Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

This nostalgic Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is a cozy comfort food dessert recipe that’s perfect to serve on a chilly fall night.

Ah, bread pudding. It’s a comfort food that I grew up with and still love to this day. My grandma used to make it for us whenever we spent time at her house.

Over the years I’ve tried to recreate the comforting recipe she always made. I think I’ve gotten close with this recipe! It’s my Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce recipe!

Imagine a comforting dish of soft, custardy bread with the sweet, rich tones of vanilla. Each bite is like a warm hug, with flavors dancing on your palate and melting your heart.

It’s a classic dessert that brings back fond memories and creates new ones! Bread pudding with vanilla sauce is a comforting experience that everyone should get to enjoy.

It’s a walk down memory lane for some and a new, delightful discovery for others. Whether you’re making it for the first time or the hundredth, this classic recipe never disappoints.

So, get your baking dish out, and let’s make some warm, comforting, and utterly delicious bread pudding. Cheers to sweet moments!

Common Questions About Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

What type of bread works best for bread pudding?

Stale bread or day-old bread is your best bet. This allows the bread cubes to soak up the egg mixture, giving you a deliciously moist pudding. Both white bread and French bread are popular choices.

What’s the ideal consistency for the vanilla sauce?

Your vanilla sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. A luscious vanilla sauce perfectly complements the warm bread pudding.

How do I prevent my bread pudding from getting too soggy?

The key is to press the bread down gently with a fork after pouring the milk mixture. This ensures the bread absorbs the liquid uniformly.

Storage

Leftover bread pudding is actually one of my favorite ways to enjoy it. Here are a couple of tips on storing this simple bread pudding recipe.

Refrigerator

Store your bread pudding in an airtight container. It can last for up to 3 days when refrigerated. The vanilla cream sauce should be stored separately, with plastic wrap touching the surface to prevent skin formation.

Freezer

You can freeze your bread pudding for up to a month. Just make sure it’s wrapped in aluminum foil and sealed in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.

Tips

I really think that bread pudding is the best part of any meal it’s served with. Can you tell I’m a fan? Ha!

• Always use a preheated oven for even baking.
• To prevent excessive browning, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
• For an extra touch of decadence, serve with your favorite brand of vanilla ice cream.
• Stale or day-old bread is best.

Ingredients

The sweet flavors of vanilla take the classic bread pudding and level it up. I love finding simple ways like this to bring new life to a favorite.

• Bread
• Butter (unsalted)
• Raisins or dried fruit (optional)
• Milk
• Granulated sugar
• Large eggs
• Ground cinnamon
• Vanilla extract

Bread Pudding Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Milk
• Granulated sugar
• Large egg yolks
• Cornstarch
• Vanilla extract

How to Make Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Don’t skimp on the sauce! You’re going to love this bread pudding once all is said and done. The bread absorbs the moisture and flavor, and every bite reminds you of a warm night spent by the fire. At least, it does for me, haha!

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare an 8×8 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Place the bread pieces into the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the melted butter over the bread and sprinkle the raisins on top.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together milk, sugar, eggs, cinnamon, and vanilla until well blended.
4. Pour the egg mixture over the bread. Press the bread down gently with a fork to help the bread absorb the liquid.
5. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center returns clean.

How to Make Bread Pudding Sauce

1. Combine the heavy cream and milk in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat until it starts to simmer around the edges but do not bring to a boil.
2. Whisk together the sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla in a separate bowl. Mix in the cornstarch.
3. Slowly ladle 1/4 cup of the hot cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking continuously. Gradually pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture, whisking constantly. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Do not let it boil.
4. Let the sauce cool slightly before transferring to a storage container or jar. Place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the sauce to prevent skin from forming. 
5. Refrigerate until chilled and ready to serve with the warm bread pudding.

Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need for Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

If the bread you have is stale, no problem! You can simply break it into pieces and put it in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes. This will dry it out a bit and help it to absorb all the wonderful sauce you’re going to pour over it!

• 8×8 baking dish
• Medium saucepan
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Fork
• 1-quart saucepan (for the sauce)

What to Serve With Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

I actually love to have this for breakfast the next day. When served as leftovers, the flavors have had the chance to combine even more. It’s just delicious!

• A scoop of ice cream, especially if it’s vanilla-flavored.
• Fresh berries for a fruity touch.
• A sprinkle of powdered sugar for added sweetness.

Why You Should Make Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Whether it’s for a decadent dessert or just a standalone treat, everyone should have a recipe like this in their collection. 

• It’s Classic Comfort Food: Bread pudding is the epitome of heartwarming comfort food.
• Versatile: With many variations, there’s a bread pudding for every palate.
• Makes Use of Leftovers: A perfect way to use up leftover bread, preventing food waste.
• Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a hit at gatherings and special occasions.
• Decadent Yet Simple: Despite its rich flavors, it’s an easy bread pudding recipe to master.

Variations and Add-ins for Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

How about nutmeg? Or some brown sugar perhaps! There are all kinds of possibilities with this recipe and it’s one of the reasons I love it!

• Croissant Bread Pudding: Swap out the bread cubes for croissant pieces for a buttery twist.
• Chocolate Chips: For chocolate lovers, mix in chocolate chips with the raisins.
• Bourbon Sauce: Replace the vanilla sauce with a bourbon sauce for an adult kick.
• Nuts: Add in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.

If you love this easy bread pudding recipe, you’re going to love these other comfort food French toast-style recipes too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

More Sweet Treats

Chocolate Twist

Bronuts

Cream Horns with Puff Pastry

4-Ingredient Chocolate Dump Cake

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If you love this recipe for bread pudding as much as I do, please write a five-star review, and be sure to help me share on Facebook and Pinterest!

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