the bread cubes and raisins. Meanwhile, warm the milk and butter in a saucepan over medium heat until the butter melts and the mixture is warmed through (no need to boil). Pour that glorious warm mixture over the bread and raisins and let it sit for 10 minutes, giving the bread time to soak up the moisture.

Step 3: Mix the Custard

To the soaked bread mixture, add sugar, lightly beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and freshly grated or ground nutmeg. Stir until everything is combined and the bread looks evenly coated — this is where all the flavor infuses into every morsel.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish, then pour in your bread mixture, spreading it out evenly. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, until the top is golden and set, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible aroma of homemade Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce in the making.

Step 5: Prepare the Vanilla Sauce

While the pudding bakes, it’s sauce time! In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, and milk for the sauce. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the mixture thickens and bubbles gently. Remove from the heat, stir in vanilla extract, and set aside. The result? A silky, fragrant sauce worthy of your warm bread pudding.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Spoon the warm bread pudding into bowls or onto plates and lavish each serving with a generous drizzle of the vanilla sauce. There’s truly nothing like the comforting indulgence of Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce served fresh — absolute dessert bliss!

How to Serve Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Garnishes

Take your Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce to the next level by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. For extra flair, scatter a few extra raisins or add some toasted chopped nuts for crunch.

Side Dishes

This rich dessert pairs well with something fresh and light, like a bowl of mixed berries or a fresh fruit salad. If you’re feeling especially decadent, serve with a cup of hot coffee or strong black tea — the bittersweetness balances the pudding’s sweetness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings or special occasions, cut the bread pudding into squares and arrange them on a platter, each topped with a swirl of vanilla sauce. Or serve individual portions in ramekins, garnished with colorful elements like fresh mint or edible flowers to make Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce the star of your dessert table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to three days. Store the pudding and the sauce in separate airtight containers, so the bread stays moist yet doesn’t get soggy from the sauce.

Freezing

This dessert freezes surprisingly well! Wrap the cooled bread pudding tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving; keep the vanilla sauce separate and make it fresh for best results.

Reheating

Warm individual servings in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or reheat the entire baking dish (covered with foil) in a 325°F oven until heated through. Always warm the vanilla sauce separately before drizzling it over your revived Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce for perfect texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! While classic white bread is traditional, brioche, challah, or even leftover croissants add a decadent twist and soak up the custard beautifully in Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce.

Is it necessary to use day-old bread?

Day-old bread is ideal because it holds up better to soaking and gives that signature texture, but you can dry out fresh bread cubes in a low oven for about 10 minutes if needed.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite non-dairy milk and use plant-based butter for both the pudding and the sauce. The result is equally delicious and perfect for those who avoid dairy.

Will the vanilla sauce thicken as it cools?

It will thicken slightly as it cools. If it gets too thick, just whisk in a splash of milk before reheating to loosen the consistency for drizzling over the bread pudding.

Can I add extra flavors or mix-ins?

Definitely! Try adding a handful of chocolate chips, diced apples, or a dash of cinnamon for a fun spin on classic Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce. The base recipe is super adaptable to your personal taste.

Final Thoughts

If comfort, nostalgia, and pure dessert joy are what you crave, you simply must try this Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce. It’s easy enough for weeknights yet special enough for celebrations. Pass the sauce, grab your spoon, and get ready to fall in love with every warm, custardy bite!

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