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
Scale
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.
