There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of bread pudding drizzled with rich vanilla sauce. It’s like a cozy hug in dessert form—soft, custardy, and perfectly spiced. Whether you’re using up leftover bread or just craving a nostalgic treat, this recipe is a total winner. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it on repeat!

Why You’ll Love Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Name: Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: **For the Bread Pudding:**; – 6 cups day-old bread, cubed (French bread or brioche); – 2 cups whole milk; – 1 cup heavy cream; – 3/4 cup granulated sugar; – 3 large eggs; – 1 tsp vanilla extract; – 1/2 tsp cinnamon; – 1/4 tsp nutmeg; – 1/4 tsp salt; – 1/2 cup raisins (optional); – 2 tbsp butter, melted; **For the Vanilla Sauce:**; – 1/2 cup unsalted butter; – 1/2 cup granulated sugar; – 1/2 cup brown sugar; – 1 cup heavy cream; – 1 tbsp vanilla extract

Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even a sweet snack.

Budget-Friendly: Made with simple pantry staples—no fancy ingredients needed.

Quick and Easy: Minimal prep, simple steps, and an oven does most of the work.

Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to make it your own.

Crowd-Pleasing: It’s warm, sweet, and drizzled with vanilla sauce—what’s not to love?

Ingredients

Ingredients in Bread Pudding

This dessert is proof that simple ingredients can create something magical!

Bread: The foundation of the pudding. Stale bread works best because it soaks up all the delicious custard.

Milk: Adds creaminess and moisture, making the pudding soft and custardy.

Eggs: Help bind everything together, creating that rich, creamy texture.

Sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness without being overpowering.

Butter: A touch of melted butter makes the pudding extra rich and flavorful.

Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and brings warmth to every bite.

Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These spices add a cozy, slightly spiced flavor that pairs perfectly with the vanilla sauce.

Raisins (Optional): A classic addition that adds little bursts of sweetness throughout.

Ingredients in Vanilla Sauce

Heavy Cream: The base of the sauce, making it rich and silky.

Sugar: Sweetens the sauce to perfection.

Butter: Adds a luscious, velvety texture.

Vanilla Extract: The key to that deep, warm vanilla flavor.

Cornstarch (Optional): Helps thicken the sauce for a smoother consistency.

Instructions

Prepare the Bread Pudding

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.

Prepare the Bread: Cut your bread into cubes and place them in a greased baking dish. If your bread is too fresh, toast it slightly to help absorb the custard.

Make the Custard: In a bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.

Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, making sure every piece is soaked. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes so the bread absorbs the liquid.

Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.

Make the Vanilla Sauce

Heat the Ingredients: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, sugar, and butter. Stir continuously until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth.

Thicken the Sauce: If using cornstarch, dissolve it in a small amount of water and stir it into the sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes until thickened.

Add Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the sauce cool slightly before serving.

Serve and Enjoy

Drizzle the warm vanilla sauce over the bread pudding and enjoy every comforting, sweet bite!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: Approximately 320 kcal

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Serve warm with an extra drizzle of vanilla sauce for the ultimate indulgence.
Top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
Sprinkle with powdered sugar or a dash of cinnamon for a beautiful finish.
Add fresh berries for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.

Additional Tips

Stale bread works best! If your bread is fresh, toast it slightly before using.
For an extra kick, add a splash of bourbon or rum to the vanilla sauce.
Use brioche or challah for an ultra-rich and fluffy pudding.
If you don’t have heavy cream, substitute with whole milk for a lighter sauce.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use any type of bread?
Yes! Brioche, challah, or French bread work best, but any sturdy bread will do.

2. Do I have to let the bread soak before baking?
Yes, soaking helps the bread fully absorb the custard, making the pudding soft and creamy.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the pudding, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Bake when ready.

4. How do I know when the pudding is done?
The top should be golden brown, and the center should be set but still slightly soft.

5. Can I make this without the vanilla sauce?
Yes, but the sauce adds an extra layer of deliciousness! You can also use caramel sauce instead.

6. How do I reheat leftovers?
Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes.

7. Can I freeze bread pudding?
Yes! Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

8. What’s the best way to store vanilla sauce?
Keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat gently before serving.

9. Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?
Of course! Chocolate chips, pecans, or walnuts make great mix-ins.

10. Can I use plant-based milk instead?
Yes! Almond, oat, or coconut milk work well, but the texture may be slightly different.

Conclusion

Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is the kind of dessert that warms your heart and satisfies your sweet tooth all at once. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or a special gathering, this classic treat is always a hit. So grab that leftover bread and get baking—you won’t regret it!

Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

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Author: Ikram
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This classic bread pudding is warm, comforting, and full of rich flavors. Made with tender pieces of bread soaked in a sweet custard, it’s baked to golden perfection and topped with a luscious homemade vanilla sauce. Perfect for dessert or a cozy breakfast treat!

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Place the cubed bread into the prepared baking dish. If using raisins, sprinkle them over the bread.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

4. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread, pressing down to ensure all pieces absorb the liquid. Let sit for 10–15 minutes.

5. Drizzle the melted butter over the top.

6. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.

7. While the pudding bakes, prepare the vanilla sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add both sugars and heavy cream, stirring constantly.

8. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

9. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

10. Serve the warm bread pudding with vanilla sauce drizzled on top.