Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: easy bread pudding with vanilla sauce! This recipe is a family treasure, passed down through generations, and it never fails to bring a smile to my face. It’s so simple to whip up—perfect for those cozy nights when you’re craving something warm and sweet. Just imagine that soft, custardy texture, drizzled with creamy vanilla sauce. It’s like a big hug in dessert form! Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to recipe for gatherings or just a special treat at home. You won’t regret it!
Ingredients List
- 6 cups of cubed stale bread
- 4 cups of milk
- 1 cup of sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 cup of raisins (optional)
How to Prepare easy bread pudding with vanilla sauce
Alright, let’s dive into making this delicious easy bread pudding with vanilla sauce! I promise, it’s super straightforward and so rewarding. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a comforting dessert that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because you want that warm, cozy environment for your pudding to bake perfectly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 4 cups of milk, 1 cup of sugar, 4 large eggs, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. I like to whisk it all together until it’s smooth and well-blended. The smell of vanilla and cinnamon already makes my mouth water!
- Now, it’s time to add the star of the show—6 cups of cubed stale bread! If you’re using raisins, toss in that 1/2 cup now too. Stir gently until all the bread cubes are soaked in the milk mixture. It should look like a deliciously soggy mess, and trust me, that’s exactly what you want!
- Next, grab a greased baking dish (something around 9×13 inches works well) and pour that glorious mixture into it. Spread it out evenly so that every bite gets that sweet goodness.
- Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and the pudding is set. The aroma will fill your kitchen and make you feel like a baking rockstar!
- While that’s baking, let’s whip up the vanilla sauce. In a saucepan, heat 1 cup of milk and 1/2 cup of sugar over medium heat until it’s warm but not boiling. Meanwhile, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold milk in a separate bowl until it’s smooth.
- Once the milk mixture is warm, slowly stir in the cornstarch mixture, whisking constantly. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens—this should only take a few minutes. Don’t forget to remove it from the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for that extra flavor punch!
After the bread pudding is done baking, let it cool for a few minutes before serving it warm with that luscious vanilla sauce drizzled on top. Trust me, it’s pure heaven!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time: You can have this delightful dessert ready in no time, making it a perfect choice for busy days or unexpected guests.
- Deliciously creamy vanilla sauce: The homemade vanilla sauce takes this bread pudding to a whole new level of indulgence—trust me, it’s a must!
- Versatile with different types of bread: Whether you have leftover baguette, brioche, or even plain sandwich bread, you can use whatever you have on hand.
- Great for using up stale bread: This recipe is a fantastic way to avoid waste and transform stale bread into a warm, comforting dessert.
- Perfect for gatherings or family dinners: Bread pudding is a crowd-pleaser! Serve it at parties or cozy family meals, and watch everyone come back for seconds.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s talk about how to make your easy bread pudding with vanilla sauce absolutely perfect! I’ve got some tried-and-true tips that’ll help you achieve the best results every time.
- Choosing the right bread: Go for bread that’s a bit stale, like day-old French bread, challah, or even a leftover bagel! The drier texture soaks up the custard beautifully. If your bread is fresh, just leave it out for a few hours to dry out a bit before cubing.
- Don’t skimp on soaking: Make sure to let those bread cubes soak in the milk mixture long enough. I usually let them sit for about 10-15 minutes after mixing. You want every piece to be thoroughly soaked for that creamy texture!
- Watch your baking time: Keep an eye on your pudding as it bakes. Ovens can vary, so check for doneness a few minutes before the 45-minute mark. You’re looking for a golden top and a set middle, which means it’s ready to come out!
- Serving suggestions: Serve your bread pudding warm, drizzled with that luscious vanilla sauce. For an extra special touch, consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top. Yum!
