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Classic Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

  • Author: simplemealsbykim
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 45 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr
  • Yield: 6–8 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A rich and comforting classic bread pudding served warm and topped with a silky vanilla sauce.


Ingredients

  • 4 cups day‑old bread, cubed (about 1 lb)
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8‑inch square baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
  3. Stir in melted butter.
  4. Add bread cubes and gently press them down to soak. Let sit 10 minutes.
  5. Pour mixture into prepared dish, spreading evenly.
  6. Bake for 45–50 minutes, until custard is set and top is golden.
  7. While pudding bakes, prepare vanilla sauce.
  8. Let bread pudding cool slightly before serving with warm vanilla sauce drizzled on top.

Notes

  • Day‑old or slightly stale bread works best to absorb the custard.
  • Raisins or chopped apples can be stirred in before baking.
  • For richer flavor, substitute half the sugar with brown sugar.
  • Be sure not to overbake—the center should still jiggle slightly.
  • Make‑ahead option: assemble, cover, refrigerate overnight, then bake next day (add a few minutes to bake time).