Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Uses Stale Bread : Perfect for repurposing leftover bread into something extraordinary.
- Simple Ingredients : Just pantry staples like eggs, milk, sugar, and spices.
- Make-Ahead Friendly : Prep ahead and bake when ready—ideal for entertaining.
- Customizable : Add raisins, chocolate chips, or nuts for extra flair.
- Vanilla Sauce Magic : The rich, sweet drizzle takes it over the top.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Bread Pudding:
- 6 cups cubed stale bread (French, challah, or brioche work best)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3 large eggs , lightly beaten
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter , melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, but adds warmth)
- Optional Mix-Ins : ½ cup raisins, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips
For the Vanilla Sauce:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) . Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Custard
- In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, sugar, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Add bread cubes and optional mix-ins; toss gently to coat. Let sit for 10–15 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the custard.
Step 3: Bake
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes , until the top is golden brown and the center is set (a knife inserted should come out clean).
Step 4: Make the Vanilla Sauce
- In a small saucepan, combine sugar, heavy cream, and butter. Heat over medium-low, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly (about 5 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Step 5: Serve
- Drizzle warm vanilla sauce over slices of bread pudding. Serve warm for maximum comfort.
