The Divine Bread Pudding Casserole & Vanilla Sauce Recipe

Warm, comforting bread pudding with vanilla sauce offers a delightful comfort food classic that melts hearts and delights taste buds.

Sweet aromas of cinnamon and vanilla waft through the kitchen, promising pure indulgence.

Bread cubes soak up rich custard, creating a dessert that speaks to nostalgic memories and cozy moments.

This classic casserole recipe delivers a dessert that transforms simple ingredients into something magical.

Each spoonful promises a creamy, luxurious experience that balances soft bread and silky sauce.

Crusty edges and tender center make this dessert irresistible for anyone seeking a soul-warming treat.

You’ll want to savor every delectable bite of this timeless dessert that connects generations through its simple, irresistible charm.

What Goes in Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

• Bread Cubes: Choose day-old, slightly stale bread for better absorption and texture, creating a rich and custardy foundation.
• Raisins: Adds delightful bursts of sweetness and chewy texture, optional but recommended for classic bread pudding flavor.

• Milk, Heavy Cream: Provides luxurious richness and smooth consistency, whole milk ensures a velvety pudding.
• Eggs: Binding agent that creates silky texture and helps pudding set perfectly.
• Sugar: Balances sweetness and caramelizes during baking for golden top.
• Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, aromatic depth and enhances overall dessert flavor.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that add cozy, nostalgic undertones and complement bread's richness.

• Butter: Adds extra richness and helps create crispy, golden exterior when drizzled on top.
• Optional Garnish: Whipped cream or vanilla sauce can elevate the dessert's presentation and flavor profile.

Tools You’ll Use for Bread Pudding in a Casserole Dish

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for whisking together the custard ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending eggs, milk, cream, and spices without lumps.
• 9×13-inch Casserole Dish: Provides the ideal baking space for the bread pudding.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient portions.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for cutting bread into even cubes.
• Butter Brush or Nonstick Spray: Ensures the dish is greased properly to prevent sticking.
• Oven Mitts: Protects hands when handling hot dishes.

Baking Bread Pudding with Warm Vanilla Sauce

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank up your cooking zone to a toasty 350F. Grab your trusty casserole dish and give it a quick butter massage or spray to prevent sticking.

• Bread Transformation

Scatter bread chunks into the dish like a delicious puzzle. Toss raisins around for surprise bursts of sweetness if you’re feeling adventurous.

• Createal Liquid Mix

Whip eggs, cream, milk, and sugar into a silky dance. Splash in vanilla, sprinkle cinnamon, and add a whisper of nutmeg. Blend until everything becomes best friends.

• Pour and Soak

Generously drench bread cubes with your creamy concoction. Gently press down so every bread piece drinks up the luscious liquid. Drizzle melted butter on top for extra richness.

• Bake to Golden Perfection

Let the dish rest for a quick 10-minute flavor meditation. Slide into the oven and bake 40-45 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the center looks set. Pull out and let cool slightly before diving in.

Tips for Making Bread Pudding Rich and Moist

• Choose day-old or slightly stale bread like brioche, challah, or French bread for maximum flavor absorption and perfect texture.
• Swap raisins with dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips to create exciting flavor variations that match your mood.
• Prepare the entire pudding the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning for a stress-free breakfast or brunch treat.
• Replace whole milk with almond or oat milk, use gluten-free bread, and swap eggs with flax eggs for vegetarian and gluten-sensitive diet options.
• Experiment with different sauce variations like bourbon caramel, chocolate drizzle, or maple cream to elevate your bread pudding from delicious to extraordinary.

How to Plate Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

• Comfort Craving Companions: Rich vanilla ice cream adds a cool, creamy contrast to the warm pudding.
• Breakfast Breakfast Twist: Serve alongside crispy bacon or fresh berries for a delightful morning treat.
• Elegant Evening Indulgence: Pair with a smooth caramel drizzle and whipped cream for a sophisticated dessert presentation.
• Cozy Coffee Companion: Enjoy a slice with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a perfectly balanced sweet moment.

Bread Pudding Leftovers: Storing and Reheating Tips

• Keep Your Bread Pudding Fresh
• Store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to maintain moisture and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Slice the pudding into individual portions and wrap each piece separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring a quick and delicious dessert is always within reach.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or reheat the entire dish in a 350F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of extra vanilla sauce to restore moisture and enhance flavor.
• Prepare the pudding mixture the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning for a stress-free breakfast or brunch treat that tastes like it was just made.

FAQs

• Can I use stale bread for this recipe?

Yes, stale bread is actually perfect for bread pudding! It absorbs the custard mixture better and helps prevent waste by using older bread.

• Is it okay to substitute ingredients in the custard?

You can swap milk types, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or replace sugar with alternatives like brown sugar or maple syrup. Just maintain similar liquid proportions.

• How do I know when the bread pudding is fully cooked?

The top should be golden brown, and when you gently press the center, it should feel set and not liquid. A knife inserted in the middle should come out mostly clean.

• Can I make this bread pudding ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish up to a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the refrigerator.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 366 kcal

Servings: 8

Heavenly Bread Pudding In Casserole With Vanilla Sauce Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Old-fashioned bread pudding welcomes comfort through southern culinary tradition, blending simple ingredients into a rich dessert. Warm vanilla sauce complements each tender bite, inviting sweet memories of home-cooked warmth.

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Ingredients

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• 3 large eggs
• 6 cups (about 12 slices) day-old bread, cubed (brioche, challah, or French bread)
• 3 cups (750 ml) whole milk
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• ½ cup (75 g) raisins (optional)
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream (for vanilla sauce)
• ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk (for vanilla sauce)
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar (for vanilla sauce)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for vanilla sauce)
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for vanilla sauce)
• 1 tsp cornstarch (for vanilla sauce)
• 1 tbsp water (for vanilla sauce)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray, covering every surface to prevent sticking.
2. Base Layer: Arrange bread cubes evenly across the dish, creating a uniform foundation for the pudding.
3. Flavor Infusion: Scatter raisins generously over the bread cubes to ensure sweet bursts in every bite.
4. Custard Creation: Whisk milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl until smooth and fully integrated.
5. Liquid Absorption: Pour the custard mixture over the bread, gently pressing to ensure complete saturation and even distribution of flavors.
6. Final Touch: Drizzle melted butter across the surface to promote a golden, crispy top during baking.
7. Resting and Baking: Let the pudding rest for 10 minutes, then bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 40-45 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the center sets.
8. Serving Preparation: Remove from the oven and allow to cool briefly, helping the pudding maintain its structure for elegant plating.

Notes

Prevent Bread Sogginess: Use slightly stale or day-old bread to absorb custard without becoming overly mushy, ensuring a perfect texture with crisp edges and soft interior.

Customize Raisin Distribution: Soak raisins in warm rum or vanilla extract beforehand to enhance flavor and prevent them from burning during baking, creating a more sophisticated taste profile.

Temperature Control for Custard: Temper eggs by slowly adding hot cream to prevent scrambling, which guarantees a smooth, silky custard base without unsightly egg chunks.

Dietary Adaptation Options: Substitute dairy milk with almond or coconut milk for lactose-free version; replace eggs with mashed banana or commercial egg replacer for vegan adaptation, maintaining the dish’s rich, comforting essence.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 392
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 170 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 122 mg