Imagine a cozy evening filled with the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked bread pudding wafting through your home. This delightful dish combines soft, cubed day-old bread with a rich custard made from creamy milk, eggs, and a hint of vanilla, all kissed with cinnamon. As it bakes, the edges turn golden and slightly crisp, while the center remains luxuriously tender. Drizzle it with a velvety vanilla sauce, and you have a dessert that’s pure comfort in a bowl. Each bite is a sweet hug, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring all to yourself!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Trust me, you’re going to love the cozy, comforting vibes of this dish!
- This one’s a game-changer for using up that day-old bread!
- The vanilla sauce takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness!
- It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that everyone will adore!
- Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Dessert |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 50 minutes |
| Total Time | 65 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 8 |
| Best Served | Warm with vanilla sauce |
Ingredients
Get ready to create a delightful bread pudding that is sure to bring comfort and joy!
- 6 cups cubed day-old bread – French bread or brioche works best
- 4 cups milk – whole milk for creaminess
- 4 large eggs – helps bind the pudding
- 1 cup granulated sugar – sweetens the mix
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – adds a lovely flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon – for a warm spice hint
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – enriches the pudding
- 1 cup milk – for the vanilla sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream – makes the sauce luxurious
- 1/4 cup sugar – sweetens the sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch – thickens the sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter – adds richness to the sauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances the sauce flavor
How to Make Bread Pudding
Get ready to create a warm and delightful bread pudding that will fill your home with sweet aromas!
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Start by cubing your day-old bread into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Everything
Pour the wet mixture over the cubed bread. Gently stir to ensure all the bread is soaked. Let it sit for about 15 minutes.
Step 4: Add Butter
Drizzle the melted butter over the mixture and give it a final gentle stir.
Step 5: Bake the Pudding
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 6: Make the Vanilla Sauce
While the pudding bakes, combine milk, heavy cream, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring until thickened.
Step 7: Finish the Sauce
Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract. Let it cool slightly.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the bread pudding is done, serve it warm with a generous drizzle of vanilla sauce. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Pro Tips for Making Bread Pudding
- Use stale bread for better texture absorption.
- Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes before baking.
- Experiment with spices like nutmeg for added flavor.
- Serve warm with the vanilla sauce drizzled on top.
How to Serve
- Serve warm with a drizzle of vanilla sauce on top.
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
- Garnish with fresh berries or sliced bananas for a fruity twist.
- Pair with a dollop of whipped cream for a creamy finish.
- Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can prepare and store your bread pudding with ease:
Storing Leftovers
- Cool the bread pudding completely before storing.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing
- Wrap the cooled bread pudding tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.
- Add a splash of milk to keep it moist.
Bread Pudding
Equipment
- 1 Casserole dish Greased for baking the pudding.
- 1 Mixing Bowl For combining ingredients.
- 1 Saucepan For making the vanilla sauce.
Ingredients
Bread Pudding Ingredients
- 6 cups cubed day-old bread French bread or brioche works best.
- 4 cups milk Whole milk for creaminess.
- 4 large eggs Helps bind the pudding.
- 1 cup granulated sugar Sweetens the mix.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract Adds a lovely flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon For a warm spice hint.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt Balances the sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted Enriches the pudding.
Vanilla Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup milk For the vanilla sauce.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream Makes the sauce luxurious.
- 1/4 cup sugar Sweetens the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch Thickens the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon butter Adds richness to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances the sauce flavor.
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Step 1: Prepare the Bread – Start by cubing your day-old bread into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients – In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Step 3: Combine Everything – Pour the wet mixture over the cubed bread. Gently stir to ensure all the bread is soaked. Let it sit for about 15 minutes.
- Step 4: Add Butter – Drizzle the melted butter over the mixture and give it a final gentle stir.
- Step 5: Bake the Pudding – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Step 6: Make the Vanilla Sauce – While the pudding bakes, combine milk, heavy cream, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring until thickened.
- Step 7: Finish the Sauce – Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract. Let it cool slightly.
- Step 8: Serve and Enjoy! – Once the bread pudding is done, serve it warm with a generous drizzle of vanilla sauce. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 |
| Fat | 10g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Carbs | 45g |
FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread for the pudding?
While day-old bread is ideal for absorbing the custard mixture without becoming too soggy, you can use fresh bread. If you do, consider toasting it lightly in the oven first to help it hold its shape better during baking.
2. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of this bread pudding, simply substitute the day-old bread with gluten-free bread. There are many delicious options available now that will work perfectly in this recipe, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting dish.
3. Can I add fruits or nuts to the bread pudding?
Absolutely! Adding fruits like raisins, cranberries, or chopped apples can enhance the flavor and texture of your bread pudding. You can also mix in nuts like pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch. Just be sure to adjust the sugar slightly if you add sweet fruits.
4. How do I store leftovers of bread pudding?
Leftover bread pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through. It’s delicious served warm or at room temperature, and you can drizzle some vanilla sauce on top for extra indulgence!
Final Thoughts
As you savor each bite of this delightful bread pudding, let the warm, comforting flavors transport you back to cherished moments. It’s a simple yet rewarding treat that brings joy to any gathering. So gather your loved ones, whip up this recipe, and enjoy the sweet nostalgia of homemade goodness. Happy baking!
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