Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce: Easy Homemade Recipe

Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Turning day-old bread into a warm, comforting dessert is magical. Our homemade bread pudding with vanilla sauce is more than a recipe. It’s a journey that turns simple ingredients into a special treat that brings families together.

Imagine saving stale bread to make a dessert so good, it gets a 4.93 out of 5 rating from over 1,000 people. This classic dessert is quick to make, ready in just 5 minutes and bakes in 45. It’s the perfect comfort food for any time.

Key Takeaways

• Ultra-quick preparation time of only 5 minutes
• Yields 6 delicious servings
• Each serving contains 316 calories
• Versatile recipe using various bread types
• Topped with a delectable homemade vanilla sauce

What Makes This Classic Dessert Special

Bread pudding is a standout comfort food that turns simple ingredients into something amazing. Our recipe is a journey into a budget-friendly dessert. It’s loved for its rich flavors and nostalgic charm.

The Perfect Comfort Food

This recipe adds warmth and joy to any meal. It’s more than a dessert; it’s a treat that brings families together. With just 15 minutes of prep, it’s easy to make a dish that feels like a hug.

Budget-Friendly Dessert Option

Our bread pudding recipe shows that tasty desserts don’t have to cost a lot. It uses day-old bread and common ingredients. This way, it serves 12 people without spending a lot.

• Uses stale bread effectively
• Requires minimal ingredients
• Serves large groups economically

Versatile Recipe Possibilities

This dessert is truly versatile. You can change it up with a few simple additions:

“Bread pudding is not just a dessert, it’s a canvas for culinary creativity.” – Pastry Chef

With a 4.64 out of 5 rating, this bread pudding recipe has won many hearts. It has a rich history, dating back to the 11th century.

Essential Ingredients for Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Making the perfect bread pudding begins with picking the right ingredients. Our classic recipe uses day-old bread, which soaks up the custard ingredients well. Choosing the right bread is key for the perfect texture and taste.

• 10 ounces of day-old bread (challah, brioche, or French bread)
• 2 cups of whole milk
• 4 large eggs
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Pro tip: Stale bread works best for absorbing the custard ingredients, creating a rich and creamy texture.

Our vanilla sauce ingredients complement the bread pudding perfectly:

“The secret to an amazing bread pudding lies in the quality of your ingredients and the love you put into preparing them.”

Each ingredient is vital for a decadent dessert that will please your taste buds and warm your heart.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

To make a tasty bread pudding, you need the right kitchen tools. We’ll show you the key baking tools and sauce-making equipment. This way, your dessert will be perfect every time.

Starting a delicious bread pudding means having the right kitchen tools. Our list will guide you through the baking tools and sauce-making essentials you need.

Essential Baking Tools

For bread pudding, you’ll need a few important baking tools. They make the process easy and fun:

• Mixing bowls in various sizes
• Whisk for blending ingredients
• Silicone spatula for scraping and mixing
• Baking dish or casserole dish (8-9 inches/20-23cm)

Sauce-Making Equipment

For the perfect vanilla sauce, you’ll need specific tools:

• Medium saucepan
• Whisk for smooth sauce preparation
• Measuring cups and spoons

Optional Helpful Tools

These tools are not essential but can make a difference:

• Digital kitchen scale for precise measurements
• Fork for mixing cornstarch

Pro tip: Investing in quality baking tools can make a significant difference in your bread pudding’s texture and overall success.

“The right kitchen equipment is the secret ingredient to culinary perfection.” – Baking Enthuasiast

Our recommended kitchen equipment will help you make a mouth-watering bread pudding. You’ll have everything from the right baking dish to the perfect saucepan. These tools will help you create a dessert that will impress everyone.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Making the perfect bread pudding needs precision and care. Our guide will walk you through each step. This ensures a dessert that will wow your family and friends.

1. Bread Selection and Preparation
   • Choose 6 cups of stale bread, best from a fresh bakery
   • Cut bread into 2-inch cubes for the best texture
   • Fresh bakery bread makes the pudding fluffier than regular sliced bread
2. Custard Mixture Creation
   • Whisk 2 cups of whole milk (or 2% as a substitute)
   • Add 3 large eggs at room temperature
   • Mix in 1/2 cup granulated sugar
   • Include 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
   • Sprinkle 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3. Baking Instructions
   • Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C)
   • Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish
   • Layer bread cubes in the dish
   • Pour custard mixture over bread, ensuring even coating
   • Let bread soak for 15-20 minutes

“The secret to an incredible bread pudding is patience and quality ingredients.” – Pastry Chef Martin Reynolds

To bake, follow these steps: place the dish in the oven at 350°F (180°C) and bake for 40-45 minutes. The pudding is done when a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool a bit before serving.

