Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe
This classic Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding is a warm, comforting dessert made by soaking bread in a sweet, creamy custard and baking it to golden perfection. Served with a luscious vanilla sauce, it’s a nostalgic treat perfect for cozy evenings or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Bread Pudding
- 6 cups day-old bread, cut into cubes
- 2 cups milk
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vanilla Sauce
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the bread pudding: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until fully combined. Place the bread cubes into a greased baking dish and pour the custard mixture over them, pressing gently to ensure the bread soaks up the liquid. Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes so the bread absorbs the custard well.
- Bake the pudding: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 to 50 minutes, or until the pudding is set and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
- Make the vanilla sauce: While the pudding is baking, combine the milk, heavy cream, sugar, cornstarch, and pinch of salt in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Serve: Once the bread pudding is out of the oven and slightly cooled, serve warm with generous spoonfuls of the homemade vanilla sauce poured over the top. Enjoy this nostalgic dessert warm for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread for best texture; fresh bread may become too mushy.
- You can substitute milk with half-and-half or cream for a richer pudding.
- Add raisins, nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for additional flavor variations.
- The vanilla sauce can be prepared ahead of time and gently reheated before serving.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat before serving.
Keywords: Bread Pudding, Old-Fashioned, Vanilla Sauce, Classic Dessert, Comfort Food, Baked Dessert
