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Grandma’s Classic Bread Pudding with Warm Vanilla Sauce

A close-up of a rich slice of bread pudding topped with thick, dripping caramel sauce.
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Make this comforting, old-fashioned bread pudding using stale bread. It bakes into a rich, creamy custard dessert and pairs perfectly with a homemade warm vanilla sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
  • For the Warm Vanilla Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

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. Sprinkle raisins over the bread if you are using them.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
  4. Whisk in the whole milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until the custard mixture is smooth.
  5. Slowly pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Gently press the bread down to help it absorb the liquid. Let the mixture stand for 15 minutes to soak thoroughly.
  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 sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  8. Add the brown sugar and stir until it dissolves and the mixture bubbles. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  9. Remove the pan from the heat. Carefully whisk in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the sauce is smooth.
  10. Let the sauce cool slightly before serving warm over slices of the baked bread pudding.

Notes

  • Use bread that is slightly stale, like day-old French bread or challah, for the best texture.
  • If you prefer a richer sauce, substitute the heavy cream in the sauce with half-and-half for a slightly thinner consistency.
  • This recipe makes a decadent dessert that is perfect for holiday gatherings.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastethisplate.com/classic-bread-pudding-with-vanilla-sauce/