There is nothing quite like the smell of spiced custard baking on a chilly evening. This warm, nostalgic hug of a dessert cures even the worst cases of the mid-week blues.
Forget the fancy soufflés; we are going back to basics with this comfortingClassic Bread Pudding Recipe with Warm Vanilla Sauce.
- This recipe transforms stale bread into a luxurious, creamy delight with minimal effort, making it the ultimate frugal dessert hero.
- Experience a balanced flavor profile featuring hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and rich vanilla bean, perfect for any season or celebration.
- The beautiful golden crust and deeply saturated custard interior offer a visually appealing contrast that promises comfort and satisfaction.
- Enjoy this pudding year-round; it is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with coffee, tea, or a simple scoop of frozen dessert.
The Art of the Comfort Dessert: Why Bread Pudding Reigns Supreme
I remember sneaking chunks of my grandmother’s bread pudding right out of the casserole dish, usually while she was distracted by a phone call that inevitably ran 45 minutes long. It always felt like culinary larceny, sticky fingers and all! Bread pudding isn’t just dessert; it is culinary history reincarnated, a masterpiece born from necessity, proving that the best flavors often emerge from the simplest ingredients. It is the ultimate redemption story for that crusty loaf sitting sadly on your counter.
This dessert often gets relegated to the “old-fashioned” category, but trust me, when executed correctly, it is pure luxury. We are not aiming for dense, heavy casserole; we are aiming for a tender, custardy center hugged by a slightly crisp, caramelized top. The secret lies in the quality of the custard and the patience you employ while soaking the bread. When that rich, warm vanilla sauce cascades over the top, you will understand exactly why this simple combination of ingredients has survived centuries.
Choosing the Right Bread for Maximum Creaminess
The success of your Classic Bread Pudding Recipe with Warm Vanilla Sauce hinges entirely on the foundation: the bread. We need something sturdy yet absorbent. Avoid using soft, pre-sliced sandwich bread; it will tragically turn into mush upon contact with the liquid. Instead, aim for brioche, challah, or day-old French bread (baguettes). These types offer a richer flavor and possess the necessary structural integrity we crave.
The most important step here is allowing the bread to dry out slightly before soaking. This drying process creates tiny pockets, allowing the pieces to fully absorb the rich custard without disintegrating during the bake. If your bread is absolutely fresh, cut it into 1-inch cubes and toast it lightly in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about fifteen minutes. This quick pre-bake is non-negotiable for achieving that sublime balance between a delicate crust and a melt-in-your-mouth interior. Stale bread is the hero we never knew we needed.
Mastering the Custard: The Secret to Silky Texture
The custard binder is truly the heart of this dish. It must be rich, spiced, and perfectly seasoned. For the best result, use a high ratio of whole milk and heavy cream combined with eggs, granulated sugar, and those indispensable baking spices—cinnamon and freshly grated nutmeg. Gentle warmth is essential during the initial blending phase. Start by whisking the eggs and sugar together until the mixture is pale yellow and slightly thickened. This aeration helps create a light final texture.
Next, slowly incorporate the warmed milk mixture into the egg mixture. This process, known as tempering, gradually raises the temperature of the eggs, preventing them from scrambling and ensuring a smooth, homogenous base. Once the custard is prepared, you absolutely must allow adequate soaking time for the bread cubes. Give them at least thirty minutes at room temperature, tossing occasionally to ensure every piece is coated. For a truly superior result, cover the dish and soak them overnight in the refrigerator. This extended rest time ensures the bread is saturated right to its core, guaranteeing a uniformly moist, velvety pudding straight from the oven.
Ingredients for Classic Bread Pudding Recipe with Warm Vanilla Sauce
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Stale BreadApproximately 6 cups of cubed, day-old bread like brioche, challah, or French baguette provides the perfect foundation for soaking up the custard.
- Whole Milk and Heavy CreamA combination of these two dairy items creates the necessary richness and fat content for a silky, decadent custard.
