Why Make This Recipe

Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is a perfect dessert for many reasons. It is warm, comforting, and a great way to use up stale bread. The blend of milk, eggs, sugar, and spices creates a creamy texture with a delightful flavor. Topped with sweet vanilla sauce, this dish is sure to please everyone. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, it brings a sense of home and warmth to the table.

How to Make Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Ingredients

4 cups stale bread, cubed
2 cups milk
1/2 cup sugar
4 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 cup raisins (optional)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Fold in the cubed stale bread and raisins until well combined.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until set and golden brown.
To make the vanilla sauce, heat the heavy cream in a saucepan and whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth.
Serve slices of bread pudding warm, drizzled with vanilla sauce.

How to Serve Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Serve the bread pudding warm from the oven. Cut it into squares and drizzle a generous amount of vanilla sauce on top. It’s also nice to add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra creaminess. Enjoy it fresh and warm, and watch everyone reach for seconds!

How to Store Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

If you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely. Place the bread pudding in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It can stay fresh for about 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Tips to Make Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Use day-old or stale bread for the best texture. Fresh bread may become too mushy.
Experiment with different spices, like cardamom or allspice, to change the flavor.
You can add other mix-ins, like nuts or chocolate chips, for unique touches.
Make sure to let the pudding cool slightly before serving for easier slicing.

Variation

Add seasonal fruits like apples or pears for a fruity twist. You can also switch out the vanilla sauce for a chocolate sauce if you prefer.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread?
While fresh bread can work, stale bread absorbs the mixture better and gives a firmer texture.

2. How can I make this recipe vegan?
You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use almond or soy milk instead of regular milk. Use a plant-based heavy cream alternative for the sauce.

3. Can I freeze bread pudding?
Yes, you can freeze bread pudding. Allow it to cool, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat it in the oven after thawing.