Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce

Name: Classic Vanilla Bread Pudding
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups of whole milk.; 1 and a half cups of granulated sugar.; 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted.; 3 large eggs, well beaten.; 2 tablespoons of light brown sugar.; 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.; 10 slices of hearty bread, toasted and cubed.; 1 cup of raisins.; For Vanilla Sauce: Additional 1 and 1/4 cups of whole milk.; Additional 1/2 cup of light brown sugar.; Additional 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted.; Additional 1 large egg.; 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour.; A pinch of ground cinnamon.; A pinch of salt.; 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract.

Golden brown bread pudding with fresh mint and creamy vanilla sauce, served on a wooden table. | Kallaxa.com

Embrace the warmth of homemade Bread Pudding smothered in delectable Vanilla Sauce, a dessert to cherish.

The Secret Origins Of Bread Pudding#

Let me tell ya, the way my grandma used to whip up bread pudding would make your taste buds do the hokey pokey and turn themselves around. And guess what? This dessert isn't some modern-day concoction; it's got a tale that stretches all the way back to the 11th century. So, grab a fork, and let's dig into history.

The Humble Beginnings

It's no secret bread pudding was the brainchild of frugal cooks not wanting to waste stale bread. Resourcefulness at its finest, if you ask me. Anyways, these culinary pioneers mixed in whatever they could find – raisins, nuts, you name it – and voila, a star was born.

Around the World in 80 Bites

From the fancy-schmancy versions in fancy European restaurants to the down-home Southern styles I grew up with, bread pudding has globe-trotted like nobody's business. It's a universal language of deliciousness.

Choosing The Right Bread#

Alright folks, you can't make a killer bread pudding without the right star of the show – the bread! And believe me, not all bread is created equal.

Stale vs. Fresh

Here's the thing – stale bread is actually your best pal when it comes to pudding. It soaks up the custard like a champ, giving that ideal texture we're all after.

Brioche or Challah for a Rich Taste
French Baguette for a Firmer Bite
Good Ol' White Bread for a Classic Approach

There's a bread for every mood and mode, just pick your fighter and get ready to rumble.

Crafting The Perfect Vanilla Sauce#

Now, if bread pudding is the Batman of desserts, then vanilla sauce is the Robin – can't have one without the other. Making this sauce is like finding the golden ticket; it's pure liquid gold.

The Base

Starting off with a simple base of milk, sugar, and vanilla, you're on the right track.

The Thickening Plot

Here's where it gets tricky. You need to thicken it just right – not too runny, not too gloopy.

The Finishing Touch

A dash of butter for that silky finish and you're golden.

Remember, patience is a virtue when stirring this concoction.

Mixing The Ingredients Together#

When it's time to bring it all together, it's like conducting an orchestra, each ingredient playing its part to create a symphony of flavors. 🥄

Gather Your Ingredients

Alright, here's what you'll need:

Stale Bread, Cut into Cubes
Milk, Cream, or a Mix of Both
Eggs for Binding
Sugar to Sweeten the Deal
Your Choice of Spices
And a Glug of Vanilla Extract

Once you've got everything, it's time for the magic – the mixing. Just remember to be gentle; it's not a race to the finish line.

Baking And Serving Suggestions#

So you've mixed and prepped, and now it's showtime. Baking bread pudding is like watching paint dry, but way more rewarding. And when it's done, the world's your oyster when it comes to dishing it out.

The Ideal Baking Time

Usually, we're looking at about 35 to 45 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, but keep an eye on it. You want it set, but with a slight jiggle in the middle – just like my belly.

Serving It Up

Warm with that heavenly vanilla sauce, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a scoop of ice cream if you're feeling wild.

Serving this up, you'll be the toast of the town. 🍞

Twists On The Classic Recipe#

Now, I'm all for tradition, but sometimes you gotta shake things up a bit. Putting a twist on the classic bread pudding is like wearing socks with sandals – controversial, but some folks swear by it.

Boozy Bread Pudding

Throw in a splash of bourbon or rum, and you're not just baking; you're partying.

Chocolate Lovers' Dream

Mix in chocolate chips or cocoa powder, and you're basically Willy Wonka.

Fruitful Endeavors

Apples, berries, bananas? Toss 'em in and get ready for a fruit fiesta in your mouth.

Get creative, and who knows? You might just stumble upon the next great bread pudding fad. 😋

About Recipe

Recipe By: Ella Savory

Category: Baking

Last Updated: 2024-02-02

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 15 Minutes

Cook Time: 60 Minutes

Total Time: 75 Minutes

Yield: 8 Servings

Next: Heavenly Raspberry Almond Delight

Previuos: Irresistible Buttermilk Cornbread

Classic Vanilla Bread Pudding Ingredients

01 3 cups of whole milk.

02 1 and a half cups of granulated sugar.

03 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted.

04 3 large eggs, well beaten.

05 2 tablespoons of light brown sugar.

06 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.

07 10 slices of hearty bread, toasted and cubed.

08 1 cup of raisins.

09 For Vanilla Sauce: Additional 1 and 1/4 cups of whole milk.

10 Additional 1/2 cup of light brown sugar.

11 Additional 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted.

12 Additional 1 large egg.

13 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour.

14 A pinch of ground cinnamon.

15 A pinch of salt.

16 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract.

Classic Vanilla Bread Pudding Step By Step

Step 01

Start off by heating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Take a 2-quart baking dish and give it a good greasing.

Step 02

In a large bowl, whisk milk, granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Fold in the bread cubes and raisins until they're evenly coated, then spoon this mixture into your baking dish.

Step 03

Let the dish bake in the oven until it's well browned and set in the center, which should take about 50 to 55 minutes. Remember to cover with aluminum foil after 30 minutes to keep the top from getting too dark.

Step 04

For the vanilla sauce, combine milk, brown sugar, butter, egg, flour, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Stir steadily over medium heat until you've got a smooth sauce that thickly coats your spoon, roughly 10 to 12 minutes in.

Step 05

Once the sauce has thickened, mix in the vanilla extract. Now, drizzle your homemade vanilla sauce over the warm bread pudding or serve it on the side for guests to add as they please.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Calories: 546
Total Fat: ~
Total Carbohydrate: ~
Protein: ~

Print Recipe