- EggsYou will need several large eggs to bind the liquid ingredients and help the pudding set into a cohesive structure during baking.
- Granulated Sugar and Brown SugarUsing both sugars adds depth; the brown sugar contributes a hint of molasses and moisture.
- Cinnamon and NutmegThese warming spices are critical for that comforting, classic flavor profile associated with bread pudding.
- Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract or PasteEssential for the signature flavor, use a high-quality extract or a visible paste for intense vanilla notes in both the pudding and the sauce.
- ButterA small amount of melted butter helps enrich the custard mixture and ensures the pudding browns nicely on top.
- Cornstarch or Flour (for Sauce)Used as a thickening agent for the warm vanilla sauce, ensuring it achieves a luscious, pourable consistency.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Classic Bread Pudding Recipe with Warm Vanilla Sauce
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare and Soak the Bread
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the cubed stale bread evenly in the prepared dish. In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugars, alcohol-free vanilla extract, melted butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined and the sugar begins to dissolve. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing gently to submerge them. Allow the bread to soak for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or cover and refrigerate for up to 12 hours.
Step 2: Bake the Pudding
Once soaked, place the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake the bread pudding for 40 to 50 minutes. The pudding is ready when the center is set (a knife inserted near the middle comes out mostly clean), and the top is golden brown and slightly caramelized. If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.
Step 3: Prepare the Warm Vanilla Sauce
While the pudding cools slightly, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of whole milk, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture just to a simmer, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Meanwhile, in a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch or flour with a splash of cold milk until a smooth slurry forms. This prevents lumps.
Step 4: Thicken and Flavor the Sauce
Pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering milk mixture while constantly whisking. Reduce the heat to low and continue stirring until the sauce thickens significantly, reaching a consistency similar to thin gravy (about 2 to 3 minutes). Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately and stir in the remaining alcohol-free vanilla extract or paste. Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness if necessary.
Transfer to plates and drizzle generously with the creamy warm vanilla sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
Flavor Variations and Storage Suggestions
Once you master the foundation of this Classic Bread Pudding Recipe with Warm Vanilla Sauce, you are ready to venture into the exhilarating world of variations. This base is incredibly forgiving and welcomes creative additions. For a touch of textural contrast, consider stirring in 1/2 cup of toasted pecans or walnuts along with the bread cubes before soaking. If you enjoy fruit in your baked goods, dried fruits are an excellent complement. Try adding half a cup of golden raisins, dried cranberries, or finely chopped dried apricots to the custard mix; they rehydrate beautifully during the soaking process and offer little bursts of tanginess.
Another popular option is introducing a citrus zest. Adding the zest of one lemon or orange to the initial custard mixture provides a beautiful, bright counterpoint to the richness of the cream and spices. For chocolate lovers, folding in half a cup of dark chocolate chips transforms this humble dessert into a truly decadent indulgence. Remember to keep the total amount of additions balanced so you do not disrupt the custard-to-bread ratio, which is essential for that perfect texture.
When it comes to leftovers—if there are any!—this comfort pudding stores surprisingly well. Once completely cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the pudding to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. When you are ready to enjoy it again, individual slices reheat perfectly in the microwave for a quick treat, or you can cover the entire dish with foil and warm it in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through, about 15 to 20 minutes. Just make sure to warm up any leftover vanilla sauce gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. Cold bread pudding is good, but warm bread pudding drizzled with warm sauce is sheer perfection.
This recipe proves that often, the most delicious dishes are the ones that celebrate simplicity and history. Go ahead, bake yourself a slice of nostalgia, and enjoy every rich, custardy bite.
There is nothing quite like the smell of spiced custard baking on a chilly evening. This warm, nostalgic hug of a dessert cures even the worst cases of the mid-week blues.
Forget the fancy soufflés; we are going back to basics with this comforting Classic Bread Pudding Recipe with Warm Vanilla Sauce.
