If you’re looking for a comforting dessert that feels like a warm hug, then the Custard Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe is absolutely what you need. It transforms humble stale bread into a luscious custard-soaked masterpiece baked to golden perfection. The silky vanilla sauce adds a dreamy richness that makes every bite utterly irresistible. Whether you’re ending a family dinner or seeking a cozy weekend treat, this Custard Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe strikes a perfect balance of creaminess, spice, and sweetness that’s hard to beat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Custard Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the texture-giving stale bread to the fragrant vanilla and warm cinnamon, making the final dish comforting and flavorful.
- 4 cups stale bread, cubed: Using slightly stale bread helps soak up the custard perfectly without becoming mushy.
- 2 cups whole milk: Adds creaminess and richness to the custard base.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the pudding just right without overpowering.
- 4 large eggs: Essential for binding the custard and giving it that silky texture.
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract: Infuses the pudding with warm, aromatic flavor.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Offers a subtle spicy note that complements the vanilla beautifully.
- A pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Used for making the luscious vanilla sauce.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the vanilla sauce while keeping it smooth.
- 1/2 cup milk or cream: Creates the perfect silky consistency for the sauce.
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the vanilla sauce.
How to Make Custard Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a baking dish to prevent the pudding from sticking and to promote even browning as it bakes. This simple prep step sets the stage for an easy release and pretty presentation.
Step 2: Get the Bread Ready
Place the cubed stale bread evenly into the greased baking dish. Using stale bread is key because it soaks up the custard beautifully without falling apart. Arrange the cubes so they layer nicely, creating a sturdy base for the custard mixture.
Step 3: Make the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is silky smooth. This custard is the heart of the pudding, infusing the bread cubes with a delicate, creamy sweetness and just a hint of spice.
Step 4: Combine Bread and Custard
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Let it soak for about 10 minutes so the bread absorbs all that lovely custard goodness. This soaking step will give you that perfect custardy texture everyone loves.
Step 5: Bake the Pudding
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the custard is set in the center. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is irresistible, a sure sign that your Custard Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe is nearly ready to wow.
Step 6: Prepare the Vanilla Sauce
While the pudding is baking, make the vanilla sauce. Melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in the powdered sugar and milk or cream until the sauce is smooth and luscious. Stir in the vanilla extract at the end for that extra burst of warm flavor.
Step 7: Serve Warm and Drizzle with Sauce
Once baked, serve the bread pudding warm with a generous drizzle of the silky vanilla sauce over the top. The sauce seeps into every nook and cranny, making each forkful a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s pure comfort food magic.
How to Serve Custard Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Custard Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe by adding a few simple garnishes. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts provide a lovely textural contrast and pop of color. A light dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar can also elevate the pudding’s appearance and flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as a dessert on its own but pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch. For a breakfast twist, serve alongside fresh fruit or a hot cup of coffee to create a cozy morning treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the pudding in individual ramekins or mason jars, topped with the vanilla sauce just before serving. You could also layer the bread pudding and sauce in clear glasses for an elegant parfait-style dessert that will impress guests with both taste and style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen when chilled, making it a delicious option for the next day’s breakfast or dessert.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of the baked Custard Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and storing in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat the pudding gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Add a little extra vanilla sauce when serving to bring back the freshly-made richness and keep the pudding moist and gooey, just like the first time.
FAQs
Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread for this recipe?
While fresh bread can work in a pinch, stale bread is ideal because it soaks up the custard without turning mushy. If using fresh bread, consider toasting it lightly first to remove some moisture.
Is whole milk necessary for the custard?
Whole milk provides richness and creaminess that contributes to the custard’s texture. You can substitute with 2% milk, but the pudding won’t be quite as indulgent.
Can I add other spices to the Custard Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe?
Absolutely! Nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice can be wonderful additions if you want to experiment. Just start with small amounts to complement the vanilla and cinnamon.
How do I know when the bread pudding is fully cooked?
The pudding is done when it’s set in the center and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Can I make the vanilla sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the vanilla sauce up to a day before serving and gently reheat it when ready. Stir well before drizzling to maintain a silky texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the comforting warmth of the Custard Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe. It’s a dish that feels like a treasured family secret, both simple and rich in flavor. I can’t encourage you enough to dive into this recipe, savor each step, and enjoy the cozy sweetness it brings to your table. Happy baking and even happier tasting!
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Custard Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Custard Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is a comforting dessert that transforms stale bread into a rich, creamy treat. With a fragrant cinnamon-spiced custard and a silky vanilla sauce, it’s perfect for cozy gatherings or a satisfying sweet ending to any meal.
Ingredients
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
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for greasing)
Vanilla Sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a baking dish with 1/4 cup of unsalted butter to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Bread: Place the cubed stale bread evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating a base for the custard soak.
- Make Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Soak Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are coated, then allow the bread to soak for about 10 minutes so it absorbs the liquid thoroughly.
- Bake Pudding: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the pudding is golden brown on top and set in the center when gently shaken.
- Prepare Vanilla Sauce: While the pudding bakes, melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 1 cup powdered sugar and 1/2 cup milk or cream until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened, then stir in 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract for fragrance.
- Serve: Remove the bread pudding from the oven and serve it warm, drizzled generously with the homemade vanilla sauce for a luscious finish.
Notes
- Use stale or day-old bread for the best texture as fresh bread may become too soggy.
- You can substitute whole milk with half-and-half or cream for a richer pudding.
- Allow the pudding to cool slightly before serving to help it set further.
- Optional toppings include raisins, toasted nuts, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated in a microwave or oven.
