Discover the rich, creamy delight of Custard Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce that warms every heart and sweetens any occasion. This timeless comfort dessert combines soft, custardy bread pieces baked to golden perfection and drenched in a luscious vanilla sauce that’s simply irresistible. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or as a festive treat, this dish offers a harmony of textures and flavors that makes every bite a celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort in Every Bite: Warm, soft bread soaked in a velvety custard offers a texture that feels like a cozy hug.
Rich Vanilla Sauce: The homemade vanilla sauce elevates the pudding with its creamy sweetness and aromatic fragrance.
Simple Ingredients: Using pantry staples that come together effortlessly—perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
Versatile Dessert: Ideal for breakfast, dessert, or a special snack anytime you crave warmth and sweetness.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This pudding tastes even better the next day and stores beautifully for easy meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because it depends on simple but essential ingredients, each one playing a starring role in enriching the dish’s taste, texture, and color.

Stale Bread: Using slightly dry bread helps it absorb the custard perfectly without turning mushy.
Eggs: The binding agent that creates a rich, custardy texture throughout.
Milk and Cream: These add luscious creaminess and moisture for that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Sugar: Balances the flavors with natural sweetness.
Vanilla Extract: Infuses the custard and sauce with a fragrant, warm aroma.
Butter: Enhances flavor richness and adds a golden finish.
Optional Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg): Adds a subtle warmth and complexity to the flavor profile.

Variations for Custard Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Feel free to customize this classic dessert to suit your taste, dietary needs, or available ingredients—it’s incredibly adaptable and forgiving.

Fruit Infusion: Add fresh berries or dried fruits like raisins or apricots for bursts of natural sweetness.
Chocolate Lovers’ Twist: Mix in chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted chocolate to satisfy your cocoa cravings.
Dairy-Free Version: Swap milk and cream with almond, oat, or coconut milk for a non-dairy option that’s just as creamy.
Spiced Up: Increase cinnamon or add cardamom for an exotic twist that warms the senses.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts on top for added texture and flavor.

Why Custard Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Melts Hearts

How to Make Custard Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Start by cutting your stale bread into cubes about an inch in size. The bread should be dry to absorb the custard well without becoming too soggy during baking.

Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, milk, cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg if desired to introduce warm spices into your custard.

Step 3: Combine Bread and Custard

Gently fold the bread cubes into the custard mixture, making sure every piece is well coated. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes to soak up all the rich custard flavor.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Transfer the soaked bread mixture into a buttered baking dish. Dot the top with small butter pieces and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-55 minutes until the pudding is set and the top is beautifully golden brown.

Step 5: Prepare the Vanilla Sauce

While the pudding bakes, gently heat milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Stir continuously until slightly thickened and fragrant, forming the luscious vanilla sauce that will crown your bread pudding.

Step 6: Serve Warm with Sauce

Serve your Custard Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce warm, pouring the sauce generously over each portion for the ultimate creamy indulgence.

Pro Tips for Making Custard Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread ensures the perfect custard absorption without sogginess.
Don’t Skip Resting: Allow bread to soak in custard for a good 20 minutes to maximize flavor and texture.
Moderate Baking Time: Bake until set but still moist inside—overbaking causes dryness.
Vanilla Quality Matters: Use pure vanilla extract or fresh vanilla bean for an unbeatable aroma and flavor.
Serve Hot or Warm: The pudding tastes best when freshly baked and paired with warm vanilla sauce.

How to Serve Custard Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Garnishes

Top with a dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or fresh berries to add color and an extra layer of flavor complexity.

Side Dishes

Pair with whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of crème fraîche for rich, complementary textures and tastes.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in individual ramekins for elegant single portions or present warm slices on rustic wooden boards for cozy, inviting gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling, cover the pudding tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without losing flavor or moisture.

Freezing

Custard Bread Pudding freezes well—wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or foil and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Rewarm leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions to retain the soft custard texture and warm vanilla sauce.

FAQs

Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread?

While fresh bread can be used, it might absorb custard too quickly and become mushy; slightly stale bread works best for absorbing custard while maintaining structure.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute milk and cream with coconut, almond, or oat milk, and use dairy-free butter alternatives to make this dessert suitable for lactose-intolerant or vegan diets.

How long does the vanilla sauce keep?

Store the vanilla sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; gently reheat before serving to restore its creamy texture.

Can I prepare the custard mixture the night before?

Yes, you can prepare the custard ahead of time, but avoid soaking the bread overnight to prevent it from becoming overly soggy; soak and bake just before serving for the best texture.

What type of bread is best for this pudding?

Hearty breads like French baguette, brioche, or challah work beautifully as they hold custard well and provide rich flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about a Custard Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce that beautifully blends simplicity with indulgence. It’s not just a dessert—it’s a warm experience that invites smiles and memories at your table. Ready to bake your own slice of comfort? Dive in and let this classic delight melt your heart and sweeten your day!

Custard Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Custard Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is a comforting dessert featuring slightly stale bread soaked in a rich custard and baked to a golden perfection, then served warm with a luscious homemade vanilla sauce. This recipe combines simple pantry ingredients with cozy flavors to create a versatile treat perfect for breakfast, dessert, or snack time, delivering a creamy, soft texture and aromatic vanilla sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Bread Pudding:

6 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

For the Vanilla Sauce:

1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Bread: Start by cutting your stale bread into cubes about an inch in size. The bread should be dry to absorb the custard well without becoming too soggy during baking.
Make the Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, milk, cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg if desired to introduce warm spices into your custard.
Combine Bread and Custard: Gently fold the bread cubes into the custard mixture, making sure every piece is well coated. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes to soak up all the rich custard flavor.
Bake Until Golden: Transfer the soaked bread mixture into a buttered baking dish. Dot the top with small butter pieces and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-55 minutes until the pudding is set and the top is beautifully golden brown.
Prepare the Vanilla Sauce: While the pudding bakes, gently heat milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Stir continuously until slightly thickened and fragrant, forming the luscious vanilla sauce that will crown your bread pudding.
Serve Warm with Sauce: Serve your Custard Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce warm, pouring the sauce generously over each portion for the ultimate creamy indulgence.

Notes

Use day-old or slightly stale bread to ensure perfect custard absorption without sogginess.
Allow the bread to soak in the custard mixture for about 20 minutes to maximize flavor and texture.
Bake the pudding until set but still moist inside to avoid dryness.
Use pure vanilla extract or fresh vanilla bean for the best aroma and flavor.
Serve the pudding hot or warm for optimal taste and texture.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/8 of recipe)
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 30 g
Sodium: 150 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 8 g
Cholesterol: 140 mg

Keywords: custard bread pudding, vanilla sauce, comfort dessert, baked pudding, creamy dessert, classic bread pudding