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Best Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce – A rich pudding served with a silky vanilla sauce.

Is there anything more comforting than a warm, decadent bread pudding on a chilly evening? I think not! This isn’t just any bread pudding; this is the Best Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce you’ll ever taste. Imagine sinking your spoon into a rich, custardy pudding, infused with the subtle sweetness of vanilla, and then drizzled with a silky smooth vanilla sauce. This recipe is family-friendly, easy to make, and guaranteed to be a total crowd-pleaser. Perfect for using up stale bread, it’s a simple yet elegant dessert that’s sure to become a new favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Best Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce – A rich pudding served with a silky vanilla sauce.

• Incredibly Delicious: The combination of the rich pudding and silky vanilla sauce is simply irresistible.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and perfect for beginner bakers.
• Comfort Food Classic: A warm, comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
• Great for Using Stale Bread: Reduce food waste by transforming old bread into a delightful treat.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Everyone will rave about this Best Bread Pudding!
• Versatile: Adaptable to various bread types and flavor additions. Maybe you’ll even try a Croissant Bread Pudding someday!

Ingredients for Best Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce – A rich pudding served with a silky vanilla sauce.

• Bread: 8 cups cubed bread (such as French bread, brioche, or sourdough). Brioche works wonderfully for a Brioche Bread Pudding!
• Milk: 3 cups whole milk.
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup heavy cream.
• Eggs: 4 large eggs.
• Sugar: 1 cup granulated sugar.
• Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
• Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
• Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
• Butter: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted.
• Vanilla Sauce:
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Substitutions: For a dairy-free version, use almond milk and vegan butter. You can also substitute the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a richer flavor. Consider adding a splash of bourbon for a Bread Pudding With Bourbon Sauce twist!

How to Make Best Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce – A rich pudding served with a silky vanilla sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cube the bread and spread it out on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden. This helps prevent a soggy pudding.
2. Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure everything is well combined.
3. Combine Bread and Custard: Place the toasted bread cubes in a large baking dish (9×13 inch). Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, pressing down gently to ensure the bread is fully submerged.
4. Let it Soak: Allow the mixture to sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to 1 hour) to allow the bread to absorb the custard. This is crucial for a moist and flavorful pudding!
5. Bake the Pudding: Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the bread pudding. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the pudding is set and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted into the center should come out relatively clean.
6. Make the Vanilla Sauce: While the pudding is baking, prepare the vanilla sauce. In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, sugar, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the butter is melted. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
7. Cool and Serve: Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving. Drizzle generously with the vanilla sauce and enjoy!

Pro Tips & Variations

• Use Stale Bread: Seriously, stale bread is your friend here! It soaks up the custard better than fresh bread.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will result in a dry pudding. Keep an eye on it and remove it from the oven when it’s set but still slightly jiggly.
• Experiment with Flavors: Add chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts to the bread pudding for extra flavor and texture.
• Spice it Up: For a warmer flavor profile, add a pinch of cardamom or ginger along with the cinnamon and nutmeg.
• Consider a Savory Twist: Want something different? Try a Savory Bread Pudding with cheese, herbs, and vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

This Best Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience:

• Fresh Berries: Serve with a side of fresh raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy touch.
• Ice Cream: Pair with vanilla bean or caramel ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• Coffee or Tea: Enjoy with a warm cup of coffee or tea.

Storage & Reheating

Storage: Leftover bread pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Reheating in the oven is recommended for the best texture. The vanilla sauce can also be gently reheated in the microwave or stovetop.

FAQ about Best Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce – A rich pudding served with a silky vanilla sauce.

Q: Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?

A: Absolutely! French bread, brioche, sourdough, and even croissants (for that Croissant Bread Pudding) all work well. Choose a bread that you enjoy the flavor of, since it will heavily influence the finished dish.

Q: Can I make this in a Crockpot?

A: Yes, you can! A Crockpot Bread Pudding is a great hands-off approach. Adjust the cooking time as needed, and be sure to grease the slow cooker well to prevent sticking.

Q: What if I don’t have heavy cream?

A: You can substitute half-and-half, but the pudding will be slightly less rich. Full-fat milk will also work in a pinch.

Q: Can I freeze bread pudding?

A: Yes, you can freeze baked bread pudding. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Q: Is there a recipe for Bread And Butter pudding?

A: While this recipe is for bread pudding and not exactly Bread And Butter Pudding the concepts are very similar and easy to replicate once you master this recipe.

Final Thoughts on Best Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce – A rich pudding served with a silky vanilla sauce.

There you have it – the Best Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce recipe that’s guaranteed to impress! It’s a simple, comforting, and incredibly delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe with your loved ones. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your Pinterest boards for later inspiration, and leave a comment below to let me know how yours turns out. Happy baking!

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