Description
Creamy old-fashioned bread pudding delivers a nostalgic journey through Southern comfort cuisine. Warm vanilla sauce elevates this classic dessert, inviting you to savor each rich, custardy spoonful with pure culinary delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups (8 slices) white bread
- 2 cups milk
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup raisins
Sweeteners:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter
Spices and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Vanilla Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and lightly grease a 1.5-quart casserole dish for even baking.
- Distribute bread cubes and raisins in a large mixing bowl. Gently heat milk and butter in a saucepan until butter completely dissolves, approximately 4-7 minutes. Pour warm liquid over bread and allow to saturate for 10 minutes.
- Whisk sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and nutmeg into the soaked bread mixture until thoroughly incorporated. Transfer entire mixture into the greased casserole dish.
- Position dish in preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes. Monitor until pudding center sets and surface turns golden brown. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should emerge clean.
- Simultaneously prepare vanilla sauce by combining butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and heavy cream in a saucepan. Continuously stir over medium heat until mixture thickens and reaches a gentle boil, approximately 5-8 minutes. Remove from heat and fold in vanilla extract.
- Serve pudding warm, portioning into individual bowls. Lavishly drizzle prepared vanilla sauce over each serving. Enjoy immediately for optimal taste and texture.
Notes
- Select day-old bread for the best texture, as slightly stale bread absorbs the milk mixture more effectively and creates a richer, more custardy pudding.
- Customize the recipe by swapping raisins with dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips for variety and personal preference.
- Prevent a dry pudding by ensuring the bread is fully soaked in the milk mixture before baking, and avoid overbaking by checking the center with a toothpick.
- Make this dessert gluten-free by using gluten-free bread and dairy-free by substituting plant-based milk and butter alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 451 kcal
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 155 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg