BREAD
Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
Welcome to a nostalgic journey into the world of classic desserts with our Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding topped with a luscious vanilla sauce. This beloved recipe brings comfort and warmth to any table, pairing the simplicity of bread with the elegance of a sweet, creamy topping.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Bread pudding delivers a satisfying texture and rich flavors that evoke memories of home-cooked meals.
- Versatility: This recipe can be customized with various bread types and additions, making it perfect for using up leftovers.
- Elegant Yet Simple: The vanilla sauce adds a gourmet touch to this humble dessert, making it suitable for both casual and formal occasions.
Ingredients Overview
For the Bread Pudding:
- Stale Bread (white, French, or brioche): 4 cups cubed
- Large Eggs: 4
- Milk: 2 cups
- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup
- Unsalted Butter (melted): ¼ cup
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Ground Cinnamon: ½ teaspoon
- Ground Nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon
- Optional: Raisins or dried currants: ¼ cup
- A pinch of salt
For the Vanilla Sauce:
- Unsalted Butter: ½ cup (1 stick)
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup
- Granulated Sugar: ½ cup
- Vanilla Extract: ½ teaspoon
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Prepare the Bread Pudding:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Bread: Cube the bread and place it in a large mixing bowl. For a crispier top, lightly toast the bread first.
- Mix the Custard: In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Combine: Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are soaked. Stir in raisins or currants if using.
- Bake: Transfer to a greased 9x9 inch baking dish and bake for 45-55 minutes until set and golden. A knife inserted should come out clean.
Make the Vanilla Sauce:
- Cook the Sauce: While the pudding bakes, melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add heavy cream and sugar, stirring until smooth.
- Finish the Sauce: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Serving:
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread pudding cool slightly, then slice and serve warm drizzled with vanilla sauce.
Tips for Perfect Bread Pudding
- Bread Type: The type of bread used can affect the texture; denser bread will give a firmer pudding.
- Custard Soak: Allow the bread to soak in the custard mixture for at least 10 minutes before baking for richer flavor.
- Sauce Consistency: For a thicker sauce, reduce the cream slightly before adding sugar and butter.
This Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce recipe is more than just dessert; it’s a heartfelt nod to traditional baking and a testament to the timeless appeal of comforting sweets. Perfect for any season, this dish will bring smiles and warmth to your dining table.
