Ingredients:
For the Bread Pudding:
4 cups stale bread, cubed (French bread or challah works well)
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup raisins (optional)
2 tbsp butter, melted (for greasing the dish)
For the Vanilla Sauce:
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with melted butter.
Prepare the Bread: Place the cubed stale bread in the greased baking dish. If using, sprinkle raisins over the top.
Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Combine: Pour the custard mixture over the bread, pressing down gently to ensure all the bread is soaked. Let it sit for about 15 minutes.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Make the Vanilla Sauce: While the pudding is baking, combine the sugar, heavy cream, milk, butter, and vanilla extract in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is heated through. If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve cornstarch in a little cold water and add it to the sauce, stirring until thickened.
Serve: Once the bread pudding is done, let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with vanilla sauce drizzled on top.
Tips
You can add spices like nutmeg or cardamom for extra flavor.
This dish is great served warm or at room temperature.
Enjoy your comforting Old Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce!
Enjoy!