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Classic Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Homemade Vanilla Sauce

A close-up of a rich slice of bread pudding topped with a thick vanilla cream sauce.
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Make this soft, custardy bread pudding using stale bread. It bakes to a comforting texture and pairs perfectly with a simple, rich vanilla sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted (for sauce)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (for sauce)
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for sauce)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Arrange the bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and nutmeg until combined.
  4. Slowly whisk in the whole milk until the mixture is smooth.
  5. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press the bread down to help it absorb the liquid. Let it soak for 15 minutes.
  6. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted near the center comes out mostly clean.
  7. While the pudding bakes, prepare the vanilla sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
  8. Whisk in the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Do not boil.
  9. Remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
  10. Serve the warm bread pudding drizzled generously with the homemade vanilla sauce. This recipe is a great alternative to complex meal planning when you need a quick, satisfying dessert.

Notes

  • Use bread that is slightly stale, like French bread or challah, for the best texture.
  • You can prepare the bread and custard mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 4 hours before baking.
  • For a richer flavor, substitute 1/4 cup of the milk with heavy cream.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delicerecipe.com/classic-old-fashioned-bread-pudding-recipe/