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Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Warm and cozy, this old-fashioned bread pudding with a creamy vanilla sauce is the ultimate comfort dessert, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Bread Pudding Ingredients
  • 4 cups cubed white bread Stale or day-old bread works best.
  • 1/2 cup raisins Optional, adds bursts of sweetness.
  • 2 cups milk Whole milk gives the creamiest texture.
  • 1/4 cup butter Use unsalted butter to control salt content.
  • 1/2 cup sugar Granulated sugar for balance.
  • 2 large eggs Slightly beaten for custard setting.
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla Use pure vanilla for the best aroma.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg Adds warmth.
Vanilla Sauce Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup butter Unsalted is ideal.
  • 1/2 cup sugar Granulated to balance brown sugar.
  • 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar Gives rich, caramel flavor.
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream Makes the sauce luxurious and smooth.
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla Stir in at the end for bright flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
  2. In a large bowl, place the cubed white bread and raisins. Toss gently to combine.
  3. In a saucepan, heat the milk and butter until the butter melts and the milk is warm (not boiling).
  4. Pour the warm milk mixture over the bread and let it sit for 10 minutes.
  5. Stir in the sugar, eggs, vanilla, and nutmeg until smooth and custardy.
  6. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and smooth the top.
Baking
  1. Bake for 40–50 minutes until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
  2. Make the vanilla sauce by combining butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and heavy cream in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until it thickens and boils (about 5–8 minutes).
  3. Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the vanilla.
  4. Spoon the warm bread pudding into bowls and top generously with warm vanilla sauce. Serve immediately.

Notes

Time-saver: Use day-old bread. If the center is soggy, tent with foil and bake an additional 5-10 minutes. Flavor variations include adding chopped apples or swapping raisins for dried cranberries.