This Bread Pudding is rich and custardy in the middle, golden and crisp on top, and drenched in the best (and easiest) vanilla sauce. Easy to make in only 5 minutes of prep, this dessert will wow everyone you make it for!
Looking for more easy dessert recipes? Try my Sweet Potato Pie or Cinnamon Rolls next!
About This Recipe
What do you look for in a bread pudding recipe? A few years ago, I was tasked with bringing dessert to a holiday potluck. I searched everywhere for the perfect one. I wanted it to be rich and custardy in the middle, but not soggy, and the top to be golden and crisp. The sweetness had to be just right- I hate it when bread pudding is not sweet enough and just tastes like bread. And of course, a drizzle of vanilla sauce all over.
That year, I couldn't find a recipe that checked all those boxes, so I ended up making my own! Since then, I've tested and tweaked this recipe multiple times, and I think it's perfect. Thick cubes of bread are soaked in a deliciously spiced custard, then baked until golden brown and crisp on top. An easy vanilla sauce is then poured all over to finish the dish.
I served this at a family event not too long ago, and the pan was scraped clean! Hopefully, the same will happen to you ๐
Key Ingredients
Stale bread: Historically, bread pudding was made to use up leftover bread, and that's still the best way to make it because when the bread is slightly drier, it can absorb more of the egg custard. I use plain white bread. Challah and brioche are popular options as well if you're looking for something extra luxurious.
Butter: For richness.
Raisins: I've left this as optional since many people dislike raisins. I, however, thoroughly enjoy them in bread pudding. You could also substitute with chocolate chips or nuts here.
Milk: We need 2 cups of milk for this recipe. It may seem like a lot at first, but trust me, bread can absorb a lot of moisture.
Egg: This is essential for the custard texture.
Sugar: You can also substitute with honey or maple syrup. If you use honey, make sure you use about half the amount because honey is sweeter than sugar.
Vanilla extract and cinnamon: Give a warm flavor to the recipe.
Instructions
STEP 1: Spread the bread cubes in the baking dish. Sprinkle on the raisins (if using).
STEP 2: In a large bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and cinnamon together until well combined. Pour over the bread cubes.
STEP 3: Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
STEP 4: For the sauce, add everything except the butter to a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter. Pour over the bread pudding.
๐ Recipe
Bread Pudding
Ingredients
- 6 slices stale bread (about 6 cups; cubed)
- โ cup raisins (optional)
- 2 cups milk
- 3 large eggs (beaten)
- ยฝ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the vanilla sauce
- ยฝ cup heavy cream
- ยฝ cup milk
- ยผ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 ยฝ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF and grease an 8x8 baking dish.
- Spread the bread cubes in the baking dish. Sprinkle on the raisins (if using).
- In a large bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and cinnamon together until well combined.
- Pour over the bread cubes.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts getting too brown, you can place a piece of tinfoil over the top.
- For the vanilla sauce, add everything except the butter to a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter. Pour over the bread pudding.
Diane Dempsey
First time making bread pudding. This was easy to make and sauce was voted excellent by my grandson, a bread pudding fan.
Thank you for the recipe.