- This recipe transforms stale bread into a luxurious, creamy delight with minimal effort, making it the ultimate frugal dessert hero.
- Experience a balanced flavor profile featuring hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and rich vanilla bean, perfect for any season or celebration.
- The beautiful golden crust and deeply saturated custard interior offer a visually appealing contrast that promises comfort and satisfaction.
- Enjoy this pudding year-round; it is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with coffee, tea, or a simple scoop of frozen dessert.
The Art of the Comfort Dessert: Why Bread Pudding Reigns Supreme
I remember sneaking chunks of my grandmother’s bread pudding right out of the casserole dish, usually while she was distracted by a phone call that inevitably ran 45 minutes long. It always felt like culinary larceny, sticky fingers and all! Bread pudding isn’t just dessert; it is culinary history reincarnated, a masterpiece born from necessity, proving that the best flavors often emerge from the simplest ingredients. It is the ultimate redemption story for that crusty loaf sitting sadly on your counter.
This dessert often gets relegated to the “old-fashioned” category, but trust me, when executed correctly, it is pure luxury. We are not aiming for dense, heavy casserole; we are aiming for a tender, custardy center hugged by a slightly crisp, caramelized top. The secret lies in the quality of the custard and the patience you employ while soaking the bread. When that rich, warm vanilla sauce cascades over the top, you will understand exactly why this simple combination of ingredients has survived centuries.
Choosing the Right Bread for Maximum Creaminess
The success of your Classic Bread Pudding Recipe with Warm Vanilla Sauce hinges entirely on the foundation: the bread. We need something sturdy yet absorbent. Avoid using soft, pre-sliced sandwich bread; it will tragically turn into mush upon contact with the liquid. Instead, aim for brioche, challah, or day-old French bread (baguettes). These types offer a richer flavor and possess the necessary structural integrity we crave.
The most important step here is allowing the bread to dry out slightly before soaking. This drying process creates tiny pockets, allowing the pieces to fully absorb the rich custard without disintegrating during the bake. If your bread is absolutely fresh, cut it into 1-inch cubes and toast it lightly in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about fifteen minutes. This quick pre-bake is non-negotiable for achieving that sublime balance between a delicate crust and a melt-in-your-mouth interior. Stale bread is the hero we never knew we needed.
Mastering the Custard: The Secret to Silky Texture
The custard binder is truly the heart of this dish. It must be rich, spiced, and perfectly seasoned. For the best result, use a high ratio of whole milk and heavy cream combined with eggs, granulated sugar, and those indispensable baking spices—cinnamon and freshly grated nutmeg. Gentle warmth is essential during the initial blending phase. Start by whisking the eggs and sugar together until the mixture is pale yellow and slightly thickened. This aeration helps create a light final texture.
Next, slowly incorporate the warmed milk mixture into the egg mixture. This process, known as tempering, gradually raises the temperature of the eggs, preventing them from scrambling and ensuring a smooth, homogenous base. Once the custard is prepared, you absolutely must allow adequate soaking time for the bread cubes. Give them at least thirty minutes at room temperature, tossing occasionally to ensure every piece is coated. For a truly superior result, cover the dish and soak them overnight in the refrigerator. This extended rest time ensures the bread is saturated right to its core, guaranteeing a uniformly moist, velvety pudding straight from the oven.
Ingredients for Classic Bread Pudding Recipe with Warm Vanilla Sauce
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Stale BreadApproximately 6 cups of cubed, day-old bread like brioche, challah, or French baguette provides the perfect foundation for soaking up the custard.
- Whole Milk and Heavy CreamA combination of these two dairy items creates the necessary richness and fat content for a silky, decadent custard.
- EggsYou will need several large eggs to bind the liquid ingredients and help the pudding set into a cohesive structure during baking.
- Granulated Sugar and Brown SugarUsing both sugars adds depth; the brown sugar contributes a hint of molasses and moisture.
- Cinnamon and NutmegThese warming spices are critical for that comforting, classic flavor profile associated with bread pudding.
- Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract or PasteEssential for the signature flavor, use a high-quality extract or a visible paste for intense vanilla notes in both the pudding and the sauce.
- ButterA small amount of melted butter helps enrich the custard mixture and ensures the pudding browns nicely on top.
- Cornstarch or Flour (for Sauce)Used as a thickening agent for the warm vanilla sauce, ensuring it achieves a luscious, pourable consistency.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Classic Bread Pudding Recipe with Warm Vanilla Sauce
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare and Soak the Bread
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the cubed stale bread evenly in the prepared dish. In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugars, alcohol-free vanilla extract, melted butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined and the sugar begins to dissolve. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing gently to submerge them. Allow the bread to soak for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or cover and refrigerate for up to 12 hours.
Step 2: Bake the Pudding
Once soaked, place the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake the bread pudding for 40 to 50 minutes. The pudding is ready when the center is set (a knife inserted near the middle comes out mostly clean), and the top is golden brown and slightly caramelized. If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.
Step 3: Prepare the Warm Vanilla Sauce
While the pudding cools slightly, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of whole milk, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture just to a simmer, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Meanwhile, in a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch or flour with a splash of cold milk until a smooth slurry forms. This prevents lumps.
Step 4: Thicken and Flavor the Sauce
Pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering milk mixture while constantly whisking. Reduce the heat to low and continue stirring until the sauce thickens significantly, reaching a consistency similar to thin gravy (about 2 to 3 minutes). Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately and stir in the remaining alcohol-free vanilla extract or paste. Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness if necessary.
Transfer to plates and drizzle generously with the creamy warm vanilla sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
Flavor Variations and Storage Suggestions
Once you master the foundation of this Classic Bread Pudding Recipe with Warm Vanilla Sauce, you are ready to venture into the exhilarating world of variations. This base is incredibly forgiving and welcomes creative additions. For a touch of textural contrast, consider stirring in 1/2 cup of toasted pecans or walnuts along with the bread cubes before soaking. If you enjoy fruit in your baked goods, dried fruits are an excellent complement. Try adding half a cup of golden raisins, dried cranberries, or finely chopped dried apricots to the custard mix; they rehydrate beautifully during the soaking process and offer little bursts of tanginess.
Another popular option is introducing a citrus zest. Adding the zest of one lemon or orange to the initial custard mixture provides a beautiful, bright counterpoint to the richness of the cream and spices. For chocolate lovers, folding in half a cup of dark chocolate chips transforms this humble dessert into a truly decadent indulgence. Remember to keep the total amount of additions balanced so you do not disrupt the custard-to-bread ratio, which is essential for that perfect texture.
When it comes to leftovers—if there are any!—this comfort pudding stores surprisingly well. Once completely cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the pudding to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. When you are ready to enjoy it again, individual slices reheat perfectly in the microwave for a quick treat, or you can cover the entire dish with foil and warm it in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through, about 15 to 20 minutes. Just make sure to warm up any leftover vanilla sauce gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. Cold bread pudding is good, but warm bread pudding drizzled with warm sauce is sheer perfection.
This recipe proves that often, the most delicious dishes are the ones that celebrate simplicity and history. Go ahead, bake yourself a slice of nostalgia, and enjoy every rich, custardy bite.
The Accidental Discovery of Sunshine on a Plate

I first made this bread pudding when I accidentally bought three loaves too many. Desperate not to waste the stale remnants, I experimented, mixing in custard and spices. The resulting aroma and rich, gooey texture were a shocking surprise—pure comfort food heaven found through sheer panic.
There are certain recipes that feel less like cooking and more like an act of kitchen magic. This dessert is absolutely one of them. It takes sad, stale bread—the kind you thought was destined for the bird feeder—and transforms it into a golden, custard-drenched masterpiece. Forget complicated, fussy baking; theClassic Bread Pudding Recipe with Warm Vanilla Sauceis the ultimate celebration of simplicity and flavor, proving that the best things in life often require minimal fuss and maximum comfort.
