As I sifted through my grandmother’s old recipe box, I stumbled upon a handwritten treasure that instantly transported me to carefree Sunday afternoons in her kitchen. This Easy Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is more than just a dessert; it’s a warm embrace that turns simple, stale bread into luxurious comfort food, enriched by a creamy vanilla sauce. Not only does this nostalgic dish offer a delightful way to repurpose ingredients, but it’s also the perfect solution for anyone craving a homemade dessert without the fuss. Once you try this recipe, each bite will evoke memories of family gatherings and sweet moments shared around the table. Are you ready to bring a taste of tradition to your home?
Why is this bread pudding a must-try?
Comforting and nostalgic, this bread pudding is the epitome of classic desserts that warm the heart. Simple preparation makes it perfect for cooks of all skill levels, offering a hassle-free experience. Irresistible flavor shines through thanks to the creamy vanilla sauce that elevates the dish. Versatile at its core, feel free to mix in your favorite add-ins, like chocolate or fruit, for a personalized touch. Best of all, it transforms stale bread into a luxurious delight, ensuring nothing goes to waste. Whether enjoyed on special occasions or as a weekday treat, this recipe is sure to please! For another fantastic dessert idea, check out my Mango Chia Pudding.
Bread Pudding Ingredients
For the Pudding
• Cubed White Bread – Use stale bread for the best texture, ensuring it absorbs the custard mixture well.
• Raisins – Adds natural sweetness; you can substitute them with nuts or omit for a different texture.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the pudding; feel free to adjust according to taste preferences.
• Brown Sugar – Introduces a slight caramel flavor; can be replaced with more granulated sugar for simplicity.
• Eggs – Key for richness and binding; make sure they’re gently beaten for a smooth custard.
• Butter – Unsalted butter enhances flavor and moisture; a critical ingredient for a delightful pudding.
• Milk – Whole milk yields a creamier texture, but any milk variety will work in a pinch.
• Vanilla Extract – Use pure vanilla extract for the best aromatic flavor in your bread pudding.
• Nutmeg Powder – Adds warmth and spice; can be swapped with cinnamon for a different flavor twist.
• Heavy Whipping Cream – Enriches the vanilla sauce; half-and-half can be used for a lighter version.
For the Vanilla Sauce
• Heavy Whipping Cream – Ensures a rich texture in the sauce; don’t skip this for an indulgent experience!
• Vanilla Extract – Complements the sauce beautifully with a sweet aroma; always opt for pure for the best results.
This easy, homemade bread pudding is a delicious way to transform simple ingredients into a comforting dessert that everyone will love!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Easy Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, grab a medium-sized baking dish and generously grease it with butter to prevent sticking. This step is crucial, as a well-prepared dish ensures that your delicious bread pudding releases easily once baked, giving it that beautiful, golden exterior.
Step 2: Mix Bread and Sweeteners
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed white bread with raisins, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Gently toss the mixture until every piece of bread is evenly coated with the sweet goodness. This helps the flavors meld together as the pudding bakes, which is essential for your perfect bread pudding.
Step 3: Create the Custard Mixture
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and nutmeg until smooth and well combined. This custard mixture is the heart of your bread pudding, so ensure it’s thoroughly blended. The aroma will be enticing, and you’ll notice the ingredients coming together beautifully, ready to soak the bread.
Step 4: Combine and Soak
Pour the custard mixture over the bread and raisin mixture, making sure to cover all the bread pieces. Use a spatula to gently fold and ensure everything is soaked evenly. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard; look for the bread to soften and swell slightly.
Step 5: Bake the Pudding
Transfer the mixture to your greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Place it in your preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and slightly puffed. Keep an eye on it as it bakes; the heavenly aroma will fill your kitchen and beckon everyone to the table.
Step 6: Prepare the Vanilla Sauce
While the bread pudding is baking, prepare the creamy vanilla sauce. In a small saucepan, heat heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract over medium heat until warm, stirring occasionally. You want it warm enough to blend the flavors without boiling—this should take about 5 minutes.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once your bread pudding is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, slice it into squares and serve warm, drizzled with the homemade vanilla sauce. Each serving of this old-fashioned bread pudding will bring comfort and joy, tempting everyone to go back for seconds.
Bread Pudding Variations & Substitutions
Customize your bread pudding experience while exploring different flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds!
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Chocolate Twist: Add chocolate chips for a rich, indulgent touch, transforming dessert into a decadent treat.
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Fruit Infusion: Substitute raisins with diced apples or peaches for a refreshing, fruity version that adds a burst of juiciness.
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Dairy-Free Option: Use almond or coconut milk in place of regular milk for a creamy, dairy-free alternative that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
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Spice Swap: Experiment with cinnamon instead of nutmeg to introduce a warm, aromatic flavor different from the classic recipe.
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Nutty Crunch: Incorporate toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts for an extra crunchy texture, enhancing the overall mouthfeel. It adds delightful contrast to the soft pudding.
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Coconut Delight: Mix in shredded coconut for a tropical twist that offers both flavor and texture—perfect for coconut lovers!
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Savory Spin: Consider adding cooked and crumbled bacon for a unique savory take; the salty flavor complements the sweetness beautifully.
