Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug, you’ve got to try my *easy bread pudding with vanilla sauce*! Seriously, it’s the kind of comfort food that makes you feel all fuzzy inside. It’s super simple to whip up, perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or just a cozy night in. Plus, you probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already! Trust me, once you taste that creamy vanilla sauce drizzled over the warm pudding, you’ll be hooked. It’s a delightful treat that anyone can make, and it’s just so satisfying!
Ingredients List
- 4 cups of bread cubes (preferably stale for the best texture)
- 2 cups of milk (whole or 2% for creaminess)
- 1 cup of granulated sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- 4 large eggs (for binding and richness)
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract (a must for that warm flavor)
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon (adds a cozy spice note)
- 1/4 cup of raisins (optional, but they bring a lovely chewiness)
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Let’s get started by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because you want your bread pudding to bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown. While the oven heats up, you can prep the other ingredients!
Mixing the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine those lovely bread cubes with the milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. I like to whisk the eggs separately first before adding them to the mix – it helps with a smoother consistency. Make sure everything is well combined, so each bite of your pudding is bursting with flavor. You’ll want to really mix it up until you see no dry spots of bread.
Adding Optional Ingredients
If you’re using raisins, now’s the time to fold them in! They add that delightful little pop of sweetness and texture. Just be sure to mix carefully, so they’re evenly distributed throughout the pudding, and don’t forget to keep an eye out for any stray pieces of bread that need soaking in that delicious mixture!
Baking the Pudding
Now, pour your mixture into a greased baking dish. I usually use a 9×13-inch dish, but any similar size will do! Bake it in your preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set and it doesn’t jiggle too much when you shake it gently. Keep an eye on it, as ovens can vary, and we don’t want it to overbake!
Preparing the Vanilla Sauce
While the pudding is baking, let’s whip up that creamy vanilla sauce! In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Stir continuously until it thickens up nicely – this usually takes just a few minutes. Once it’s thickened, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and remove it from the heat. This sauce is what dreams are made of!
Serving Suggestions
Ah, the best part! Once your bread pudding is done baking, let it cool for a few minutes. Then, serve it warm with that luscious vanilla sauce drizzled over the top. Trust me, it’s the perfect combination of warm pudding and cool, creamy sauce. Enjoy every bite – you deserve it!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of my *easy bread pudding with vanilla sauce*. Keep in mind that these values are just estimates and can vary based on the exact ingredients you use:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 6g
This bread pudding is not only delicious but also provides a nice balance of flavors and nutrients. So, go ahead and indulge a bit – you deserve a sweet treat that feels good too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time – you can have this comforting dessert ready in just over an hour!
- Simple ingredients – most of which you probably already have in your kitchen.
- Comforting flavors – the warm bread pudding paired with creamy vanilla sauce is pure bliss.
- A crowd-pleaser – it’s a dessert that everyone loves, from kids to adults!
- Versatile with optional add-ins – feel free to switch up the raisins, add nuts, or even drizzle some chocolate on top!
Tips for Success
To make sure your *easy bread pudding with vanilla sauce* turns out absolutely perfect, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips for you:
- Use stale bread: This is key! Stale bread soaks up the custard mixture beautifully, giving you that perfect texture. If you don’t have stale bread, just leave fresh bread out for a few hours or toast it lightly to dry it out a bit.
- Adjust the sugar: Sweetness is so personal! If you like it a little less sweet, feel free to cut back on the sugar. You can always taste the mixture before baking and adjust it to your liking!
- Experiment with different breads: Don’t be afraid to mix it up! From challah to brioche or even whole wheat, each type of bread brings its own unique flavor to the pudding. Get creative and see what you love best!
- Spices make a difference: While cinnamon is a classic, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or even some pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist. Just a little can elevate the flavor profile!
- Don’t rush the baking: Keep an eye on it as it bakes! Every oven is different, so check it a few minutes before the timer goes off. You want it just set in the center, so it’s perfectly creamy.
- Serve warm: This pudding is best served warm, right out of the oven, with that dreamy vanilla sauce on top. It’s a hug in dessert form!
With these tips, you’re all set to make a fantastic bread pudding that will impress everyone at the table. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious!), you’ll want to store them properly to keep that wonderful texture intact. First, let your bread pudding cool completely at room temperature. Once it’s cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure it’s sealed well to prevent it from drying out!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat your *easy bread pudding with vanilla sauce* is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and place the pudding in an oven-safe dish. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil to keep it from drying out and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. If you prefer, you can also microwave individual portions, but keep an eye on it to avoid overheating. Just a minute or two should do the trick!
And don’t forget – when serving reheated bread pudding, a fresh drizzle of that creamy vanilla sauce on top makes it feel like a special treat all over again. Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh bread?
Absolutely! While stale bread is preferred for better texture and soakage, fresh bread will work in a pinch. If you’re using fresh, just let it sit out for a few hours or even toast it lightly to help it dry out a bit. This will ensure you get that perfect pudding consistency!
How can I make it gluten-free?
No problem at all! Simply swap out the regular bread for a gluten-free bread of your choice. There are some great options available these days, and they work just as well. Just be mindful that the texture might vary slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, you can! If you want to make it in advance, prepare the pudding mixture and pour it into your greased baking dish. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven straight from the fridge, but you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I use other types of milk?
Definitely! You can use any milk you prefer, whether it’s whole, almond, coconut, or even oat milk. Each type will give a unique flavor, so feel free to experiment with what you have on hand!
What toppings go well with this bread pudding?
The options are endless! A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream pairs beautifully with the warm pudding. You could also sprinkle some chopped nuts, drizzle chocolate sauce, or even top it with fresh fruit for a delightful twist!
easy bread pudding with vanilla sauce: 5 comforting secrets
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious bread pudding topped with a creamy vanilla sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 cups of bread cubes
- 2 cups of milk
- 1 cup of sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/4 cup of raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Add raisins if using and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until set.
- While baking, prepare the vanilla sauce.
- In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch until thickened.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and remove from heat.
- Serve the bread pudding warm with the vanilla sauce on top.
Notes
- Use stale bread for better texture.
- Try different types of bread for varied flavors.
- Adjust sugar based on your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: easy bread pudding, vanilla sauce, dessert
