Why Make This Recipe

Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is a comforting dessert that turns simple, leftover bread into a warm and delicious treat. It’s easy to make and can bring a sense of nostalgia to your dining table. The creamy texture combined with the sweet vanilla sauce makes it a perfect choice for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy night in. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to reduce food waste while creating something delightful.

How to Make Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Ingredients

6 cups stale bread, cubed
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup sugar
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
Butter (for greasing)

For Vanilla Sauce:

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with butter.
In a large bowl, combine the cubed stale bread, milk, cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well.
Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish, making sure the bread is soaked evenly.
Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
While the bread pudding is baking, prepare the vanilla sauce by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the sugar and cream, bringing to a gentle simmer. Stir in vanilla extract and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Serve warm with the vanilla sauce drizzled over the top.

How to Serve Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Serve the bread pudding warm, allowing everyone to enjoy it fresh from the oven. Drizzle the warm vanilla sauce on top right before serving. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or sprinkle some fresh berries to make it even more delightful.

How to Store Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

To store leftover bread pudding, let it cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. The vanilla sauce should also be stored in a separate container in the fridge. You can reheat both the bread pudding and the sauce in the microwave or oven.

Tips to Make Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Use day-old bread for the best texture. The staler, the better!
Feel free to add mix-ins like raisins, nuts, or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
Make sure to soak the bread thoroughly in the mixture for a soft and custardy texture.
If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil while baking.

Variation

For a chocolate twist, you can add chocolate chips to the bread pudding mix. Alternatively, switch things up by using flavored bread, like cinnamon raisin, for an added depth of flavor.

FAQs

Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread?
Fresh bread can be used, but it won’t soak up the liquid as well as stale bread. Consider toasting it lightly before use.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it before you are ready to serve.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in the vanilla sauce?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk as a lighter alternative, but the sauce will be less rich.