Decadent Bread Pudding with Velvety Vanilla Sauce: A Comforting Dessert Delight

Introduction

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of homemade bread pudding paired with a smooth and velvety vanilla sauce. This delightful dessert brings together golden, caramelized bread with a soft, custard-like center, and is finished with a luscious vanilla sauce that takes it to the next level. Whether you’re serving it as an after-dinner treat or as a weekend indulgence, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy every sweet tooth in your household.

Ingredients

For the Bread Pudding:

• 6 slices of day-old bread (preferably brioche, challah, or French bread)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• A pinch of salt

For the Vanilla Sauce:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Bread Pudding

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Cut the Bread: Slice the bread into cubes and arrange them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
3. Mix the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
4. Soak the Bread: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring all of the bread is soaked. Press down gently on the bread to help it absorb the custard. Allow it to sit for about 15 minutes, giving the bread time to soak.
5. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The bread pudding should be golden brown on top and firm in the center, with a slightly crisped edge.

Step 2: Make the Vanilla Sauce

1. Heat the Dairy: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and milk. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it becomes hot but not boiling, stirring occasionally.
2. Whisk the Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until smooth and creamy.
3. Temper the Eggs: Gradually pour the hot milk and cream mixture into the egg yolks while whisking constantly to avoid curdling. Once combined, return the mixture to the saucepan.
4. Thicken the Sauce: Cook the sauce over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens into a custard-like consistency (about 5-7 minutes). Be sure to stir slowly to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
5. Add the Vanilla: Once the sauce is thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. For extra smoothness, you can strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy

1. Cool Slightly: Allow the bread pudding to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help it set and be easier to slice.
2. Top with Sauce: Serve the bread pudding warm and drizzle with the homemade vanilla sauce. For an extra touch, sprinkle some powdered sugar or a pinch of cinnamon on top.
3. Garnish: Add a sprig of fresh mint or a few berries to garnish for added freshness and color.

Tips and Variations:

• Use Stale Bread: This recipe is a fantastic way to repurpose stale bread. The older the bread, the better it will soak up the custard!
• Add Flavor Variations: Get creative with additions like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit like raisins or cranberries. For a tropical twist, add shredded coconut.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the bread pudding ahead of time and store it in the fridge overnight. Simply bake it the next day, and you’ll have a delicious dessert with minimal effort.
• Vegan Option: Substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tbsp flax meal + 3 tbsp water) and use a non-dairy milk alternative (like almond, oat, or coconut milk) and plant-based butter.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

• Comforting and Cozy: This bread pudding is the definition of comfort food – soft, sweet, and perfect for any cozy evening.
• Versatile: Whether you like it with a touch of cinnamon, topped with fresh fruit, or packed with chocolate, this recipe is easily customizable.
• Impress Your Guests: This dessert is guaranteed to impress at any gathering, whether you’re serving it at a holiday meal or an intimate dinner with friends.

Conclusion

This bread pudding with vanilla sauce recipe is an irresistible dessert that combines the best of warm, baked bread and a silky smooth vanilla sauce. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this dessert will quickly become a family favorite. Serve it as a comforting treat at any time of the year, and enjoy the joy of homemade sweetness in every bite.