If you have ever stared into your pantry, feeling guilty about that half-loaf of sourdough rapidly approaching petrification, this recipe is your redemption story. We are not just making a dessert; we are giving forgotten bread a luxurious second life. And that vanilla sauce? Oh, that creamy, warm, soul-hugging sauce deserves its own standing ovation. It flows into the nooks and crannies of the pudding, creating pockets of rich, velvety sweetness that will make you forget every worry you ever had.
The Anatomy of the Perfect Comfort Dessert
What sets this recipe apart from the sometimes-dry, often-boring bread puddings of the past? It comes down to technique and saturation. You must let the bread truly swim in the custard base. Think of it as a sponge going scuba diving; it needs time to fully absorb the liquid, ensuring that every piece of bread, from the surface crust to the deep center, is saturated with the milky, spiced mixture. This crucial step is the difference between a disappointing scramble of dried bread and the moist, rich dessert we crave.
Another secret weapon is the spice blend. We go beyond mere cinnamon. A careful balance of nutmeg and a tiny pinch of cardamom adds a layer of sophisticated warmth that elevates the entire experience. When this dish bakes, the aroma alone can convince neighbors to wander over uninvited. Consider this your official warning.
Ingredients for the Classic Bread Pudding
Gathering the components for this classic dessert requires only a quick trip to the pantry. We focus on quality dairy and the freshest spices we can find.
For the Bread Pudding:
- 6 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (brioche, challah, or French bread work best)
- 4 large eggs, plus 1 egg yolk
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure alcohol-free vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom (optional, but highly recommended)
- ½ cup golden raisins or dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons melted butter, for greasing
For the Warm Vanilla Sauce:
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch or potato starch (for thickening)
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon pure alcohol-free vanilla extract
Crafting the Ultimate Comfort Bake
The process of creating this spiced bread bake is straightforward, but patience during the soaking stage is vital. Prepare your custard base first, allowing the sugar to dissolve completely, then introduce the bread and let time work its delicious magic.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Pudding
- Prep the Bread:Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with melted butter. Place the stale bread cubes evenly in the dish. If your bread isn’t stale, lightly toast the cubes in the oven for about 10 minutes until dried out.
- Whip the Custard:In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, egg yolk, sugar, alcohol-free vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has fully dissolved.
- Soak and Wait:Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Gently press the bread down to ensure every piece is submerged. Sprinkle the raisins or cranberries over the top. Let the pudding stand for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, allowing maximum absorption.
- Bake to Perfection:Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is mostly set with a slight jiggle. A knife inserted near the center should come out mostly clean.
- Cool Down:Remove the pudding from the oven and let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the pudding to firm up slightly and redistribute moisture.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by soaking the bread thoroughly while you prepare the vanilla sauce ingredients. Bake the pudding until just set, checking the center. While the pudding cools slightly, whisk the sauce ingredients over low heat until thick and velvety smooth, ready for immediate drizzling.
Creating the Irresistible Warm Vanilla Sauce
The vanilla sauce elevates this from a simple dessert to the kind of treat people talk about for weeks. This sauce is rich, creamy, and provides the necessary counterpoint to the baked, spiced bread.
- Combine Liquids:In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, cream, and sugar over medium-low heat until the sugar dissolves. Do not bring to a boil.
- Thicken the Base:In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg yolks and cornstarch together until smooth. Slowly temper the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly. This prevents the eggs from scrambling.
- Return to Heat:Pour the tempered mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon (about 5–7 minutes). It should be a beautiful, velvety consistency.
- Finish and Serve:Remove the sauce from the heat immediately. Whisk in the butter and the pure alcohol-free vanilla extract. Serve the warm sauce liberally over the still-warmClassic Bread Pudding Recipe with Warm Vanilla Sauce.
