Best Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce: A Comforting Dessert for Any Occasion
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of our Best Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce, a classic dessert that never fails to delight. This timeless recipe combines tender cubes of toasted bread, plump raisins, and a creamy custard base, all baked to golden perfection and topped with a decadent vanilla sauce. Whether you’re craving a cozy dessert for a chilly evening or planning a special treat for a gathering, this bread pudding is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to create this irresistible dessert!
Ingredients:
Bread Pudding:
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 10 slices hearty farmhouse-style bread, toasted and cut into cubes
- 1 cup raisins
Vanilla Sauce:
- 1 ¼ cups whole milk
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 pinch ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole milk, white sugar, melted butter, beaten eggs, light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix until well combined.
- Add the toasted bread cubes and raisins to the milk mixture, stirring gently to coat the bread evenly.
- Pour the bread pudding mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- While the bread pudding is baking, prepare the vanilla sauce. In a saucepan, combine the whole milk, light brown sugar, melted butter, egg, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove the vanilla sauce from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Once the bread pudding is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Serve the warm bread pudding drizzled with the homemade vanilla sauce.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Bread Selection: Choose a hearty farmhouse-style bread for the best texture and flavor. French bread, brioche, or challah are excellent options.
- Raisin Substitute: If you’re not a fan of raisins, feel free to omit them or substitute with other dried fruits such as cranberries, apricots, or cherries.
- Customize the Sauce: Adjust the sweetness and flavor of the vanilla sauce by adding more or less sugar and adjusting the amount of vanilla extract to taste.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use stale bread for this recipe? A: Yes, stale bread works well for bread pudding as it absorbs the custard mixture more readily. If your bread is fresh, you can toast it in the oven until slightly dry before cubing it.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the bread pudding ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, overnight. Bake it the next day as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers of this bread pudding? A: While you can freeze leftover bread pudding, the texture may change slightly upon thawing and reheating. Store the bread pudding in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven or microwave.
Q: Can I use a different type of sauce for this bread pudding? A: Absolutely! While the vanilla sauce is a classic choice, you can get creative with different sauces such as caramel sauce, bourbon sauce, or even chocolate sauce for a decadent twist.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for serving at brunch or breakfast? A: Yes, bread pudding makes a delightful addition to any brunch or breakfast spread. Serve it alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, or whipped cream for a satisfying start to the day.
Keto Versions and Low Carb Versions:
- Keto Version: To make a keto-friendly version of this bread pudding, substitute the white sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. Use heavy cream or unsweetened almond milk instead of whole milk, and omit the raisins to reduce the carb content.
- Low Carb Version: Similarly, for a low-carb version, use a low-carb sweetener and unsweetened almond milk in place of the whole milk. You can also reduce the amount of sweetener used or omit it entirely for a less sweet option.
Best Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is a timeless dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to festive gatherings. With its comforting flavors and rich custard base, this bread pudding is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to enjoy the irresistible aroma and taste of homemade bread pudding with luscious vanilla sauce. Your taste buds will thank you!
