If you’ve ever craved a dessert that feels like a warm hug from your childhood, then this Classic Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. It features simple, humble ingredients transformed into a luscious, comforting dish with soft, custardy bread infused with cinnamon and vanilla. Topped with a rich, buttery vanilla sauce, this recipe makes for a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for cozy family gatherings or just treating yourself to a little indulgence at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Classic Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building its delightful textures, warm flavors, and that golden color everyone loves. From the comforting cinnamon to the velvety milk and eggs creating the custard, no ingredient is just filler — they all work in perfect harmony.
- 6 slices stale bread: Using slightly stale bread helps the custard soak up perfectly for that ideal pudding texture.
- 3 tbsp. butter (divided): Butter not only adds richness but also helps create a golden crust and luscious sauce.
- 4 eggs (beaten): Eggs bind everything together and give the custard its creamy, fluffy body.
- 2 cups milk: Milk keeps the pudding moist and tender with a mild dairy sweetness.
- 3/4 cup white sugar: This sweetens the custard just enough to balance the spices and vanilla.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Vanilla gives the dish its signature warmth and depth of flavor.
- 1 tsp cinnamon: Cinnamon adds a cozy, aromatic spice that pairs perfectly with bread and vanilla.
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (for sauce): Brown sugar brings a caramel note to the vanilla sauce.
How to Make Classic Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab an 8-inch baking dish and spread 1 tablespoon of butter all over the bottom and sides. This buttery layer will keep the bread from sticking and create a slightly crisp edge that’s irresistible.
Step 2: Add the Bread
Break your 6 slices of stale bread into bite-sized pieces or cubes and place them evenly in the buttered dish. To ensure each piece gets a rich buttery touch, drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter over the bread, letting it soak in a bit before moving on.
Step 3: Make the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the 4 beaten eggs, 2 cups of milk, 3/4 cup white sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon until smooth. This custard mixture is the soul of your bread pudding, soaking into every nook and creating that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Pour the custard evenly over the buttered bread in your baking dish. Make sure every piece gets a good soak by gently pressing the bread down a little. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the pudding feels springy when you lightly press the center. This signals it’s perfectly cooked but still soft inside.
Step 5: Prepare the Vanilla Sauce
While the pudding bakes, start the sauce. In a saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over high heat. Once melted, lower the heat to medium and let the butter brown slightly. This step adds a fantastic nutty depth. Stir in 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Remove from the heat and let it sit for a minute or two before stirring again—doing this helps the flavors meld beautifully.
How to Serve Classic Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Serving your bread pudding doesn’t have to be plain. Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon or freshly grated nutmeg for an aromatic touch. A few fresh berries or a sprig of mint can also add a pop of color that brightens the plate and gives a fresh contrast to the rich pudding.
Side Dishes
This dessert stands well on its own, but if you want to turn it into a special treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The cold creaminess complements the warm pudding and luxurious vanilla sauce perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, bake the pudding in individual ramekins for personalized desserts that look elegant. You can also drizzle the vanilla sauce artistically across each portion or serve it on the side so guests can pour just the amount they love. If feeling adventurous, add toasted nuts on top for extra texture and flavor contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftover Classic Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe keeps wonderfully covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, so it’s a perfect make-ahead dessert to enjoy later.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the bread pudding tightly with plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It can stay frozen for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions gently in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven at 325°F until heated through. Pour a little extra warmed vanilla sauce on top to refresh the lusciousness after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread?
Yes, but stale bread works best because it absorbs the custard without falling apart, creating the ideal pudding texture. If your bread is fresh, you might want to toast it lightly first.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute cow’s milk with almond, soy, or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative. The result remains delicious and creamy.
Can I add fruit to this bread pudding?
Definitely. Raisins, chopped apples, or berries make fantastic additions to add bursts of flavor and texture, mixing perfectly with the vanilla and cinnamon.
What is the best bread to use for bread pudding?
Day-old white sandwich bread, brioche, or challah work wonderfully because they soak up the custard well and create a tender pudding without becoming too mushy.
How long does the vanilla sauce keep after it’s made?
The vanilla sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Warm it gently before serving to restore its silky consistency and rich aroma.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and deeply satisfying about a warm Classic Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe that makes it an instant favorite. Whether you’re new to baking desserts or an experienced home cook, this recipe brings out a lovely sense of nostalgia and warmth on every plate. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and watch how this simple yet divine dish becomes your go-to for cozy dessert moments.
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Classic Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A classic and comforting bread pudding recipe made with stale bread soaked in a rich mixture of eggs, milk, sugar, and cinnamon, baked to golden perfection. Finished with an optional warm vanilla butter sauce for an extra indulgent touch.
Ingredients
Bread Pudding
- 6 slices stale bread (or about 4–5 cups broken bread pieces or cubes)
- 3 tbsp butter, divided (1 tbsp + 2 tbsp)
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups milk
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Optional Vanilla Sauce
- 3 tbsp butter (salted or unsalted)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of butter to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Bread: Break the stale bread into small pieces or cubes, then place them evenly in the buttered baking dish. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter over the bread pieces to enhance richness.
- Mix Custard: In a separate bowl, whisk together beaten eggs, milk, white sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the bread in the baking dish, ensuring all pieces are soaked thoroughly.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the pudding is set and springs back lightly when touched, indicating it is cooked through.
- Prepare Vanilla Sauce (Optional): While the pudding bakes, melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over high heat. Once melted, reduce heat to medium and allow the butter to brown slightly, developing a nutty aroma. Stir in 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Remove from heat and let the sauce rest for 1 to 2 minutes before stirring again.
- Serve: Once the bread pudding is baked, drizzle the warm vanilla butter sauce over it for added flavor and a velvety finish. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Use stale or day-old bread for best texture; fresh bread can make the pudding too mushy.
- Feel free to add raisins, nuts, or chocolate chips to the bread pudding before baking for extra flavor.
- The vanilla sauce is optional but recommended for an indulgent touch.
- Allow the pudding to cool slightly before serving to let it set fully.