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Lighter Sauce: Replace heavy whipping cream with a lighter option like half-and-half for the vanilla sauce without compromising indulgence in your bread pudding.
As you experiment with these variations, you might also explore other delightful desserts like my Tiramisu Chia Pudding to satisfy your sweet cravings!
How to Store and Freeze Bread Pudding
Fridge: Store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor; reheat in the oven for best results.
Freezer: For longer storage, place cooled bread pudding in a freezer-safe container, ensuring it’s airtight; it can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat frozen bread pudding, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Serving Reminder: Serve bread pudding warm with a drizzle of vanilla sauce to enhance the flavors and create a comforting experience.
Expert Tips for Bread Pudding
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Soak Properly: Ensure the bread mixture is soaked for at least 15 minutes; this helps achieve that ideal custard consistency, avoiding sogginess.
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Ingredient Measurement: Be careful with measuring the brown sugar; packed brown sugar can lead to overly sweet pudding. Use a loose measurement for balance.
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Cooling Time: Let your baked bread pudding cool for a bit before slicing. This helps it firm up, allowing for cleaner, more appealing pieces.
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Flavor Add-Ins: Don’t hesitate to add extras like chocolate chips or dried fruits; they can elevate your bread pudding, adding delightful surprise with every bite.
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Bourbon Option: For a unique twist, integrate a splash of bourbon into your vanilla sauce while warming; it deepens the flavor beautifully!
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Old-Fashioned Bread Puddings are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the bread and custard mixture up to 24 hours in advance; simply combine the cubed white bread, raisins, granulated sugar, and brown sugar, then cover and refrigerate. To maintain the bread’s texture, ensure it soaks well in the custard and let it absorb evenly. When you’re ready to bake, simply whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and nutmeg, pour it over the bread mixture, and bake as directed. This way, you’ll have a deliciously comforting dessert with minimal effort, ready to delight your family!
What to Serve with Easy Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
Indulging in this comforting dessert opens up a world of delightful pairings that enhance its cozy, sweet notes.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop on the side adds creaminess, elevating the dessert experience. The cold ice cream beautifully contrasts with the warm bread pudding.
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Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries bring a bright, tart flavor that cuts through the richness of the pudding. Their natural sweetness complements the dessert wonderfully, adding freshness to each bite.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of freshly whipped cream enriches the pudding’s experience with a smooth, velvety finish, making each bite even more decadent.
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Coffee or Espresso: A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a nice shot of espresso pairs perfectly, providing a warm hug that balances the sweetness of the dish and enhances its comforting nature.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel over the bread pudding adds an extra layer of flavor, creating a luscious, gooey contrast that makes every bite heavenly.
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Spiced Chai Latte: A warm spiced chai latte harmonizes with the nutmeg and vanilla in the pudding, enhancing its comforting qualities and bringing a delightful aroma to the table.
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Custard Sauce: A creamy custard sauce, poured generously over the pudding, deepens the flavors and adds a luxurious touch to this already irresistible bread pudding.
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Toasted Nuts: Chopped and toasted pecans or walnuts sprinkle on top add a delightful crunch while complementing the soft, custardy texture of the bread pudding.
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Warm Compote: A warm fruit compote, like apple or cranberry, introduces a tangy and sweet balance, brightening up each spoonful with fruity vibrancy.
Easy Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe FAQs
What type of bread works best for bread pudding?
Absolutely! Stale white bread is ideal for bread pudding since it absorbs the custard mixture without becoming too mushy. Look for bread that’s a day or two old, with a slightly dry texture, which will help achieve that lovely custard consistency.
How should I store leftover bread pudding?
Leftover bread pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for the best taste and texture!
Can I freeze bread pudding?
Yes! To freeze, first let the bread pudding cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container, ensuring it’s airtight. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
What should I do if my bread pudding turns out soggy?
No worries! If your bread pudding is soggy, it may have been soaked too long or had too much custard mixture. For next time, ensure you’re soaking the bread for just 15 minutes and that the cubed pieces are moderately dry before mixing them with the custard. Aim for a consistent balance between the bread and the liquid.
Is this bread pudding safe for pets or people with allergies?
It’s important to be cautious! This bread pudding contains ingredients like eggs, milk, and sugar, which aren’t suitable for pets, especially dogs and cats. For allergy considerations, nuts can be omitted, and if someone is lactose intolerant, substitutes like almond milk and dairy-free butter work well to keep the dish safe for various dietary needs. Always verify with your guests before serving.
Can I modify this recipe for dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for substitutes, you can use almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free option. For gluten-free bread pudding, simply replace the white bread with a gluten-free bread variety. Adjust the sugar content according to your dietary needs, and you can even use stevia or agave syrup for less sugar. The more the merrier, so feel free to experiment!
Irresistible Bread Pudding with Creamy Vanilla Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a medium-sized baking dish with butter.
- In a large bowl, combine cubed bread, raisins, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Toss until coated.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and nutmeg until smooth.
- Pour custard mixture over bread and raisins. Fold gently and let sit for 15 minutes.
- Transfer to the greased baking dish and bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown.
- For the sauce, heat heavy cream and vanilla extract in a saucepan over medium heat until warm.
- Serve bread pudding warm drizzled with vanilla sauce.
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