Description
This classic Old Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is a warm, comforting dessert featuring soft cubes of white bread soaked in a rich custard infused with cinnamon and nutmeg, studded with sweet raisins, and baked to golden perfection. Served with a luscious homemade vanilla sauce, this timeless treat is perfect for cozy gatherings or a delightful end to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread Pudding
- 10 slices white bread, cut into cubes
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ cup raisins
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Vanilla Sauce
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the pudding does not stick.
- Prepare Bread and Raisins: Add the bread cubes and raisins into the greased baking dish and toss gently to mix them evenly.
- Make Custard Base: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 4 tablespoons butter, 2 cups whole milk, and ½ cup granulated sugar. Stir frequently until the butter melts completely and the sugar dissolves.
- Add Spices and Vanilla: Remove the pan from heat and whisk in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg to infuse the custard with warm flavors.
- Temper the Eggs: Gradually pour a spoonful of the warm custard mixture into the beaten eggs while whisking continuously to raise their temperature without scrambling. Repeat until eggs are tempered.
- Combine Custard with Eggs: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the custard and whisk thoroughly to blend all ingredients.
- Soak Bread: Pour this custard mixture evenly over the bread and raisins in the baking dish. Let it sit for 10 minutes, allowing the bread to soak up the custard.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
- Prepare Vanilla Sauce: While the pudding bakes, combine ½ cup heavy whipping cream, 8 tablespoons butter, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup brown sugar, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Serve: Remove the bread pudding from the oven, pour the warm vanilla sauce over individual servings, and enjoy this comforting dessert immediately.
Notes
- For a richer pudding, use brioche or challah bread instead of white bread.
- Soaking the bread for at least 10 minutes allows it to absorb the custard, resulting in a custardy interior.
- Raisins can be substituted with dried cranberries or chopped nuts for variation.
- The vanilla sauce can be kept warm on low heat if preparing in advance.
- Ensure eggs are tempered carefully to avoid curdling the custard.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: bread pudding, vanilla sauce, classic dessert, baked pudding, raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg, warm dessert
