Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe
Introduction:
Old-fashioned bread pudding with vanilla sauce is the epitome of comfort food. This classic dessert transforms stale bread into a warm, custardy delight, topped with a rich, velvety vanilla sauce. Whether you call it a dessert or a breakfast treat, bread pudding is a versatile dish that never goes out of style. Its cozy, homey flavors evoke nostalgia, making it the perfect dish to share with family and friends, especially during the cooler months or holiday gatherings.
About the Recipe:
This recipe for old-fashioned bread pudding is simple yet indulgent, bringing together a few pantry staples to create something truly special. The base of the pudding is made from cubed day-old bread, soaked in a creamy mixture of eggs, milk, sugar, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Once baked, the pudding takes on a custard-like texture, with crispy edges and a soft, pillowy center. To elevate the dish, it’s topped with a homemade vanilla sauce made from butter, sugar, milk, and a splash of vanilla extract, which adds a sweet and creamy finish that melts over the warm pudding.
What makes this bread pudding so nostalgic is its balance of textures and flavors—the crispy top contrasts with the soft interior, while the vanilla sauce adds an extra layer of sweetness and richness. It’s a perfect way to use up leftover bread and turn it into something comforting and satisfying. Whether you serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream or straight from the oven with a drizzle of vanilla sauce, this dish is sure to delight.
Cooking Time, Preparation Time, and Servings:
– Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes
– Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
– Servings: 6-8 servings
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
1. Comforting and Cozy: Bread pudding is a warm, satisfying dessert that’s perfect for chilly evenings and family gatherings.
2. Simple Ingredients: It uses common kitchen ingredients—bread, eggs, milk, sugar—making it a great way to use up leftover bread.
3. Rich Vanilla Sauce: The homemade vanilla sauce adds an irresistible richness that complements the custardy texture of the pudding.
4. Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, this dessert comes together quickly and requires minimal hands-on time.
5. Versatile: This recipe is customizable—add raisins, nuts, or even a bit of bourbon to make it your own!
Ingredients Notes:
– Bread: Day-old bread works best for this recipe. You can use white bread, challah, or brioche for a richer flavor. If you prefer a heartier version, try using whole grain or whole wheat bread.
– Milk and Cream: Full-fat milk creates the best custard-like consistency, but you can substitute with half-and-half or heavy cream for a richer pudding.
– Eggs: Eggs are essential for binding the pudding together and creating that custard texture.
– Sugar: White granulated sugar is typical for the pudding, but you can use brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
– Vanilla Sauce: The sauce is made from butter, sugar, and milk, with vanilla extract providing a comforting fragrance. You can also add a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness of the sauce.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch or similar-sized baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Prepare the Bread: Cut the day-old bread into cubes (about 1-inch). If you’re using thicker bread, like challah or brioche, you might want to toast it lightly to help it absorb the custard mixture better.
3. Make the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes and gently press down to make sure all the bread is soaked. Let the mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes to absorb the custard.
4. Bake the Pudding: Transfer the soaked bread and custard mixture to the prepared baking dish. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The bread pudding should be puffed up and slightly crispy on top, while the center remains soft and custardy.
5. Make the Vanilla Sauce: While the bread pudding bakes, prepare the vanilla sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sugar and milk and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Serve: Once the bread pudding is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm, drizzled with the homemade vanilla sauce. You can also top it with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Storage Options:
– Refrigeration: Leftover bread pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
– Freezing: Bread pudding can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
Variations and Substitutions:
– Add-ins: Consider adding raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the bread pudding mixture for added texture and flavor.
– Alcohol: For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of bourbon, rum, or brandy to the custard mixture.
– Vegan Version: To make this recipe vegan, use non-dairy milk (such as almond or oat milk) and a flax egg or egg replacer. For the vanilla sauce, you can use a non-dairy butter and coconut milk.
– Spices: If you love spices, try adding a bit of cardamom, cloves, or ginger to the custard mixture for a unique twist.
Conclusion:
Old-fashioned bread pudding with vanilla sauce is the perfect dessert to bring comfort and warmth to any occasion. Its rich, custardy texture and the sweet vanilla sauce make it a crowd-pleaser for holiday meals, family gatherings, or even a cozy weekend treat. Not only is it an excellent way to use up leftover bread, but it also combines simple ingredients to create something truly indulgent and nostalgic. Whether served with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of ice cream, or just on its own, this bread pudding is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.