- Add-ins are your friend: Feel free to get creative! You can toss in some chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even fresh fruit like blueberries or apples to take your bread pudding to the next level.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be on your way to creating a bread pudding that’s not just easy, but downright unforgettable! Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional side of this easy bread pudding with vanilla sauce! Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary a bit depending on the specific ingredients you use. It’s always good to be aware of what you’re indulging in, right? Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 8g
So, it’s a bit of a sweet treat, but hey, we all deserve a little indulgence now and then! Enjoy every bite guilt-free, knowing you’re savoring something truly special.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Let’s talk about how to keep your easy bread pudding with vanilla sauce fresh and ready for those sweet cravings! Storing leftovers properly is key to enjoying this delightful dessert beyond the first serving.
First off, once your bread pudding has cooled down to room temperature, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. You can also cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil if you prefer. It’s best to store your bread pudding in the refrigerator, where it’ll stay good for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s sealed well to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any funky fridge odors!
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, reheating is super easy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bread pudding in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil (this helps retain moisture), and pop it in the oven for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You want it warm and cozy, but not too hot—nobody wants a scalding bite!
If you’re in a hurry or just feeling a bit lazy, you can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. Just pop a slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a paper towel to keep it from drying out, and heat it for about 30-45 seconds. Check it and give it a little more time if needed, but be careful not to overdo it! You want it warm, not a rubbery mess.
And there you have it! With these storage and reheating tips, you can savor your easy bread pudding with vanilla sauce over several days. Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ Section
Let’s tackle some of the most common questions I get about this easy bread pudding with vanilla sauce! I want you to feel confident and excited when making this dessert, so here are some helpful answers to guide you.
Can I use fresh bread instead of stale?
Absolutely! If you don’t have stale bread on hand, just leave your fresh bread out for a few hours to dry out a bit. You can even toast it lightly to help it absorb the custard better. The key is to have a drier texture for soaking!
What types of bread work best?
I love using French bread, brioche, or challah for this recipe, but really, any bread will do! You could use bagels, whole wheat, or even leftover sandwich bread—just make sure to cube it up nicely! Each type will give a slightly different flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment!
How can I store leftovers?
Once your bread pudding has cooled, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s well-sealed to keep it fresh. If you’re not sure you’ll finish it in that time, you can also freeze it for later enjoyment!
Can I freeze bread pudding?
You can definitely freeze it! Just slice it up and wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. It should stay good for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned earlier!
What can I serve with bread pudding?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! Besides that creamy vanilla sauce, you can serve it with whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of nuts can also add a lovely touch!
Can I add other flavors or ingredients?
Definitely! This recipe is super versatile. You can mix in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even fresh fruits like apples or bananas. Feel free to get creative with spices too—adding a pinch of nutmeg or some orange zest can elevate the flavor even more!
I hope this FAQ section clears up any questions you might have! If you have more, don’t hesitate to reach out. Happy baking, friends!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear about your adventures with this easy bread pudding with vanilla sauce! Have you tried it yet? What did you think? If you made any fun twists or added your favorite ingredients, please share your experiences in the comments below! Your tips and stories are always welcome and can inspire others to get baking too.
And hey, if you’re loving this recipe, why not snap a picture of your delicious creation and share it on social media? Tag your friends and spread the love! Let’s create a community of dessert lovers who can enjoy this comforting treat together. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear from you!
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Easy Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce: 5 Reasons to Indulge
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious bread pudding served with a creamy vanilla sauce.
Ingredients
- 6 cups of cubed stale bread
- 4 cups of milk
- 1 cup of sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 cup of raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Add the bread cubes and raisins, if using, to the mixture and stir until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until the pudding is set and the top is golden.
- While the pudding bakes, prepare the vanilla sauce.
- In a saucepan, heat 1 cup of milk and 1/2 cup of sugar until warm.
- In a separate bowl, whisk 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold milk.
- Slowly add the cornstarch mixture to the warm milk, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Notes
- Serve warm with vanilla sauce drizzled on top.
- Use any type of bread you have on hand.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: easy bread pudding, bread pudding recipe, vanilla sauce
