Introduction
Imagine the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home, mingling with the sweet scent of vanilla. This is the magic of old fashioned bread pudding with vanilla sauce. A beloved classic dessert that has stood the test of time, this recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a decadent treat that is sure to delight your taste buds. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, making this traditional bread pudding with vanilla sauce is a rewarding experience that will fill your home with joy and warmth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the best things about this old fashioned bread pudding recipe is its versatility. You can use leftover bread or even stale bread to create a delicious dessert that is both economical and sustainable. The combination of soft, custardy bread pudding with the rich, velvety vanilla sauce is a match made in dessert heaven. This recipe is not only a delightful treat for your taste buds but also a heartwarming reminder of simpler times.
For those with dietary restrictions, this recipe can easily be adapted to suit your needs. Whether you’re looking for a low-fat option, a gluten-free alternative, or a vegan version, this bread pudding with vanilla sauce can be customized to accommodate various dietary preferences without compromising on flavor.
Ingredients
For the old fashioned bread pudding:
– Stale bread, torn into pieces
– Eggs
– Milk
– Sugar
– Cinnamon
– Nutmeg
– Raisins (optional)
– Vanilla extract
– Butter
For the vanilla sauce:
– Butter
– Sugar
– Heavy cream
– Vanilla bean
– Salt
You can easily customize this recipe by using your favorite type of bread, adjusting the sweetness level, or adding in extra ingredients like nuts or chocolate chips for a unique twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven and prepare a baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract.
3. Add the torn bread pieces to the egg mixture and let it sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the liquid.
4. Gently fold in the raisins, if using, and pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
5. Dot the top of the bread pudding with butter and bake until golden brown and set.
6. While the bread pudding is baking, prepare the vanilla sauce by combining butter, sugar, heavy cream, vanilla bean, and salt in a saucepan.
7. Cook the sauce until it thickens slightly, then remove from heat and let it cool.
8. Serve the warm bread pudding with a generous drizzle of the homemade vanilla sauce.
Enjoy the creamy, comforting flavors of this old fashioned bread pudding with vanilla sauce!
Expert Tips for Success
To ensure the perfect texture of your bread pudding, use stale bread that is slightly dry but not rock hard. This will allow the bread to absorb the custard mixture without becoming mushy.
For a richer vanilla flavor in the sauce, scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean and add them to the sauce along with the pod. This will infuse the sauce with intense vanilla aroma and flavor.
Avoid overbaking the bread pudding as it can result in a dry, tough dessert. Keep an eye on the oven towards the end of the baking time and remove the pudding once it is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can strain it before serving to remove any bits of vanilla bean or cooked egg that may be present.
Variations and Substitutions
For a healthier twist on this classic recipe, you can use low-fat milk or a plant-based milk alternative in place of regular milk. You can also reduce the sugar content or use a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey.
If you’re looking to make a gluten-free version of this bread pudding, simply use gluten-free bread in the recipe. Make sure to check that all your ingredients, including the vanilla extract and spices, are gluten-free as well.
To cater to vegan preferences, substitute the eggs with a flax egg or a commercial egg replacer. For the vanilla sauce, use a vegan butter alternative and coconut cream in place of heavy cream.
Serving Suggestions
This old fashioned bread pudding with vanilla sauce is best enjoyed warm, straight out of the oven. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. You can also serve it with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for a comforting dessert experience.
For a festive touch, garnish the bread pudding with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg before serving. You can also add a handful of toasted nuts or dried fruits on top for a crunchy contrast to the creamy pudding and sauce.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this bread pudding ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the bread pudding up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it in the oven before serving and make the vanilla sauce fresh for the best results.
Q: Can I freeze leftover bread pudding?
A: Absolutely! Wrap the cooled bread pudding tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Final Thoughts
Bread pudding with vanilla sauce is more than just a dessert; it’s a comforting embrace in a bowl, a taste of nostalgia, and a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor the creamy goodness of this old fashioned bread pudding with luscious vanilla sauce. Happy baking!
Old Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
A beloved classic dessert that brings together simple ingredients to create a decadent treat that is sure to delight your taste buds. This old fashioned bread pudding with rich vanilla sauce is a comforting and nostalgic dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- Stale bread, torn into pieces
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 tbsp butter for the vanilla sauce
- 1/2 cup sugar for the vanilla sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 vanilla bean
- 1/4 tsp salt
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract.
- Add torn bread pieces to the egg mixture and let it sit for 15-20 minutes to absorb the liquid.
- Gently fold in raisins (if using) and transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Dot the top with butter and bake for about 45 minutes until golden brown and set.
- Meanwhile, make the vanilla sauce by combining 2 tbsp butter, 1/2 cup sugar, heavy cream, scraped vanilla bean seeds, and salt in a saucepan.
- Cook the sauce until slightly thickened, then remove from heat and let it cool.
- Serve the warm bread pudding with a drizzle of homemade vanilla sauce.
- Enjoy the creamy and comforting flavors of this old fashioned bread pudding with luscious vanilla sauce!
Nutrition Facts
