Oh, let me tell you about custard bread pudding! This dish is a delightful hug in dessert form, a true comfort food that warms the heart and soul. Growing up, I remember my grandma making this rich and creamy custard bread pudding, filling the house with the most intoxicating aroma. It’s a dessert with a rich history, often made to use up leftover bread, but it quickly became a favorite in our family. The way the custard soaks into the bread, creating a melty, luscious texture, is just divine. And when you drizzle that smooth vanilla sauce on top? Wow! It takes this classic dessert to a whole new level. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll be a cherished staple in your kitchen too!
Ingredients List
To whip up this heavenly custard bread pudding with vanilla sauce, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together in the most magical way! Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 4 cups bread, cubed (day-old works best for that perfect texture!)
- 2 cups milk (whole milk gives it that creamy goodness)
- 1 cup heavy cream (oh yes, this makes it extra rich!)
- 4 large eggs (they help bind everything beautifully)
- 1 cup sugar (for the sweetness that balances everything out)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (don’t skimp on this—it’s the star flavor!)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (just a pinch to enhance the sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing your baking dish)
Make sure you have everything ready to go, because once you start, you won’t want to stop until you’ve got this delicious pudding on your table!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now, let’s dive into making this custard bread pudding! It’s really quite simple, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how it all comes together. First, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grease a baking dish with a bit of butter—this helps ensure your pudding doesn’t stick and makes for easy serving later.
Next, grab a big bowl and combine the milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk it all together until it’s nice and smooth; trust me, that creamy mixture is where the magic begins! Now, gently fold in your cubed bread and let it soak for about 15 minutes. This step is super important because it allows the bread to absorb all that custardy goodness.
Once soaked, pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until it’s set and beautifully golden on top. While that’s baking, you can get started on your vanilla sauce if you plan to make it homemade! Serve your warm custard bread pudding with a generous drizzle of vanilla sauce, and enjoy the cozy comfort that follows!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This custard bread pudding with vanilla sauce is truly something special, and here’s why you’re going to adore it:
- Rich Flavor: The combination of creamy custard and sweet vanilla sauce creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible!
- Comforting Texture: Each bite is like a warm hug, with soft bread soaking up that luscious custard. It just melts in your mouth!
- Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers alike.
- Versatile Delight: Whether served warm for a cozy family dinner or chilled for a refreshing treat, it’s delightful any time of year.
- Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields eight servings, making it a great option for gatherings or potlucks—everyone will want a taste!
Trust me, this dish will quickly become a beloved staple in your home!
Tips for Success
To ensure your custard bread pudding comes out perfectly every time, I’ve got a few handy tips for you! First off, using day-old bread really makes a difference; it soaks up the custard without getting mushy. If you can, go for brioche or challah—those rich, buttery loaves add an extra layer of flavor!
When mixing your custard, be gentle; you want everything to combine smoothly without overbeating the eggs. And remember, the soaking time is crucial—don’t rush it! Letting the bread soak for the full 15 minutes allows for that dreamy texture.
Finally, keep an eye on your pudding as it bakes. Ovens can vary, so check for that beautiful golden top and a slight jiggle in the center. If it’s browning too quickly, cover it with foil. Follow these tips, and you’ll have a custard bread pudding that’s sure to impress!
Variations
This custard bread pudding is a fantastic canvas for creativity! You can easily customize it to suit different tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Fruity Twist: Add in some fresh or dried fruits like raisins, blueberries, or apples for a burst of flavor and a lovely texture.
- Spice It Up: Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, aromatic touch that enhances the overall flavor.
- Chocolate Delight: Fold in some chocolate chips or cocoa powder for a luxurious chocolate version that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Nuts About It: Toss in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch and richness.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread to accommodate dietary needs—just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the custard!
Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait to hear what delicious twists you come up with!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftover custard bread pudding can be a delightful treat for days to come! To store it properly, let it cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. Just make sure to keep that smooth vanilla sauce separate if you have any left over.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is a breeze! I recommend warming individual portions in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, just until heated through. If you’re reheating a larger batch, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to maintain moisture. This way, your pudding stays nice and creamy, just like when it was freshly made! Trust me, you’ll love how comforting it is, even as leftovers!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying this custard bread pudding with vanilla sauce, you might be curious about what’s in each serving. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Sugar: 20g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and will vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy this delicious dessert in moderation, and savor every creamy, dreamy bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this custard bread pudding recipe? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries:
Can I use different types of bread? Absolutely! While I love using brioche or challah for their richness, any bread will work. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the custard without getting too mushy.
How do I know when the pudding is done? You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and the center is set with just a slight jiggle. If it’s browning too quickly, cover it with foil!
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the custard and bread mixture a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate, then bake it the next day for a warm, fresh dessert!
What can I serve with it? While the vanilla sauce is a must, you can also serve it with whipped cream, fresh berries, or even a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat!
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions—I’m here to help you make the best custard bread pudding ever!
For more delicious recipes, check out this baked mac and cheese recipe or this creamy garlic pasta recipe!
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Custard Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce: 5 Comforting Tips
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy custard bread pudding served with a smooth vanilla sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 cups bread, cubed
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter, for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a baking dish with butter.
- In a bowl, combine milk, cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and salt.
- Add the cubed bread to the mixture and let it soak for 15 minutes.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until set and golden.
- While baking, prepare the vanilla sauce.
- Serve warm with vanilla sauce drizzled on top.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for better texture.
- Try adding raisins or nuts for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: custard bread pudding, vanilla sauce, dessert, pudding
