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The Ultimate Easy, Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Homemade Vanilla Sauce

Close-up of a moist slice of bread pudding recipe topped with rich vanilla cream sauce.
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Make this simple, comforting bread pudding using stale bread and top it with a rich, homemade vanilla sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups stale bread cubes (about 1 loaf)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted (for sauce)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for sauce)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (for sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for sauce)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
  2. Arrange the stale bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the 4 eggs, 1 cup sugar, milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
  4. Pour the custard mixture slowly and evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently so the bread soaks up the liquid. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
  5. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
  6. While the pudding bakes, prepare the vanilla sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the 1/4 cup butter over medium heat.
  7. Whisk in the 1/2 cup sugar and cook until the mixture bubbles and turns light amber, about 3 to 5 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  8. Remove the pan from the heat. Carefully whisk in the heavy cream and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. The mixture will bubble vigorously. Stir until smooth.
  9. Serve the warm bread pudding drizzled generously with the homemade vanilla sauce.

Notes

  • Use bread that is slightly dry, like day-old French bread or challah, for the best texture.
  • If you prefer a rum sauce, substitute 2 tablespoons of dark rum for 2 tablespoons of the heavy cream in the sauce recipe after removing it from the heat.
  • This recipe works well with brioche bread for a richer result.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchnkudos.com/easy-old-fashioned-bread-pudding-recipe/