🍞🍮 Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
A timeless dessert of comfort, warmth, and sweet memories
🌟 Introduction
Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is one of those desserts that feels like a hug from the past. Warm, soft, and gently spiced, it turns simple, leftover bread into a rich and satisfying treat. The creamy vanilla sauce poured over the top transforms it into something truly special—sweet, silky, and indulgent. This dessert has been loved for generations because it proves that the simplest ingredients can create the most unforgettable flavors.
🧺 Ingredients
For the Bread Pudding
- 4–5 cups day-old bread, cubed (French bread, brioche, or challah work best)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional: ½ cup raisins or chopped dates
For the Vanilla Sauce
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
👩🍳 Instructions
Prepare the Bread Pudding
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Spread bread cubes evenly in the dish.
- In a bowl, whisk milk, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Pour mixture over the bread, gently pressing to soak all pieces.
- Let rest for 10–15 minutes for best texture.
- Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until golden on top and set in the center.
Prepare the Vanilla Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt butter with brown sugar and cream over medium heat.
- Mix cornstarch with water, then slowly whisk into the saucepan.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens (3–5 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt.
🔥 Cooking Methods
- Baked Method (Classic): Produces a custardy inside with a lightly crisp top.
- Water Bath Method: Baking the dish inside a larger pan of hot water gives an extra-soft, creamy pudding.
- Slow Cooker Method: Ideal for extra moist bread pudding with deep flavor development.
📜 History
Bread pudding dates back to 13th-century Europe, where it was known as “poor man’s pudding.” It was created to avoid wasting stale bread by soaking it in milk and eggs. Over time, sugar, spices, and sauces were added, transforming it from a necessity into a beloved dessert served in homes and restaurants around the world.
🧩 Formation & Texture
The magic of bread pudding lies in its formation: bread absorbs the custard mixture, baking into a soft, spoonable center while the top becomes golden and lightly crisp. The vanilla sauce adds smooth richness, balancing the warm spices perfectly.
❤️ Why People Love It
- Comforting and nostalgic
- Uses simple, affordable ingredients
- Perfect balance of soft pudding and creamy sauce
- Easily customizable with fruits, nuts, or spices
🥄 Serving Methods Loved by Fans
- Served warm with extra vanilla sauce
- Paired with vanilla ice cream
- Enjoyed cold the next day for a firmer texture
- Finished with powdered sugar or caramel drizzle
🌸 Conclusion
Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is more than just a dessert—it’s a tradition passed through generations. It teaches us that even humble ingredients can create something deeply satisfying and beautiful. Whether served at family gatherings or enjoyed quietly with a cup of tea, this dessert always brings warmth, comfort, and joy.