If you’re yearning for a dessert that evokes pure comfort and nostalgia, Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is the ultimate treat. Imagine golden cubes of pillowy bread, soaked and baked in cinnamon-scented custard, then draped with a warm, luscious vanilla sauce. This classic is cherished for its coziness and versatility, making every bite a celebration of simple ingredients that transform into a sublime finale to any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is how it turns humble pantry staples into something downright dreamy. Each ingredient is chosen with purpose, building a balance of tender texture, heartwarming flavor, and that irresistible golden finish.
- Day-old bread (6 cups, cubed, preferably French or brioche): This soaks up all the custard and holds the pudding together, creating the perfect balance of soft and slightly crisp.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Offers rich dairy notes and helps create that classic, custardy body.
- Heavy cream (1 cup for pudding, 1/2 cup for sauce): Adds extra decadence and a silky, smooth mouthfeel to both pudding and sauce.
- Large eggs (4): Essential for binding everything with a creamy, satisfying texture.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup for pudding, 1/2 cup for sauce): Sweetens up the pudding and caramelizes ever so slightly during baking.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup melted for pudding, 1/2 cup for sauce, plus more for greasing): Infuses richness and moistness, plus helps create a glossy, beautiful sauce.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Brings warm, comforting spice that’s classic in bread pudding.
- Ground nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): Just a hint intensifies the flavor, adding depth and complexity.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon for pudding, 1 tablespoon for sauce): Delivers that signature aromatic warmth in both pudding and sauce.
- Raisins (1/2 cup, optional): For bursts of sweetness and chewy texture if you love tradition (optional but delightful!).
- Butter (for greasing baking dish): Prevents sticking and aids in achieving a crisp, golden crust.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. This not only prevents sticking but helps create those irresistible crispy edges everyone tries to snag.
Step 2: Whisk the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, granulated sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Take your time—this smooth, fragrant custard base is the soul of your Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Tumble in your cubes of day-old bread, gently folding until every piece is bathed in custard. Allow the mixture to sit for 10–15 minutes so the bread absorbs every last drop; this patience results in a beautifully unified pudding.
Step 4: Add Raisins and Assemble
Stir in the raisins if you’re using them, then pour the pudding mixture into your prepared dish, spreading everything evenly. This ensures each slice will be perfectly composed with flecks of fruit and spice.
Step 5: Bake the Pudding
Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes. You’re looking for a golden, lightly puffed top and a custard that’s just set in the center. Let it cool slightly to set further—this step will make serving neater and more satisfying.
Step 6: Make the Vanilla Sauce
While the pudding bakes, create the creamy vanilla sauce. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then stir in sugar and heavy cream. Simmer gently, stirring constantly, until smooth and slightly thickened. Take off the heat, add a generous splash of vanilla extract, and voila—your sauce is ready to pour over warm bread pudding heaven.
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
Garnishes
For a truly memorable finish, dust slices with powdered sugar, add a sprinkle of toasted nuts, or adorn each plate with a fresh mint leaf. A light drizzle of your homemade vanilla sauce right before serving makes every bite dreamy and decadent.
Side Dishes
If you want to round out your dessert experience, serve your Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or pair it with macerated berries for a touch of brightness and color. The contrasting temperatures and textures are simply spectacular.
Creative Ways to Present
Mini ramekins turn this old-fashioned favorite into a charming dinner party dessert, and a drizzle of vanilla sauce in a pretty zigzag instantly elevates the presentation. For a festive twist, sprinkle on a handful of toasted coconut or serve with caramelized bananas.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Cover tightly or store in an airtight container to keep it from drying out—and remember to tuck any extra vanilla sauce in a separate jar.
Freezing
You can freeze baked bread pudding (without sauce) by wrapping portions well and storing them up to one month. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture, then warm and smother with vanilla sauce just before serving for revived, homey goodness.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds until warmed through, or cover and bake gently in a low oven (300°F) until hot. The vanilla sauce can be rewarmed on the stovetop over low heat; don’t let it boil to keep it silky smooth.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of bread?
Absolutely! While French bread or brioche provides a classic flavor and texture, you can use challah, sourdough, or even a sturdy country loaf. Softer bread yields a creamier pudding, while denser loaves hold their structure better.
Is the vanilla sauce essential?
While technically you could enjoy this bread pudding plain, the Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce experience simply isn’t complete without that warm, silky drizzle. The sauce adds aroma, lushness, and elevates every mouthful to pure comfort food bliss.
Can I make it without raisins?
Yes! Raisins are entirely optional. You can skip them altogether, replace with dried cranberries, or add a handful of toasted nuts for a different style of crunch and flavor.
How can I make this dairy-free?
Swap in your favorite plant-based milk and cream substitutes, such as almond or coconut milk, and use vegan butter in both pudding and sauce. The result is still wonderfully rich and comforting, though you may notice subtle changes in flavor.
Can I prepare Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce in advance?
Definitely! You can assemble the pudding up to a day ahead, refrigerate it covered, and then bake just before serving. The vanilla sauce can also be prepared in advance, stored in the refrigerator, and gently reheated before pouring.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that delivers a little nostalgia and a lot of cozy flavor, Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is a must. Whether you’re revisiting an old favorite or sharing this classic with new friends, you’ll create memories one warm, custardy bite at a time. Give it a try—you might just find your new signature sweet!
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Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this classic Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with a luscious Vanilla Sauce. A perfect dessert to warm your soul!
Ingredients
Bread Pudding:
- 6 cups day-old bread, cubed (preferably French or brioche)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- butter for greasing the baking dish
Vanilla Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
- Prepare the Bread Pudding: In a large bowl, whisk together milk, cream, eggs, sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Add cubed bread and let it sit for 10–15 minutes. Stir in raisins and pour into the baking dish. Bake for 45–50 minutes.
- Make the Vanilla Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, add sugar and cream. Simmer, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Serve warm over bread pudding.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use brown sugar or add nuts.
- Vanilla sauce can be made ahead and reheated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
