Here’s a classic bread pudding recipe with a rich vanilla sauce, just like Grandma used to make. This comforting dessert is perfect for using up stale bread and creating a deliciously warm, custardy treat.
Traditional Bread Pudding
Ingredients:
- 6 cups day-old bread, cubed (French bread, brioche, or challah work well)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Bread: Place the cubed bread in the prepared baking dish. If using raisins, sprinkle them evenly over the bread cubes.
- Make Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Combine Bread and Custard: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press the bread down to ensure it soaks up the custard. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to absorb.
- Bake: Drizzle the melted butter over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the bread pudding cool slightly while you prepare the vanilla sauce.
Vanilla Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and heavy cream. Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
- Cook: Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Serve: Drizzle the warm vanilla sauce over individual servings of bread pudding. Enjoy!
This traditional bread pudding with vanilla sauce is a nostalgic and heartwarming dessert that’s sure to be a hit. Enjoy!