Delicious Bread Pudding with Creamy Vanilla Custard Sauce: A Heavenly Dessert

Introduction

Bread pudding is the epitome of comfort food. This Bread Pudding with Vanilla Custard Sauce brings the perfect combination of crispy, caramelized edges with a rich, soft, and creamy center. Paired with a velvety vanilla custard sauce, it’s a warm, indulgent dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Perfect for any meal or holiday gathering, this dessert is easy to make and incredibly satisfying!

Ingredients

For the Bread Pudding:

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

For the Vanilla Custard 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: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
2. Cut the Bread into Cubes: Slice the bread into cubes and place them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
3. Make the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until fully combined.
4. Pour the Custard Over the Bread: Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes. Press the bread down gently to ensure it soaks in the custard.
5. Allow to Soak: Let the bread soak in the custard mixture for 15 minutes before baking.

Step 2: Bake the Bread Pudding

1. Bake the Pudding: Put the baking dish in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden and the custard has set. The pudding should be soft in the center with crispy, golden edges.

Step 3: Prepare the Vanilla Custard Sauce

1. Heat the Milk and Cream: In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream and whole milk. Heat over medium until the mixture is hot but not boiling.
2. Whisk the Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until smooth and pale.
3. Combine the Milk and Egg Yolks: Gradually pour the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to avoid curdling.
4. Thicken the Custard Sauce: Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a custard-like consistency (about 5-7 minutes). Be sure not to let it boil.
5. Finish the Sauce: Once the custard is thickened, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Strain the custard through a fine sieve to ensure smoothness.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the Bread Pudding: Let the baked bread pudding cool slightly before serving.
2. Drizzle the Custard Sauce: Pour the warm vanilla custard sauce generously over each slice of bread pudding.
3. Optional Garnish: For extra flavor and decoration, top with powdered sugar, berries, or a sprig of mint.

Tips and Variations:

• Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the bread pudding the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. Bake the next day for a hassle-free dessert.
• Fruit Additions: Add dried fruits, such as raisins or cranberries, or fresh fruits like bananas or apples to the bread pudding for a fruity twist.
• For a Vegan Version: Swap eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water) and replace dairy with coconut milk or almond milk. Use dairy-free butter for the topping.

Why This Bread Pudding Is a Must-Try

• Indulgent and Comforting: The crispy, caramelized top and soft custardy bottom make this bread pudding irresistible. The vanilla custard sauce takes it to the next level of indulgence.
• Customizable: It’s easy to personalize this recipe by adding in your favorite dried fruits, nuts, or chocolate chips.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or a holiday feast, this bread pudding will be a crowd-pleaser.

Conclusion

This Bread Pudding with Vanilla Custard Sauce is the ultimate indulgence. With its crispy edges, custardy center, and rich vanilla sauce, this dessert is a perfect way to satisfy your sweet cravings. Easy to make and full of comforting flavors, it’s sure to be a family favorite. Try this recipe at home and enjoy a delicious homemade dessert that everyone will love.