Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce



Introduction
This Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding is the ultimate comfort dessert, bringing back memories of cozy kitchens and homemade goodness. Made with tender, custard-soaked bread, warm spices, and topped with a rich vanilla sauce, this classic dessert is both simple and irresistible. It’s perfect for using up day-old bread and is a great addition to holiday meals, Sunday dinners, or whenever you need a sweet and satisfying treat!

Ingredients:
For the Bread Pudding:
6 cups day-old bread, cubed (French or brioche works best) 🍞
3 cups whole milk 🥛
¾ cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs, beaten 🥚
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ cup raisins (optional, for a traditional touch)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 🧈
For the Vanilla Sauce:
½ cup unsalted butter 🧈
½ cup heavy cream or whole milk 🥛
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bread & Custard Mixture:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter.
Place cubed bread in the prepared dish. If your bread is fresh, let it sit out for an hour to dry slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, sugar, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Assemble & Bake:
Pour the custard mixture over the bread, pressing the bread gently to soak up the liquid.
If using raisins, sprinkle them evenly over the top.
Drizzle the melted butter over everything for added richness.
Let the mixture sit for 10–15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the pudding is golden brown and set in the center.
3. Make the Vanilla Sauce:
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Stir in the sugar and heavy cream and cook until the mixture thickens slightly (about 3–5 minutes).
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.