Nothing feels quite as comforting as a warm, tender pudding that carries the nostalgic scent of vanilla and cinnamon swirling through the air. This Vanilla Bread Pudding Recipe is just the perfect blend of rich custard and soft, soaked bread that turns humble pantry staples into a dessert that feels like a cozy hug. Whether you’re aiming to impress guests or simply want a soothing end to a long day, this recipe strikes that lovely balance of simplicity and soulful flavor that anyone can master and adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Vanilla Bread Pudding Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each chosen to bring an essential part of the dish’s texture, creaminess, and warm aroma. From creamy dairy to fragrant spices and the star player, bread, these components come together effortlessly to create a dessert that’s both elegant and homey.
- Milk: Provides a creamy base that softens the bread and enriches the custard.
- Heavy cream: Adds luscious richness and a velvety texture to the pudding.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard just enough without overpowering the vanilla.
- Vanilla extract: Brings that comforting, fragrant flavor that defines this recipe.
- Large eggs: Bind the custard, ensuring the pudding sets up with a smooth, tender consistency.
- Ground cinnamon: Introduces a subtle warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- Salt: Enhances all the sweet and creamy components, balancing the flavors.
- Cubed stale bread: Soaks up the custard, giving the pudding its characteristic texture.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Adds a golden richness and keeps the top beautifully crisp.
- Raisins (optional): Add a chewy sweetness that punctuates every bite when included.
How to Make Vanilla Bread Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that by the time your pudding mixture is ready, the oven is perfectly hot and ready to create that luscious golden crust.
Step 2: Warm the Cream and Milk
Combine the milk and heavy cream in a medium saucepan, warming them over medium heat just until the mixture is hot but not boiling. This step is key for infusing warmth into your custard without cooking the eggs prematurely.
Step 3: Mix the Custard Base
Remove the cream and milk from heat, then whisk together sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl until smooth. This mixture forms the flavorful custard that binds all the bread together beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Hot Dairy with Eggs
Pour the warm milk and cream slowly into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. This gradual combination prevents the eggs from scrambling and helps create a silky custard base.
Step 5: Soak the Bread
Gently fold in your cubed stale bread, ensuring every piece is coated in the custard. Letting this mixture soak for about 10 minutes allows the bread to absorb all those rich flavors and get perfectly tender.
Step 6: Prepare Baking Dish and Assemble
Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then pour in the soaked bread mixture evenly. Drizzle the melted butter over the top, which helps develop a delightful golden crust during baking. Scatter raisins if you’re adding that lovely burst of sweetness.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and a knife inserted comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is pure magic, signaling the perfect balance of crispy edges and tender center.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, allow the pudding to cool for 10 to 15 minutes. Cooling lets the custard set fully and makes serving easier while still enjoying a warm, comforting dessert.
How to Serve Vanilla Bread Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
Vanilla Bread Pudding Recipe is incredibly versatile when it comes to garnishes. A dusting of powdered sugar can add a simple touch of elegance, while a drizzle of caramel or warm vanilla sauce enhances its creamy sweetness. Fresh berries or a sprig of mint can lend freshness and a pop of color, making each serving feel special and inviting.
Side Dishes
Though beautiful on its own, pairing this bread pudding with vanilla ice cream or a scoop of whipped cream elevates the experience to decadent heights. For brunch or afternoon tea, serving alongside fresh fruit or a lightly spiced chai tea creates a harmonious and satisfying feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve your Vanilla Bread Pudding Recipe in individual ramekins topped with crushed nuts or toasted coconut for texture contrast. Alternatively, layer it with fruit preserves in a trifle dish for a stunning visual and flavor twist that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover bread pudding can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping it chilled helps maintain the custard’s integrity and easy reheating ensures you enjoy it almost as if freshly baked.
Freezing
This Vanilla Bread Pudding Recipe freezes surprisingly well. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to avoid freezer burn. Frozen pudding can last up to two months, making it perfect for preparing in advance for festive occasions or quick desserts.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a microwave or in an oven preheated to 325°F (160°C) until warmed through. Adding a splash of cream or a little butter before warming can revive its luscious texture and keep it moist, ensuring each bite remains delectable.
FAQs
Can I use fresh bread instead of stale?
Fresh bread can work but stale bread is best because it soaks up the custard without turning mushy. If using fresh bread, consider toasting it lightly first to help it hold its shape better.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the milk and heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk and use dairy-free butter to keep it creamy and flavorful without any dairy.
Can I add other mix-ins besides raisins?
Definitely! Chopped nuts, chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped apples all complement the vanilla and cinnamon beautifully and add exciting textures.
How can I make the pudding more custardy or more cake-like?
For a custardier texture, increase the cream slightly or reduce baking time just until set. For a firmer, more cake-like pudding, use slightly less liquid or bake a bit longer until the top is very golden and the center fully firm.
What’s the best bread for this pudding?
Day-old French bread, brioche, or challah all work wonderfully due to their sturdy structure and slightly sweet flavor, making your Vanilla Bread Pudding Recipe even more delicious.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Vanilla Bread Pudding Recipe, it’s hard not to fall in love with its comforting charm and effortless elegance. It takes simple ingredients and turns them into an indulgent treat that warms the heart and satisfies the soul. So, gather your bread, whisk up that custard, and bake a slice of happiness that’s sure to become a beloved classic in your kitchen.
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Vanilla Bread Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Vanilla Bread Pudding is a warm, comforting dessert made with cubed stale bread soaked in a rich custard of milk, cream, eggs, sugar, and vanilla, then baked to golden perfection. Aromatic cinnamon and optional raisins add depth and texture, making it an irresistible treat perfect for cozy gatherings or a delightful family dessert.
Ingredients
Custard Mixture
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Bread Pudding Base
- 5 cups cubed stale bread
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the bread pudding.
- Heat Milk and Cream: In a medium saucepan, combine the milk and heavy cream. Heat over medium heat until the mixture is hot but not boiling, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Remove from Heat: Take the saucepan off the heat once the milk and cream mixture is heated through.
- Mix Eggs and Flavorings: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, ground cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Combine Custards: Slowly pour the hot milk and cream mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling and ensure a smooth custard.
- Add Bread: Add the cubed stale bread to the bowl and gently stir to coat all the bread evenly with the custard mixture.
- Soak Bread: Let the bread soak in the custard mixture for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure all pieces absorb the custard fully.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Transfer to Dish: Pour the soaked bread and custard mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform baking.
- Add Butter: Drizzle the melted unsalted butter over the top of the bread pudding mixture for richness and flavor.
- Add Raisins: If using, sprinkle the raisins evenly over the top to add a sweet, chewy texture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The pudding is done when the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the custard to set.
Notes
- Using stale bread helps absorb the custard better without becoming mushy.
- You can substitute raisins with other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped dates if preferred.
- For an extra touch, serve warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Ensure to whisk the hot milk mixture slowly into the eggs to prevent scrambling.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently in the microwave or oven.
