There is something truly comforting and timeless about a warm, home-baked custard bread pudding, especially when paired with a luscious vanilla sauce. The Custard Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe brings together simple pantry staples to create a dessert that’s rich, creamy, and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply indulge in a cozy treat, this dish’s custardy texture and sweet vanilla sauce make every bite pure joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of straightforward ingredients is all it takes to create this delightful bread pudding. Each one plays a key role—from the bread offering structure and texture, to the spices and vanilla infusing warmth and aroma, and the eggs and milk creating that silky custard that ties it all together.
- 4 cups stale bread, cubed: Stale bread soaks up the custard perfectly, giving the pudding its tender yet structured base.
- 2 cups whole milk: Adds creaminess and moisture essential for the custard custard consistency.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the pudding evenly for a balanced, warm flavor.
- 4 large eggs: The binding agent that transforms the milk and sugar into a luscious custard.
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract: Infuses a fragrant sweetness that enhances the flavor profile wonderfully.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: A touch of spice that adds warmth and depth to every bite.
- A pinch of salt: Helps to elevate all the flavors and balance the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Used in the sauce to create richness and a silky texture.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the vanilla sauce perfectly.
- 1/2 cup milk or cream: Adds body and smoothness to the sauce.
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract: Reprises the beautiful vanilla aroma in the sauce for a harmonious finish.
How to Make Custard Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Bread
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish generously, this ensures the pudding doesn’t stick and makes for easy serving. Then, scatter your cubed stale bread evenly in the dish—this is the foundation that every delicious bite will rest upon.
Step 2: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, combine your eggs, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and just a pinch of salt. Whisk these together until you get a smooth, slightly frothy mixture. This blend will seep into the bread, bringing together the sweet and spiced custard base of the pudding.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Pour your custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring every piece gets a good soak. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb all that creamy custard goodness. This step is crucial—it allows the pudding to set with the perfect balance of custard and texture.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Set
Pop your dish into the oven and bake for 45 minutes. You’ll want to bake until the custard is fully set and the top is a gorgeous golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen will be a heartwarming mix of vanilla and cinnamon, making the wait almost unbearable!
Step 5: Make the Vanilla Sauce
While the pudding bakes, melt the butter gently in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in powdered sugar and milk (or cream) until you achieve a smooth, glossy sauce. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract for that unmistakable fragrant touch that ties the whole dish together.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Once the bread pudding is out of the oven, spoon it onto plates and generously drizzle with your homemade vanilla sauce. The contrast of warm pudding and silky sauce is what makes this version uniquely comforting and satisfying.
How to Serve Custard Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Consider topping your bread pudding with a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg or a light dusting of powdered sugar to add a touch of elegance. A few fresh berries or a sprig of mint can also bring vibrant color and a fresh note to the dish’s richness.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs beautifully with simple sides like whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. If serving for brunch, fresh fruit or lightly spiced chai tea complement it perfectly without overwhelming the delicate vanilla and custard flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve individual portions in ramekins or pretty glass bowls. You can also layer the pudding with sliced bananas or dried fruit before baking to add surprising bursts of flavor and texture inside each serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Custard Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe keeps well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pudding tends to firm up, so it’s perfect for enjoying later or even reshaping into smaller portions.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, this bread pudding freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep the sauce separate for best results, and warm it fresh when ready to serve.
Reheating
Reheat portions gently in the microwave or oven until just warm—this prevents the custard from drying out. Add a splash of milk to the pudding before reheating if it feels too firm, and don’t forget to drizzle more vanilla sauce when serving for that fresh-from-the-kitchen feeling.
FAQs
Can I use fresh bread for this recipe?
While fresh bread can be used in a pinch, stale bread is ideal because it soaks up the custard without becoming mushy, giving you a better texture in the finished pudding.
Is it possible to make a dairy-free version?
Absolutely! Swap whole milk for your favorite plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative in the sauce. The pudding will still be rich and delicious.
Can I prepare the custard mixture ahead of time?
You can whisk together the custard ingredients and store them in the fridge for a few hours before pouring over the bread. Just allow the bread to soak and bake soon after to keep the best texture.
How do I know when the bread pudding is fully cooked?
The top should be golden brown and a knife inserted in the center should come out clean. The pudding will feel set but still slightly jiggly in the middle, which firms up as it cools.
What can I add to customize this bread pudding?
Feel free to mix in raisins, chopped nuts, or even chocolate chips before baking. A swirl of caramel or fruit preserves can also create delicious layers of flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a warm, comforting dessert that’s easy to make yet impressively tasty, this Custard Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. With its simple ingredients and rich flavors, every bite feels like a hug, making it perfect for cozy nights or special occasions alike. Give it a try—you’ll likely find yourself coming back to this classic again and again.
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Custard Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and classic Custard Bread Pudding made with cubes of stale bread soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla custard, baked to a golden perfection, and served warm with a luscious homemade vanilla sauce.
Ingredients
Bread Pudding
- 4 cups stale bread, cubed
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
Vanilla Sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Bread: Place the cubed stale bread evenly in the prepared baking dish to form the base of the pudding.
- Make Custard Mixture: In a mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Soak Bread: Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are saturated, then let it soak for approximately 10 minutes to absorb the custard fully.
- Bake Pudding: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 minutes or until the pudding is golden brown on top and set firmly in the center.
- Prepare Vanilla Sauce: While the pudding bakes, melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the powdered sugar and milk or cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Serve: Remove the pudding from the oven and serve it warm, drizzled generously with the homemade vanilla sauce.
Notes
- Use stale bread as it absorbs the custard better without becoming too mushy.
- Whole milk creates a richer custard, but you can substitute with a milk alternative if preferred.
- Letting the bread soak for 10 minutes ensures the pudding is moist and tender.
- The vanilla sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread.
