Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this delicious bread pudding recipe! This classic dessert is perfect for using up leftover bread, and the creamy vanilla sauce elevates it to a whole new level of deliciousness. It's a perfect ending to any meal, a delightful treat for a cozy night in, or even a surprisingly impressive dessert for guests. This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can create truly magical homemade cooking experiences. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
For the Bread Pudding:
- 6 cups cubed stale bread (challah, brioche, or sourdough work best)
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional, but highly recommended!)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Vanilla Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Making the Bread Pudding:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread, raisins (if using), brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well to coat the bread evenly.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients over the bread mixture and gently stir until the bread is evenly moistened. Don't overmix; some slightly dry bits are okay.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the pudding is set and golden brown on top. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool & Serve: Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving.
Making the Vanilla Sauce:
- Whisk Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the heavy cream, sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- Cook & Thicken: Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens and comes to a simmer. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Serve: Pour the warm vanilla sauce over the bread pudding and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Bread Pudding:
- Use Stale Bread: Stale bread absorbs the custard better, resulting in a more moist and flavorful pudding.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing can make the pudding tough. Gently combine the ingredients until just moistened.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet pudding, reduce the amount of sugar.
- Add-ins: Feel free to experiment with other add-ins, such as chopped nuts, chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or different spices.
Variations:
- Chocolate Bread Pudding: Add 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a decadent chocolate twist.
- Apple Bread Pudding: Add 1-2 cups of diced apples to the bread mixture for a delicious fruity variation.
- Lemon Bread Pudding: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the wet ingredients for a bright and citrusy flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 20-25g
- Protein: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
This easy bread pudding recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting and delicious dessert. The combination of the creamy custard and the warm, slightly crunchy bread is simply irresistible. The homemade vanilla sauce adds a touch of elegance, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. Enjoy!