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Classic Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

A close-up of a moist slice of bread pudding topped with creamy vanilla sauce on a white plate.
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Make a comforting, homestyle bread pudding using stale bread, topped with a simple 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 ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
  • For Vanilla Sauce: 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • For Vanilla Sauce: 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • For Vanilla Sauce: 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • For Vanilla Sauce: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Place the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle raisins over the bread if you are using them.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, 1 cup sugar, 2 cups milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press the bread down to soak up the liquid. Let it stand for 15 minutes.
  5. Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the soaked bread.
  6. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the pudding is set and the top is golden brown.
  7. While the pudding bakes, prepare the vanilla sauce. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the 1/2 cup sugar and cornstarch.
  8. Gradually whisk in the 1 1/2 cups milk until smooth.
  9. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and bubbles. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  10. Serve the warm bread pudding with the homemade vanilla sauce poured over each serving.

Notes

  • Use day-old or slightly stale bread for the best texture; fresh bread can become too mushy.
  • You can substitute brioche or challah bread for a richer pudding.
  • For a bourbon bread pudding, add 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the custard mixture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://sundayflavor.com/classic-old-fashioned-bread-pudding-vanilla-sauce/