There’s something so comforting about a warm bowl of easy bread pudding with vanilla sauce. This dessert is like a big, cozy hug on a plate! It’s incredibly simple to whip up, making it the perfect choice for both seasoned bakers and kitchen novices. Just imagine that golden-brown top, the sweet aroma wafting through your home, and every bite melting in your mouth. Trust me, you’ll fall in love with how easy it is to create something that feels so special. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or just indulging yourself after a long day, this bread pudding is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients List
- 4 cups cubed bread (any kind you love!)
- 2 cups milk (whole milk works best for creaminess)
- 1 cup sugar (feel free to adjust based on your sweet tooth)
- 4 large eggs (room temperature is ideal)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (the real stuff makes a difference!)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for that warm, cozy flavor)
- 1/4 cup melted butter (because butter makes everything better!)
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures that your easy bread pudding with vanilla sauce bakes evenly and gets that beautiful golden-brown top we all love. So, go ahead and get that oven fired up while you prepare the other ingredients!
Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. I like to whisk these together until they’re fully blended—think light and frothy! This helps to break up any egg clumps and ensure a smooth, creamy texture in your pudding. You’ll want to do this for about a minute or so; it’s worth the extra little bit of effort!
Combine Bread and Butter
Now, it’s time to add the cubed bread and melted butter to your mixture. Pour the melted butter right in there—it adds such rich flavor! Then, give everything a good stir until the bread is nicely coated and the mixture is well combined. You want those bread cubes to soak up all that deliciousness, so don’t be shy with your stirring!
Bake the Pudding
Pour the entire mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Pop it into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the center is set—it should be firm to the touch but still a bit springy. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be simply irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time: You can have this delightful dessert whipped up in just 15 minutes!
- Easy ingredients: With just a handful of simple staples, you’re likely to have everything on hand.
- Comforting dessert: There’s nothing quite like the warm, creamy goodness of bread pudding to make you feel cozy and content.
- Delightful taste: The combination of buttery bread soaked in a sweet vanilla sauce is pure bliss in every bite!
- Perfect for sharing: This recipe yields 8 generous servings, making it ideal for family gatherings or friendly get-togethers.
Tips for Success
To make sure your easy bread pudding with vanilla sauce turns out perfectly every time, here are some tried-and-true tips that I swear by!
- Use Stale Bread: Stale bread is a game changer! It absorbs the custard mixture better than fresh bread, resulting in a creamier texture. If you don’t have stale bread, just leave fresh bread out for a few hours or lightly toast it.
- Mix Evenly: When combining your ingredients, be sure to mix thoroughly. You want the milk and egg mixture to coat every piece of bread nicely. I often use a spatula to gently fold everything together for an even soak.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your pudding as it bakes. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture. It should be set but still a bit springy in the center when it’s done. Trust your nose; the sweet smell is a good sign!
- Let it Rest: Allow the bread pudding to cool for a few minutes after baking. This resting period helps it firm up a bit more, making it easier to slice and serve.
- Add a Pinch of Salt: A tiny pinch of salt in your custard mixture can enhance the flavors beautifully. It really balances out the sweetness and brings out that rich vanilla flavor!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for each slice of this delightful easy bread pudding with vanilla sauce. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. It’s always a good idea to double-check if you’re keeping track of your dietary needs!
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Sugar: 20g
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of bread?
Absolutely! One of the best things about easy bread pudding with vanilla sauce is its versatility. You can use any bread you have on hand, whether it’s classic white bread, hearty whole grain, or even a sweet brioche. Each type will bring its own unique flavor and texture to the dish. For instance, sourdough adds a delicious tang, while challah or brioche will offer a richer, sweeter taste. Just make sure to cut it into cubes and let it sit out for a bit if it’s fresh—stale bread absorbs the custard beautifully!
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Making this bread pudding ahead of time is a total breeze! You can prepare the custard mixture and combine it with the bread the night before. Just cover your baking dish with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. This allows the bread to soak up all that tasty goodness. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven. This helps it bake evenly and prevents that shock of cold right from the fridge!
What can I serve with bread pudding?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! While easy bread pudding with vanilla sauce is delightful on its own, you can definitely elevate it with some tasty toppings. Whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a lovely creaminess that pairs perfectly with the warm pudding. For a fruity twist, consider serving it with fresh berries or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce. You could even sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for that fancy touch! Trust me, your guests will love the options!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftovers of this delightful easy bread pudding with vanilla sauce (though I doubt you will!), storing it is super simple. Just let the pudding cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. Just make sure it’s sealed well to keep that lovely flavor intact!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is a breeze. You can pop individual slices in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds, but I love using the oven for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the slices in a baking dish, and cover them with foil to prevent drying out. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. The aroma will fill your kitchen, and trust me, it’ll taste just as good as the first time!
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Easy Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce: 5 Steps to Bliss
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious bread pudding served with a rich vanilla sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cubed bread
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
- Add cubed bread and melted butter to the mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until set and golden brown.
Notes
- Serve warm with vanilla sauce.
- Can be topped with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: easy bread pudding with vanilla sauce