Pro tip: For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking to create a delightful crispy crust.

Making the Perfect Vanilla Sauce

Making a delicious vanilla sauce needs attention to detail. Our guide will show you how to make a smooth, rich sauce. This will take your bread pudding to the next level.

Achieving the Right Consistency

The secret to a great vanilla sauce is its smoothness. Keep an eye on the sauce as it cooks. This ensures it’s silky and easy to pour.

• Whisk continuously to prevent lumps
• Use medium heat for controlled cooking
• Test thickness by coating the back of a spoon

Timing and Temperature Tips

When making your vanilla sauce, timing and temperature are key. The right temperature makes sure the sauce turns out perfect every time.

Storage Instructions

Storing your sauce right is key to keeping its taste and quality. Our tips will help you keep your homemade vanilla sauce fresh.

• Refrigerate in an airtight container
• Store for up to 3-4 days
• Freeze for extended preservation

“A great vanilla sauce can transform an ordinary dessert into a culinary masterpiece.” – Pastry Chef Emma Richardson

Always use a clean, sealed container when storing your sauce. To reheat, whisk in a bit of milk. This will make it smooth again. The sauce will thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems thicker after refrigeration.

Follow these tips to make a vanilla sauce that will wow everyone. It will have the perfect flavor and consistency for your bread pudding.

Pro Tips for the Best Results

Making the perfect bread pudding takes skill. Our expert tips will turn a simple dessert into a showstopper. It will wow your family and guests.

The bread you choose is key. Use a 1-pound loaf of day-old bread for the best texture. If your bread is fresh, toast it lightly. This helps it soak up the custard better.

• Cut bread into 1- to 1½-inch cubes for ideal consistency
• Ensure eggs and milk are at room temperature
• Use a 13×9 inch baking dish for even cooking

For creamy custard, blend 2 cups of heavy cream, 2 cups of whole milk, 2 large eggs, and 6 egg yolks. Add 3/4 cup of granulated sugar and 4 teaspoons of vanilla extract. This mix gives rich flavor.

“The secret to great bread pudding is patience and precise temperature control”

Baking needs careful attention. Bake at 275°F for about 30-45 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a clean knife into the center. It should come out mostly clean with no runny liquid.

• Target internal temperature: 170-175°F
• Cool for 30-60 minutes before serving
• Optional: Add dried fruits or chopped nuts for extra texture

Try new flavors for a twist. Use eggnog instead of whole milk or add bourbon to your vanilla sauce.

Storage and Make-Ahead Options

Bread pudding is a great make-ahead dessert for busy families. Our guide will show you how to store it well. This way, your dessert stays fresh and tasty.

Refrigeration Guidelines

Storing bread pudding right is key to its taste and texture. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Follow these tips to keep it good for up to 3 days:

• Cool the bread pudding completely before storing
• Use a sealed container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap
• Keep sauce separate until ready to serve
• Store in the refrigerator at 40°F or below

Freezing Instructions

Freezing bread pudding is a smart way to keep it longer. Here’s how to freeze it right:

• Wrap the bread pudding in two layers of plastic wrap
• Add a layer of aluminum foil for extra protection
• Freeze for up to 2 months
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating

Reheating Methods

Reheating is key to keeping bread pudding moist and flavorful. We recommend two main ways to reheat it:

Pro tip: Always cover the bread pudding with foil when reheating in the oven to prevent excessive drying.

“The secret to perfect bread pudding is not just in the recipe, but in how you store and reheat it.” – Culinary Expert

Conclusion

Our homemade bread pudding recipe is an easy dessert that turns simple ingredients into a warm treat. It’s a classic dish that makes day-old bread into something special. It brings families together, creating memories at the table.

This recipe is versatile, letting you try different sauces like vanilla or caramel. It’s perfect for a quick breakfast or a fancy dessert. You might also like to try this banana pudding cheesecake for more ideas.

We invite you to make this recipe your own. Add your own spices, use different breads, and try various sauces. The beauty of this dessert is its simplicity and flexibility, making it a great choice for any home cook.

Great cooking is about passion, creativity, and sharing love through food. Our bread pudding recipe is more than a dessert. It’s a journey that connects generations and creates lasting memories.