Description
This Custard Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is a comforting and classic dessert featuring cubes of stale bread soaked in a rich, cinnamon-spiced custard and baked until golden and set. Served warm with a smooth, buttery vanilla sauce, this dish is perfect for enjoying a cozy treat using simple, pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread Pudding
- 4 cups stale bread, cubed
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
Vanilla Sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish thoroughly to ensure the bread pudding does not stick during baking.
- Arrange Bread Cubes: Place the cubed stale bread evenly in the greased baking dish to create the base of the pudding.
- Whisk Custard Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Soak Bread: Pour the prepared custard mixture over the bread cubes, making sure all pieces are soaked. Let the bread absorb the custard for about 10 minutes for maximum flavor and moisture.
- Bake the Pudding: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the pudding is golden brown on top and set firmly in the center.
- Prepare Vanilla Sauce: While the pudding bakes, melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the powdered sugar and milk or cream continuously until the sauce is smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and remove from heat.
- Serve: Once baked, serve the bread pudding warm with a generous drizzle of the warm vanilla sauce over the top for a delicious finish.
Notes
- Using stale bread helps it absorb the custard better without becoming too mushy.
- Whole milk is recommended for a richer texture, but you can use cream for even more decadence.
- Letting the bread soak ensures the custard fully penetrates each piece, resulting in a creamy interior.
- This pudding can be reheated gently in the oven or microwave; add a bit of extra sauce to keep it moist.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute with gluten-free bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
