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Best Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce – A Rich Comfort Food Dessert

There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting dessert on a chilly evening, and this Best Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is just the ticket! This recipe takes humble bread and transforms it into a decadent, rich pudding, perfectly complemented by a silky smooth vanilla sauce. It’s a family-friendly dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make, perfect for using up leftover bread and impressing your guests or simply enjoying a cozy night in.

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 custard and soft bread is simply irresistible.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and perfect for beginner bakers.
• Uses Leftover Bread: A great way to reduce food waste and create something amazing.
• Kid-Friendly: Both kids and adults will adore this comforting dessert.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From weeknight dinners to holiday gatherings, this bread pudding is always a hit.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable with your favorite spices, fruits, or nuts.

Ingredients for Best Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce – A Rich Pudding Served with a Silky Vanilla Sauce

• Bread: 8 cups of cubed bread (stale bread works best, such as brioche, challah, or even sourdough bread pudding)
• Milk: 3 cups whole milk (or a mix of milk and cream for extra richness)
• Eggs: 4 large eggs
• Sugar: ¾ cup granulated sugar
• Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons
• Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Butter: 4 tablespoons melted butter
• Raisins (optional): ½ cup raisins or other dried fruit

Vanilla Sauce:

• Heavy Cream: 1 cup
• Sugar: ¼ cup granulated sugar
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
• Butter: 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Substitutions:

• Bread: Use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version. Croissant Bread Pudding is also delicious.
• Milk: Almond milk or soy milk can be used for a non-dairy option.
• Sugar: Coconut sugar or maple syrup can be used as a substitute.

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: Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and place them in a large bowl. Stale bread soaks up the custard better.
2. Make the Custard: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
3. Combine: Pour the custard mixture over the cubed bread, making sure all the bread is soaked. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it’s submerged. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator, to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
4. Prepare for Baking: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter.
5. Add Raisins (Optional): If using raisins, gently stir them into the bread pudding mixture.
6. Pour into Dish: Pour the bread pudding mixture into the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top.
7. Bake: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the bread pudding is golden brown and set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
8. Make the Vanilla Sauce: While the bread pudding is baking, prepare the vanilla sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream, sugar, and butter. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the butter is melted. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
9. 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: Stale bread absorbs the custard better, resulting in a richer and more flavorful bread pudding.
• Don’t Overbake: Avoid overbaking the bread pudding, as it can become dry. The center should be set, but still slightly soft.
• Soak the Bread: Make sure the bread is fully submerged in the custard mixture for optimal absorption.
• Add Chocolate Chips: For a chocolatey twist, add chocolate chips to the bread pudding mixture.
• Bourbon Sauce Variation: For a more boozy dessert, substitute the vanilla sauce with a Bread Pudding With Bourbon Sauce.

Serving Suggestions

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

• Whipped Cream: Top with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for extra indulgence.
• Fresh Berries: Serve with a side of fresh berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries.
• Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or caramel ice cream perfectly complements the warm bread pudding.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra layer of sweetness.

Storage & Reheating

Storage: Store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds. For larger portions, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

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?

A: Yes! Brioche, challah, croissants, and sourdough are all great options. Experiment and see what you like best! Some people even use leftover Croissant Bread Pudding to make a second batch

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! You can assemble the bread pudding and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight before baking. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a richer flavor.

Q: Can I freeze bread pudding?

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

Q: What can I do with overripe bananas?

A: While this recipe doesn’t use bananas, if you have ripe banana Recipes Overripe, consider making Banana Bread, a great way to use them up! You can even make Zucchini Banana Bread for an extra boost of veggies!

Q: Is there a healthy Banana Bread recipe?

A: You will find several recipes for Healthy Banana Bread online just by searching for. “Healthy Banana Bread” recipe.

Final Thoughts on Best Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce – A Rich Pudding Served with a Silky Vanilla Sauce

This Best Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, simple to make and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dessert on a cold day or a special treat for a celebration, this recipe is sure to impress. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and prepare to indulge in this classic dessert! Don’t forget to save this recipe to your Pinterest board for later, leave a comment below to let me know how it turned out, and subscribe to my blog for more delicious recipes!

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