Vanilla Bread Pudding Recipe

There is nothing quite as comforting and nostalgic as a warm, creamy Vanilla Bread Pudding Recipe that fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of vanilla and cinnamon. This classic dessert combines simple ingredients easily found in your pantry to create a luscious dish with a perfect balance of sweet custard and tender bread. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family gathering or a special celebration, this Vanilla Bread Pudding Recipe is sure to become one of your go-to favorites that never fails to impress and satisfy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s wonderful about this recipe is its simplicity; each ingredient plays a vital role in bringing out the rich texture, delicate sweetness, and inviting color that make this dish so memorable. From creamy dairy to fragrant vanilla and hearty bread cubes, every component comes together harmoniously.

• 2 cups milk: Acts as the creamy base that softens the bread and blends flavors beautifully.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Adds richness and a luxurious smooth texture to the custard.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Provides the perfect amount of sweetness without overpowering.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Delivers that signature vanilla warmth essential in this recipe.
• 4 large eggs: The binding and thickening agents that give the pudding its custardy structure.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings subtle aromatic spice that complements the vanilla.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates overall flavor.
• 5 cups cubed stale bread: The star ingredient that soaks up the custard and creates a tender, satisfying bite.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps create a golden, slightly crisp top crust.
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional): Offers bursts of chewy sweetness for those who appreciate a little texture contrast.

How to Make Vanilla Bread Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Warming up the oven ahead of time ensures an even bake, giving your bread pudding that perfect golden top and a custard that’s cooked through but still silky.

Step 2: Heat the Milk and Cream

In a medium saucepan, gently heat the milk and heavy cream together over medium heat. You want the mixture hot but not boiling—that warm blend is key to softening the bread beautifully while maintaining a smooth custard texture.

Step 3: Remove from Heat

Once the milk and cream are sufficiently heated, take the saucepan off the heat to prevent overcooking, which could affect the texture of your final pudding.

Step 4: Whisk Sugar, Vanilla, Eggs, Cinnamon, and Salt

In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, ground cinnamon, and salt until the mixture becomes smooth and cohesive. This step is where the flavors meld and the custard base begins to form.

Step 5: Temper the Eggs

Slowly pour the hot milk and cream into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. Doing this gradually prevents the eggs from scrambling and ensures a silky custard ready to embrace those bread cubes.

Step 6: Add the Bread Cubes

Gently fold in the cubed stale bread, allowing each piece to soak up the custard. Using stale bread is perfect because it absorbs the liquid without turning mushy.

Step 7: Let it Soak

Allow the bread to soak the custard mixture for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure every cube is fully saturated and ready to bake into a tender pudding.

Step 8: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This simple step prevents sticking and helps with the browning of the pudding’s edges.

Step 9: Transfer Mixture to Dish

Pour the custard-soaked bread mixture into the baking dish, spreading it out evenly for consistent baking and even browning.

Step 10: Add Melted Butter

Drizzle the melted unsalted butter over the top. This creates a rich finish and helps form that lovely golden crust that makes bread pudding such a delight.

Step 11: Add Raisins (Optional)

If you enjoy a touch of chewiness and natural sweetness, sprinkle raisins evenly over the top. They provide a lovely contrast in texture and flavor.

Step 12: Bake Until Golden

Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is a delicious golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 13: Cool Before Serving

Once baked, let your stunning Vanilla Bread Pudding rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Cooling slightly helps it set and brings out the custard’s creamy consistency.

How to Serve Vanilla Bread Pudding Recipe

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce instantly elevates your dessert’s presentation. Whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream also pairs perfectly, melting into the warm pudding for an indulgent bite.

Side Dishes

Although Vanilla Bread Pudding Recipe shines as a dessert, it also works beautifully alongside fresh fruit compotes or a tangy berry sauce. These sides add brightness and balance the pudding’s richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual portions in ramekins for a charming, personalized touch. You can also add a sprinkle of toasted nuts or a handful of fresh mint for extra texture and a burst of color that makes every serving irresistible.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It retains its creamy texture well, making it easy to enjoy as a quick treat or dessert the next day.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the baked pudding in a tightly sealed freezer-safe container for up to one month. Freeze before adding fresh toppings or garnishes for the best results.

Reheating

To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or the whole dish in a 325°F (165°C) oven until heated through. Adding a little extra cream or butter on top before reheating refreshes the moist and creamy texture beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread?

While fresh bread can work, stale or day-old bread is preferred because it soaks up the custard without becoming overly mushy, resulting in the ideal texture for bread pudding.

Is it necessary to use both milk and heavy cream?

The combination of milk and heavy cream gives the perfect balance of richness and lightness. Heavy cream adds creaminess, while milk keeps the custard from becoming too dense.

Can I omit the raisins?

Absolutely! Raisins are optional. If you prefer a cleaner taste or want to add other mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, feel free to customize the recipe to your liking.

How do I know when the pudding is done baking?

The pudding should have a golden brown top, and a knife inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. This means the custard is cooked through but still tender.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes, substituting the bread with a gluten-free variety works well, just make sure the bread is slightly stale for the best absorption of the custard mixture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, then this Vanilla Bread Pudding Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s simple, comforting, and packed with classic flavors that bring people together. Once you make it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and again to share with friends and family, creating sweet memories with every bite.

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