Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Introduction

Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is a classic dessert that combines rich, custard-soaked bread baked to golden perfection and topped with a smooth, creamy vanilla sauce. It’s a warm and comforting dessert that’s perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or whenever you crave something cozy and sweet. This dish is a great way to use leftover bread, transforming it into a delicious and timeless treat.

Ingredients

For the Bread Pudding:

• 4 cups white bread, cubed (about 8 slices)
• ½ cup raisins (optional)
• 2 cups whole milk
• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 ½ cups white sugar
• 2 tbsp light brown sugar
• ¼ cup butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

For the Vanilla Sauce:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

For the Bread Pudding:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. Prepare the Bread: In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread and raisins (if using). In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, white and brown sugars, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Mix and Soak: Pour the wet mixture over the bread cubes and gently toss to coat. Let the mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the custard.
4. Bake: Transfer the bread mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

For the Vanilla Sauce:

1. Cook the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar and flour. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream over medium heat until well combined. Add the butter and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).
2. Finish: Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Serving: Serve the warm bread pudding with a generous drizzle of vanilla sauce on top.

Conclusion

Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is the ultimate comfort dessert. The contrast between the soft, custardy bread and the rich, silky vanilla sauce creates a flavor and texture combination that’s hard to resist. It’s a nostalgic treat that’s perfect for any occasion and can easily be customized with different types of bread, spices, or even fruit add-ins. Enjoy this warm and sweet dish with your loved ones!