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Classic Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Homemade Vanilla Sauce

Close-up of a square serving of moist bread pudding topped generously with creamy vanilla sauce.
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Make this rich, custardy bread pudding using stale bread. This recipe delivers old-fashioned comfort and pairs perfectly with a simple vanilla sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups stale bread cubes (about 1 loaf)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
  • For the Vanilla Sauce: 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the stale bread cubes, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss gently to mix the spices evenly. If using raisins, add them now.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until fully combined. This creates your custard base.
  4. Pour the custard mixture slowly over the bread mixture. Gently press the bread down to help it absorb the liquid. Let the mixture stand for 15 minutes to soak completely.
  5. Transfer the soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  6. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted near the center comes out mostly clean.
  7. While the pudding bakes, prepare the vanilla sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
  8. Remove the butter from the heat. Whisk in the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a few more drops of milk.
  9. Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving warm with the homemade vanilla sauce poured over the top.

Notes

  • Use bread that is slightly dry, like French bread or challah, for the best texture.
  • You can substitute the vanilla sauce with a simple caramel sauce for a different flavor profile.
  • If you do not have stale bread, you can lightly toast fresh bread cubes in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes before soaking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://fooddexterity.com/easy-classic-bread-pudding-recipe/