There’s just something about homemade desserts that wraps you in a warm hug, isn’t there? I can still remember the first time I had bread pudding—it was at my grandma’s house on a rainy afternoon. The smell of vanilla filled the air, and I was instantly transported to dessert heaven. Now, I want to share that same cozy experience with you through my *easy bread pudding with vanilla sauce*. Seriously, this recipe is so simple that you’ll be amazed at how such basic ingredients can transform into a delightful, comforting treat. With just a few steps, a bit of patience, and that heavenly vanilla sauce drizzled on top, you’ll have a dessert that feels like a warm embrace any time of year. Trust me, it’s going to become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients for Easy Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this delicious bread pudding. Here’s exactly what you’ll need:
- 6 cups of bread cubes (any bread works, but I love using a nice crusty loaf or even some leftover brioche for a touch of sweetness!)
- 4 cups of whole milk (for that creamy texture we all crave)
- 3/4 cup of granulated sugar (just the right amount to sweeten things up)
- 4 large eggs (this helps bind everything together—don’t skip them!)
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract (because vanilla makes everything better!)
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (a warm, cozy spice that complements the bread wonderfully)
- 1/2 cup of raisins (totally optional, but they add a nice chewy texture and burst of sweetness)
Make sure to have these on hand, and you’ll be all set to whip up the most comforting dessert ever!
How to Prepare Easy Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this delicious bread pudding! Don’t worry; it’s super straightforward. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delightful dessert in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheating the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your bread pudding bakes evenly. While the oven heats up, you can focus on mixing your ingredients!
Mixing the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the 4 cups of whole milk, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, 4 large eggs, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Whisk it all together until it’s nice and smooth. You want to make sure the sugar dissolves completely and everything is well combined. Then, gently fold in your 6 cups of bread cubes and, if you’re using them, the 1/2 cup of raisins. Just be careful not to overmix—you’re aiming for the bread to soak up all that delicious liquid!
Preparing the Baking Dish
Next, grab a greased baking dish (I usually use something around 9×13 inches). Pour your bread mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. Make sure all the bread cubes are submerged in the liquid for that perfect texture!
Baking Process
Now, it’s time to pop the dish into the oven. Bake for about 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set. You’ll know it’s ready when you can gently shake the dish, and it doesn’t jiggle too much in the center. Just a little jiggle is okay, but we want it to be mostly firm!
Making the Vanilla Sauce
While your bread pudding is baking, let’s whip up that heavenly vanilla sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, warm up 2 cups of milk and 1/2 cup of sugar until it’s nice and warm but not boiling. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a splash of cold milk until smooth—this is your thickening agent! Once your milk mixture is warm, stir in the cornstarch mixture and keep stirring until it thickens up nicely. This usually takes just a few minutes. Once it’s thickened, remove it from heat and add the last touch—a teaspoon of vanilla extract for that extra burst of flavor!
And there you go! Your bread pudding and vanilla sauce will be ready to serve together, creating a dessert that’s simply irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly simple to make, perfect for those busy weeknights or when you need a last-minute dessert.
- With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a deliciously comforting treat that feels like a warm hug.
- The creamy vanilla sauce takes this bread pudding to the next level, adding a rich, sweet touch that pairs perfectly.
- It’s versatile! Use whatever bread you have on hand, so no need to make a special trip to the store.
- This recipe is easily customizable—feel free to add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts!
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings everyone together, making it great for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
- Leftovers (if you have any) are just as delicious the next day, making it a fantastic make-ahead dessert.
Tips for Success
To make sure your *easy bread pudding with vanilla sauce* turns out absolutely perfect, here are a few of my top tips. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make all the difference!
- Use Day-Old Bread: Stale bread is your best friend here! It soaks up the custard mixture beautifully without falling apart. If you only have fresh bread, just let it sit out for a few hours or toast it lightly to dry it out a bit.
- Mix Up the Bread: Feel free to experiment with different types of bread! Challah, brioche, or even whole wheat can add unique flavors and textures. I personally love using a mix of white and whole grain for a hearty twist!
- Don’t Skimp on the Vanilla: Since vanilla is a star ingredient here, using pure vanilla extract really makes a difference in flavor. If you have vanilla beans, even better! Just scrape the seeds into your mixture for an extra touch of luxury.
- Raisins or Other Add-ins: If raisins aren’t your thing, consider adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits like cranberries or apricots. They can all add a delightful surprise in every bite!
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your pudding as it bakes. Ovens can vary, so if it looks set and golden brown but the center still jiggles a bit, it’s likely done—just let it cool slightly before serving!
- Serving Suggestions: For an extra special treat, serve with whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top. It gives a nice touch of elegance!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to creating a bread pudding that not only tastes amazing but also impresses everyone around you!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note before you dive into this deliciousness! The nutritional values provided for this *easy bread pudding with vanilla sauce* are estimates based on common ingredients and typical serving sizes. Individual results may vary depending on the specific brands and quantities you use, as well as any optional ingredients you might choose to add. If you’re keeping an eye on your dietary needs, it’s always a good idea to double-check with your exact ingredients. But hey, a little indulgence every now and then is part of the joy of homemade desserts, right? Enjoy every comforting bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use any type of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! One of the best parts about this *easy bread pudding with vanilla sauce* is that you can use any bread you have on hand. Whether it’s leftover white bread, a crusty baguette, or sweet brioche, they all work beautifully. Just remember, day-old bread soaks up the custard better!
Can I make this bread pudding ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bread pudding mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just pour the mixture into the baking dish and cover it tightly. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven. This will help it bake evenly!
How do I know when the bread pudding is done?
You’ll know your pudding is ready when the top is golden brown and the center is mostly set. It’s okay if it has a slight jiggle, as it will firm up as it cools. Just give it a gentle shake, and if it doesn’t wobble too much, you’re good to go!
Can I freeze leftover bread pudding?
Yes, you can! Just let the bread pudding cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in an airtight container. It should keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it up in the oven or microwave.
What can I serve with bread pudding?
While it’s delicious on its own, serving your *easy bread pudding with vanilla sauce* is a fantastic idea! You can also add a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence. The possibilities are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you find yourself with leftover *easy bread pudding with vanilla sauce* (which might be a miracle because it’s so good!), here’s how to store it properly to keep that deliciousness intact.
First, make sure the bread pudding has cooled completely. Once it’s at room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it even longer, you can freeze it! Just wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It should hold up in the freezer for about 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover bread pudding, let it thaw in the fridge overnight if it’s frozen. To reheat, you can pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings for about 30-60 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it—nobody wants rubbery bread pudding!
For an extra treat, drizzle a little more vanilla sauce on top before serving. It’ll bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste and make it feel just as indulgent as the first time you enjoyed it!
Imprimer
Easy Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce: 7 Comforting Secrets
- Temps Total: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Rendement: 8 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A simple and delicious bread pudding served with a creamy vanilla sauce.
Ingrédients
- 6 cups bread cubes
- 4 cups milk
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Add bread cubes and raisins, if using. Stir gently to combine.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until set and golden.
- While baking, prepare the vanilla sauce.
- In a saucepan, heat 2 cups of milk and 1/2 cup of sugar over medium heat until warm.
- In a bowl, whisk 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little cold milk until smooth.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the warm milk and stir until thickened.
- Remove from heat and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Serve the bread pudding warm with vanilla sauce drizzled on top.
Notes
- Use any bread you have on hand.
- For a richer flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg.
- Serve with whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 50 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 12g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 8g
- Graisses Saturées: 3g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 5g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 40g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 6g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 100mg
Mots-clés: easy bread pudding, vanilla sauce, simple dessert