Add Your Touch
Swap the raisins for dried cranberries or chopped dates to change the flavor profile. Enhance the spice blend with cardamom or a pinch of allspice. For a richer texture, substitute half the milk with heavy cream, or include a swirl of fruit preserves before baking.
One of the best things about comfort food is its flexibility. If you prefer a nuttier texture, try adding toasted pecans or walnuts right before baking. For a burst of citrus brightness, grate the zest of an orange into the custard base; the citrus notes play beautifully against the warmth of the cinnamon and vanilla.
Tips and Tricks for a Prize-Winning Pudding
- Always use slightly stale bread; fresh bread collapses and becomes mushy rather than retaining its structure and absorbing the custard evenly.
- Don’t overbake the pudding! It should still have a slight wiggle in the center when you remove it, as it will continue cooking from residual heat.
- For the richest flavor, steep your milk with a vanilla bean pod before mixing the custard base; this infuses maximum aroma into the dish.
My Aunt Clara, who claims she hates all desserts, secretly ate an entire corner of this bread pudding while standing by the counter. That’s when I knew this recipe was truly unstoppable.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover bread pudding and the vanilla sauce separately in airtight containers for up to three days. Reheat individual servings of the pudding in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Gently reheat the sauce on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if it seems too thick.
When storing, ensure both the pudding and the sauce are completely cooled before sealing them up. If you are preparing this for a dinner party, the bread pudding can be baked a day ahead. To reheat the entire dish, cover it loosely with foil and warm it in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 15–20 minutes until heated through. The vanilla sauce must be reheated slowly; microwaving it too quickly can compromise its smooth texture, causing it to separate.
This dessert truly shines when served warm, right out of the oven, but the leftovers are equally spectacular for a breakfast treat the following morning—just remember to drench it again in that luxurious vanilla sauce!
Conclusion for Classic Bread Pudding Recipe with Warm Vanilla Sauce
ThisClassic Bread Pudding Recipe with Warm Vanilla Sauceproves that humble ingredients can create monumental desserts. We’ve covered everything from selecting the right stale bread to mastering that luscious, comforting sauce. Remember the secret is proper soaking and avoiding overbaking. Whether you are aiming for a show-stopping holiday dessert or just a perfect weeknight treat, this recipe delivers deep, spiced flavors and unforgettable warmth. Go forth and turn humble bread into pure, glorious sunshine.
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Classic Bread Pudding Recipe with Warm Vanilla Sauce
Achieve perfection! This simple yet elegant bread pudding relies on stale French bread soaking for 15 minutes in a milky custard base (milk, cream, 4 eggs).
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Stale French bread or challah, cut into 1-inch cubes (6 cups)
- Whole milk (2 cups)
- Large eggs (4)
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup)
- Heavy cream (1 cup)
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, divided)
- vanilla powder (1 tablespoon total)
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish. Place the cubed bread in the prepared dish. In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole milk, 1 teaspoon of alcohol-free vanilla extract, and the ground cinnamon. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing gently to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar until well combined and slightly pale. Pour the egg mixture over the soaked bread. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes, allowing the bread to fully absorb the custard.
- Step 3: Cover the baking dish lightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Step 4: While the pudding cools slightly, prepare the warm vanilla sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the heavy cream and a pinch of sugar (optional), bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Step 5: Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the remaining 2 teaspoons of vanilla bean paste. If the sauce is too thin, simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until it lightly coats the back of a spoon. Serve the warm bread pudding slices drizzled generously with the warm vanilla sauce.
Notes
- Store leftover bread pudding, covered tightly, in the refrigerator for up to four days, and always keep the warm vanilla sauce stored separately.
- To restore the light, warm texture, gently reheat individual slices in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes, which works better than a microwave for keeping the edges soft.
- For an added layer of flavor and crunch, serve the warm pudding garnished with a handful of toasted pecans or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
- A key chef’s tip is to ensure your bread is fully stale or dried out before soaking the custard, as fresh bread absorbs too quickly and results in a dense rather than airy pudding.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American





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